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And Yet Another Safety Issue When It Comes to Vacant Homes

By John Occhi

Services for Real Estate Pros with AZ Veteran Notary Services CA BRE 01444168

September 21, 2009 06:51 AM

I could not believe it, as I was doing my morning surf of the web looking for relevant industry news on what is going on in the housing industry across the country I come across a short blurb from the Aldine/North Houston News

Unfortunately, this is a very short article of only 116 words - but powerful words that got me to sit up straight in my chair and take notice. Powerful enough for me to put out a warning - not only to my own team and office but to everyone in the real estate industry that reads what I share.

The short version is that 3 people went to a vacant home for sale at 8 o'clock t night, 2 were let in and then ambushed once inside by a pair of armed gunmen. They were robbed at gun point. When the crooks fled, apparently they were not counting on the 3^rd person waiting outside by the car - a woman whom the thieves shot in their get-a-way. The woman was treated for a non-life threatening injury - but just the same, she got shot looking at a house she wanted to buy. The bad guys got away.

I wish there might have been another 100 words or so top answer some of the questions I have. Apparently the woman was the sister to one of the men and the other was a friend that they wanted to show the home to. The article says ‘another man' let the pair in. He later disappeared and has not been found.

So who is this ‘other guy? A bona-fide agent...or? Was he in cahoots with the bad guys? What kind of neighborhood was this...multiple-million dollar homes - working class neighborhood or inner city ghetto?

Does it matter? No, what matters is your safety - so please be careful whenever approaching a vacant home.

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Irene Tron

Valparaiso, IN

It's a sad story about society. I will need to be even more careful when showing homes. Thanks for the heads up.

Sep 21, 2009 07:20 AM

Jean Hanley

Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA

Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Wow, that's preety scary. I am pretty cautious about whom I meet, when and where. Nonetheless, you can never be too careful. I get weirded out just going into vacant homes abyway, just because you don't know if someone has broken in and hiding or living there. Showed a house here in San Jacinto the other day, and when I arrived with my client, the key was in the door, the lockbox hanging open and the door cracked. Yikes.

Sep 21, 2009 11:14 AM

Mary Strang

Viroqua, WI

Safety is a big concern in many areas of the country when showing a home after dark and more so if it is also a REO or vacant home. Guess this is why agents who list REO must turn on the power in their names, to ensure safety for also accidents and events like the one you read about.

Sep 22, 2009 12:57 AM

John Occhi

AZ Veteran Notary Services - Marana, AZ

Mobile Notary Public/Certified Loan Signing Agent

IRENE

Yes it is a sad story. I was reading an article the other day about our recission and the unemployment rate. Apparantly those of us who are working are hanging in there and doing OK for the time being - but those without jobs the short term future is very bleak, because there are no new jobs being created...so people are doing whatever then can - right, wrong or indefferent: they have to eat.

Sep 22, 2009 02:44 AM

JEAN

Yes, showing agents have to be extremely careful. The problem when listing agents publish combos is there really is no control on who gets the keys.

As you know what I insist on before anyone gets a key code is they have to email me with their license and broker information. I am going to be starting a policy where they have to come to the office and leave a key deposit.

Please continue to be careful

Sep 22, 2009 02:47 AM

MARY

Vacant homes have always been a problem associated with crime - regardless of the neighborhood. So yes, the days are getting shorter and we are still showing properties in the evening. I believe it s a good idea for every agent to carry a small flashlight - maybe two, one for the agent and one for the buyer.

Sep 22, 2009 02:49 AM

Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Real Estate Broker Retired

Wow, no kidding. But I just did a post about REO rekeying the other day that might answer the question. Depending on what lender, the codes will be the same. Is that stupid or what?

Sep 23, 2009 01:50 AM

Jonelle Simons

Windermere Real Estate - Park City, UT

Ah-ah.. Not with that. We have to be careful everytime and to people we will meet. This isn't a joke. It threaten us, real estate people. I would spare my life.

Sep 24, 2009 06:12 AM

Robert L. Brown

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

I dont like meeting people at homes that i dont know. You can never be to sure. Safety should be key.

Sep 24, 2009 10:29 AM

Lyn,

I have agents calling me asking about listings that I hadn't given the code to. I'm told they figured out my codes as all the listings in our market only have one of 4 or 5 combos. Definitely scary

John

Sep 25, 2009 04:46 AM

Jonelle,

Yes, please be continue to be careful - dnger can lurk everywhere

Robert,

The best course is to always meet them in an office and have a co-worker observe you and your prospect - especially what vehicle they come in. I was even in an office a few years ago who would take copies of drivers licenses before letting agents going out - maybe over the top - but they never had any incidents.

Sep 25, 2009 04:48 AM

And Yet Another Safety Issue When It Comes to Vacant Homes

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