Special offer

Let's be safe out there! don't be that one that goes in the basement alone!

By
Real Estate Agent with Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon

 

woman with house key

Let's be safe out there! don't be that one that goes in the basement alone!

Why is it that in all the slasher movies, you always see that one lone person walking through a dark, empty house..and they always have to go down and check the basement right? All the while you're sitting in your chair saying.."oh..now how dumb is that"! 

Well, it's that time of year again when we are often put in the same positions..previewing dark vacant homes for our clients..and yes...admit it, you DID check the basement right? You had to give that feedback to your buyer as to what the rooms were like down there. You're not a slacker agent right?

With it getting darker earlier..and colder, there is also the possibility of coming across a squatter that is just looking for some shelter. I can remember showing a home one winter and it listing sheet said it was vacant. When I opened the front door, there was a fire burning in fireplace, blankets on the floor and a strong smell of cigarette smoke..like they ran out the back door when they heard the key turn. Hey..it could have been the sellers son/daugter thinking they could take advantage of the empty house for a romantic night...or it could have been a squatter. Needless to say, we left and I let the listing agent know.

The there was the time when I was a newbie agent going out and previewing homes. Do not enterYes...silly me I did go down to the basement and when I turned the corner there was a person standing there. I can tell you my heart jumped out of my chest so hard...until I realized it was ME I was looking at through a full length mirror that was placed there.Oh..now that scared the @#%# out of me for sure!

So..on that note, here are just a few items that we all should put in our trunks when out and about showing homes in the winter months.

1. Have a flashlight with you. If your Supra or lockbox key doesn't have one on it, think about getting one of those tiny ones for your key chain

2. Blankets, foldable snow shovel, rain coat, and emergency flares...just in case you break down

3. Water and trail mix..or some protien staple.


If your clients are meeting you at vacant homes, it's good to remind them not to wander around the back of the house without you there.

If you're previewing vacant homes, go with another agent. I know we don't want to inconvenience someone...but there are plenty of newbie agents that would probably love to trail along with you to preview homes.

Mostly, always go with your gut. If you feel something is not right, leave. Just leave! 

Let's be safe out there! don't be that one that goes in the basement alone!



Posted by

 

Knowledgeable, Approachable, Service Oriented

Cindy Westfall ABR,GRI

Premiere Property Group,LLC

5000 Meadows Rd., Ste. 150, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Cell: 503-819-5241      

E-Mail: cindy@cindywestfall.com

Website

   

YoutubeLinked InGoogle PlusFacebook

Disclaimer: All views on my blog are my own and may not reflect that of Premiere Property Group. All pictures and content are my own unless otherwise noted. Please No Copying without my permission.

 Cynthia Westfall is licensed in Oregon State

 

Comments (3)

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Cindy, never hurts to be more safe than sorry no matter what your gender... 

Dec 01, 2011 09:19 AM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Paul, I know I've put myself in places where I knew I should have a buddy with me...but didn't. Now with the weather being colder..there is more chance of the possibilities of running into someone in one of the vacant homes. You're right, it can't hurt!

Dec 01, 2011 02:38 PM
Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

I've always hated basements, although my last two houses had them. If they're beautifully finished, then I like them a little better, but I still don't really spend much time there. That squatter situation is a scary one. I came across one who wasn't home in a foreclosure situation also.

Dec 02, 2011 12:07 AM