Here’s an article I think you should pay attention to, and just another reason WHY Open Houses may not be the best way to get that home sold. This article recently appeared in the Orange County RegisterBusiness Pages.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012— Realtors issued a warning to their members to be careful after two armed robbers held up a real estate agent and a prospective homebuyer at gunpoint at a Fullerton open house recently.
No one was injured in the incident, but the bandits made off with a large amount of cash that the house shopper had with him.
Although real estate agents often are victims of robberies, sexual assaults and slayings while working alone in vacant homes, police believe the home shopper was the target of the Jan. 8 crime.
Police believe that the robbers had followed the home shopper, a restaurant owner, from Los Angeles County in hopes of getting business proceeds.
Nonetheless, officials at the Anaheim-based Pacific West Association of Realtors issued a warning to their members to be cautious during open houses and to avoid working alone whenever possible.
“There’s been murders and robberies and all those things at open houses… and we felt it’s important to make sure our members are aware of these things,” said PWR CEO Nancy Gilmore.
Fullerton Sgt.AndrewGoodrichprovided details of the crime:
Two men entered a three-bedroom house in the 2200 block of Summit View Drive around 1:40 p.m. Jan. 8 where a female agent was showing the house. According to PWR, the agent was holding an open house at the time when a man came to look at it.
The men pulled out a gun and ordered the two to get on the floor, then took their cell phones, keys and wallets. At least one robber went outside and searched the man’s car, then the bandits left, escaping with “a large amount of cash.”Goodrichdeclined to say exactly how much.
What many sellers are NOT aware of, is over 85% of today’s buyers “shop on-line” before they contact a Realtor. In the past, Open Houses were an excellent way for Realtors to meet prospective buyers……however, since the advent of the Internet, buyers are now shopping on- line while sitting comfortably on their homes or offices. That’s why my client’s homes are listed on over 100 Internet Sites when they list with me. It’s safer and it gets their homes SOLD!
Let us know what safety precautions you use when doing an Open House by leaving a comment below.
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!
Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,
Nancy Hankin
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