Real Estate Blog - ARE YOU BREAKING THE LAW LOOKING AT HOMES?

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ARE YOU BREAKING THE LAW LOOKING AT HOMES?

Are you breaking the law? Have ever driven around seen a home you thought may be for sale, that caught your interest, parked the car, hopped out and taken a peek through the window? If so... you are guilty of trespassing.

A vacant home, still belongs to someone or something (like a bank for instance). Just because it appears to be vacant does NOT mean it is OK to wonder around unescorted.

It is one thing to do a drive by and get a feel for a particular neighborhood you may want to purchase a home in. It is even OK to talk to some of the neighbors if they are willing to do that.

But when you are stomping through the yard, and peeking into the windows, without being accompanied..you are indeed trespassing.

According to the encyclopedia of everyday law "Trespassing is a legal term that can refer to a wide variety of offenses against a person or against property. Trespassing as it relates to real estate law means entering onto land without consent of the landowner. There are both criminal and civil TRESPASS laws. Criminal trespass law is enforced by police, sheriffs, or park rangers.

Most of us are all about helping people. I know I am. But I find more often these days, potential buyers wanting less help while are acting more independently without even being aware that their actions are unlawful.

Do you know Mr. & Mrs. Goit Alone? They are the independent home buyers who want to investigate a property without "bothering" their Realtor® or committing to one.

Low and behold, about the third time they rushed to see a property from a listing I had sent to review- the neighbors called the police. And sure enough they did not even have my card with them-

I did get a call from the local PD and had to vouch for them...as it turns out there had been a rash of break ins and a neighbor saw them there more than once..figured they were "Casing the joint" and called the police.

Another wonderful reason you may want to utilize the services of a Real Estate professional.

Play it safe- Contact a local Realtor and let us do what we do best...

Help you find the right home!

Bullets are getting expensive.

St. Cloud Florida Real Estate Broker/Associate,

St. Cloud Florida Homes For Sale, Buying HOMES In St. Cloud Florida, Real Estate Agent specializing in Osceola County Homes ,Townhomes, vacation properties, land, & Investment Properties-Allison Knows Osceola County, Fl.

Posted by Allison Stewart BROKER/ASSOC/REALTOR ®St. Cloud Florida on 07/06/2009 10:55 AM

Comments (18)

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18 Comments on ARE YOU BREAKING THE LAW LOOKING AT HOMES?

JUL

Don't be afraid to let a Realtor help you- it is what we do. If you have any qquestions please feel free to contact me.

I love that sign! We knew of a couple that was entering homes because the back doors of REO properties are often unlocked. I'm glad they finally worked with an agent so they would not be the next to be shot!

I'm often amazed at how brazen some people will be about entering or walking onto a property just because a For Sale Sign is in the yard. It says "FOR SALE".

It is amazing what some people will do not knowing the law. Thanks for sharing.

You would think we wouldn't have to tell people this, but I think it happens more than we know!

You are right but I know it happens all the time. It is breaking the law!

Good post, I have had clients tell me that they would often peak through windows of homes to check them out.

I am amazed that people actually do stuff like that. I would be too scared that I would indeed get shot :-)

I've never heard of anyone being arrested for peeking into a vacant home and would think the risk is much lower than many everyday activities. Peeking into an occupied home is a different matter and it's hard to know the difference in advance.

Feel free to re-blog this post- as a customer service. Needless to say- Mr. & Mrs. Goit Alone learned a valuable lesson about Trespassing that day- the sign does not say "WELCOME"

Allison. I pity the fool that tries this at my house!! TLW would use them for target practice, I do know people do this all the time. No respect for other's property. They see a sign and figure that gives them permission to do what they wnt.

JUL

BB- I thought TLW would enjoy this post!

Christine & Jennifer- You may want to make a hand out for your clients- Advising them.

We see it here all the time- vacant homes are common between the mix of snow birds and distressed properties. But neighbors are watchful and when they see too much activity without a Realtor® they are alerting police.

A for sale sign is an invitation to some, but they must be cautious. Sometimes buyers alone without agents can learn a lot about the home and the neighborhood when they meet the neighbors during such a foray. We don't condone it, but understand the overzealous buyer wanting to make something happen. Those are better to work with than the buyer that won't take action... want to buy but won't make an effort to do so.

JUL

Good thing you put this up....there's a bunch who just read it and not going out tomorrow to peek.

JUL

Hi Allison,

most people looking for a house are guilty of this. Personally, I have never done it unless it was a home I has permission to check out.

JUL

Allison,

I had a friend who used to be an agent climb in the window of a vacant house. DUH!

BRENDA- I think we all know someone like that!

TONY- they are doing it by the boatload around here

CELESTE- Can you give me a boost through the window?

JIM- I agree to a point- at first they were overzealous- then I realized they are usually the same ones who do not make offers.

People who are truly serious, work with an agent.

Allison...

I once called the police about such a thing. They told me that as long as the sign was in the yard that the people wandering around weren't actually trespassing. I'm thinking lazy cops eating donuts :)

TLW...ROAR!

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ARE YOU BREAKING THE LAW LOOKING AT HOMES?

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