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Empty and Eerie

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

 Ever run scared from a “vacant” home?  Early one morning I punched the codes into the lockbox of a go-show, unoccupied property to preview by request.  The huge house was void of furniture but the construction details kept me engaged as I moved from one big space to another.  The awful curb appeal made this property a sleeper but the interior was unexpectedly nice.

I was checking out the kitchen when I imagined hearing a creaky hinge at work.  I gripped my cell phone and listened.  Was I really alone?  I called out and no one answered.  Would I venture into the basement?  Not!  I quickened my pace around the rest of the house, trying not to get carried away.  On the upper level I opened the double doors into the master suite and saw an improvised, empty bed on the floor.  My fear was then a reality, and I wasted no time getting out of there.  Did I surprise a squatter?  I think so.  The out-of-area listing agent had no idea.

Has anyone run into any weird situations with all these vacant properties?

 

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Comments(4)

Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Indeed I have.  Over the years, several times.  It's certainly creepy to see a sleeping area in a bedroom of a vacant home.

It usually winds up being a child of the seller using the house until it sells, family already moved away.  Or, if there is sparce furnishings, a house sitter is often the temp. occupant.  Often the seller makes these arrangements and doesn't even alert the listing agent. 

It pays to check the frig first thing.

Oct 13, 2009 08:54 AM
Betty Knowles
Southwest Missouri Realty - Springfield, MO
Ready to sell? Call Betty!

Always remember safety first when showing vacant homes. There have been REALTORS killed and otherwise hurt.

Oct 13, 2009 09:25 AM
Mark Hitz
Keller Williams - The Colony, TX

Yes I have. Vacant houses are not always vacant. Once it was crack addicts & once it was teenagers practicing knife throwing into a bedroom wall.  both times I walked out in a heartbeat and called the cops. Another time I walked in on a group of guys playing texas hold um on the gameroom floor - they told me to grab a beer if I wanted one.  There have been at least a half a dozen occasions where I find the back door sitting open. 

My clients (last week) thought it is strange that on vacant homes I ring the doorbell repetedly before I put the key in the lock and then announce myself very loudly when I open the door.  I don't even want to tell them my experiences. 

Oct 13, 2009 02:58 PM
Anonymous
Leslie Wilson

That vacant home gave me the creeps because I know someone was in there hiding.  I no longer go alone to unoccupied properties.  Thanks for your comments...

Oct 13, 2009 03:14 PM
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