Hi Monika! Thats so sad. I just encouraged a FSBO to make sure she tells someone when she has an appointment to show her house and if she needs to call me and let me know!! We should always have someone aware when we are with a stranger. We should all be diligent about this.

Very interesting post Minika.  When you think about it, the sign, the flyers, etc. really invite "knocks on the door", don't they?

Having an appointment system is a good idea.  Otherwise, a seller is just "staked out".

THis is just so disturbing.  What is wrong with people? We are at risk too, of course. 

Monika - That's too sad for that young girl. I always wonder about the FSBO sellers and who is actually there. Even with all the precautions we're trained to take there's still a risk, but a FSBO is out there all by themselves. It's pretty scary.

We should never put ourselves at risk. As you know I have a secret code. I wonder if FSBO's know to do that.

Monika:

Good post.  FSBOs should have their guard up ALWAYS as should agents when conducting open houses.

Monika, you are right about the danger that Realtors put themselves into, that is why I have always felt that you should always have someone else present.  But Realtors tend to do showings and Open Houses all the time by themselves.  I am surprised that we do not hear more about this type of thing happening. 

Pamela...I know  it could happen to anyone but it seems as if we and FSBO's are more at risk by nature of what we do. Too bad the world is the way it is.

Lenn...Yes they invite the knock on the door. This guy took advantage of that. We had an agent raped while on the job a few years back. You can never be too safe!

Maureen...Years ago I heard that the FBI had a list that named REALTORS in the top 10 most dangerous LEGAL professions. Scary!

Linda...something hit me when I saw that cute little house and all the cars slowing down looking at it. I wondered if they thought about safety issues.

Missy...We have the "Red" card as a code...problem is only other REALTORS know what that red card means. I think everyone should have a secret code!

Bill...Open houses have always scared me. We're nothing but sitting ducks!

George...Your right we should have someone else with us. I always hate to go on showings alone with someone I've never met before. After all everyone knows that we recommend that the seller leave the house for showings...so we always show empty houses. Prime targets.

All I can say is yikes. And all we can do is be as safe as possible. Luckily, most people are honorable. And hi Moni!

Hi Carole...How are you doing? Staying safe should be a number one priority for us all. Even in a state like NH it is an issue.

Monika,

Its getting pretty scary out there, I hope this helps remind everyone to be aware at all times. You just never know it can happen anywhere.

Something we can never be reminded of enough...hmmm a safety packet to drop off at a FISBO would be an interesting Marketing tool.

Opps I sound like a Salesperson!

Suzanne...That is the scary part ...it can happen anywhere but many of us think "not me"..until it's too late.

Joan...That is a great idea. Safety package for FSBO"s!!

I remember that case very well.  He was stalking homes in my area when it began to be reported there was someone out there preying on FSBO's.  His appeal is a joke, and that victim will have to relive it all over again, all the while he knows he's as guilty as can be.

I recall other terrible situations in our state and in Maine as well.  I remember that list you're talking about, the top dangerous professions, and being a real estate agent was right up there on that list.  Scary...

Ann

Ann...I can't believe he is appealing it!  We have had a few scary things happen but still we rush off to go meet strangers at their whim.

He's going to use up every bit of money in this ridiculous court system, isn't he?  Crazy stuff.  And I know that FSBOs think we make this up to scare them into using agents...but we don't-it's just a shame that real estate dealings make us overly trustworthy (or blissfully ignorant?).

Monika ~  it is certainly a scary thought that this guy could possible have his conviction overturned!  It seems there was an eye witness - so I think the fact there was no DNA is not going to be enough -- + testimony he forced her to shower!  I make it a practice to meet with all clients at my office  (with others present) so I can interview the prospect -- I realize someone could fool me -- but it is sort of like the thief who goes to the house that is unlocked -- rather than the one the thief has to break into!  They also must have a pre-approval -- and I call the lender to verify they are able to by within a given price range.  Oh yes, I also took some karate!

In a CE class recently in another state, I heard an attorney comment that some states have actually allowed a person who is a registered sex offender to hold a license and practice real estate.  What would the public say if they knew that it was legal for a registered sex offender to hold a license and show property?

Now that is a scary thought Eric! I'm not sure that would be okay in NH. Our commission really scrutinizes the applicants and anyone with any kind of history must appear before them to explain. I've seen them reject applicants many times.

Joan...Good idea to on the safe side. I remember years ago an agent in NH met a customer in her office...a few times in fact only to end up being raped by him. So you can never be too safe.

Monika-I have always warned seller's never to allow anyone in unless they are accompanied by a realtor.  Also, we want our agents to meet customers in the office and we do require ID before showing them property.  I feel for FSBO's, again real estate professionals offer protection.

We had a girl in our area attacked by a pretend buyer, she fortunately got away...by screaming her head off and fighting him.  Last I heard she got out of the business.