Open house thiefTwo woman were busted recently stealing more than $73,000 worth of belongings from open houses they attended.

One woman would distract the agent, while the other stole the booty, i.e., expensive designer handbags, jewelry, clothing and even an expensive bottle of champagne.

Some condo associations are demanding open-house attendees show picture identification, but how many agents are going to add that to their open house to-do list?

If you simply must have an open house, and especially if it's an upscale home, have another person with you who can keep an eye on attendees while you assist prospective buyers.

A few more suggestions:

Make sure home owners lock-up or remove from the home valuable items and prescription drugs.

Make sure you do not take interior photos that include prized possessions and post them for the public.

Frisk all your attendees.  (Just kidding)

Statistics show that an open house bears more fruit for the agent gaining more prospects than gaining qualified buyers who complete the purchase of the home.

Having another person with you when you do your obligatory open house is good protection for the agent as well, especially females.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

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 Fran Gatti Del Norte County Real Estate Agent

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11 Comments on Thieves Steal $73,000 in Booty Attending Open House

DEC
08
2007
167,318 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

SHOCKING!  Great advice for Open Houses... 

5:12pm • #1
579,202 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Wow, who would have thought ? That's scary, thanks for sharing, Fran.
5:25pm • #2
3 Featured Posts
I remember reading that article and I can't say I am surprised. I am just glad that the thieves were caught (and held on a $50,000 bail) and most of the stolen items were returned to their owners.  
5:27pm • #3
173,220 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Missy - If the two woman put that much energy into legal pursuits, imagine how much they could accomplish.
5:27pm • #4
173,220 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Charles - I'll bet the champagne was gone, but yeah, thankfully they were apprehended.  Could you imagine being an agent at an open house that had that happen? 
5:29pm • #5
Another reason not to have open houses.  When I do (rarely) I always have another agent attend.
5:39pm • #6
451,390 Points Outside Blog
I agree Richard...I have not been in an open house that was productive......
10:40pm • #7
DEC
09
2007
173,220 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Konnie,

Me either, at least not for my client. 

10:45am • #8
593,534 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Fran, it's amazing that there can be such problems with Open Houses in the middle of the day with safety issues and thievery. But you are not getting background checks on everyone walking in the door so you just have to take precautions the best you can. When individuals start wandering the house unaccompanied by the Realtor that's when I start feeling uncomfortable. Most people are honest but there are those you have to keep your eye on. Great post Fran!
11:22am • #9
425,384 Points 36 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Fran,

Makes a good case for staging! Thanks,   Fran

4:52pm • #10
173,220 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Gary,

Thanks for the comment.  I checked out your blog today and really enjoyed our most recent post.

Fran - You said a mouthful.

8:54pm • #11

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Fran Gatti - Realtor®, RDCPro®, Crescent City CA Real Estate

Crescent City, CA

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RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods

Address: 1072 9th Street, Crescent City, CA, 95531

Office Phone: (707) 464-5400

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Fran is the Crescent City/Del Norte County Real Estate Connection. Check out Fran's monthly market reports for insight into how the economy is affecting Crescent City/Del Norte County real estate and be sure to click on the link to REO's and Short Sales for some really good deals! Fran is #1 buyers agent in Del Norte County for number of homes sold in 2007 & 2008 and currently has sold more listings for 2009 than any other agent in her market. Put her expertise and enthusiasm to work for you.


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