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Something tells me I'm not welcome

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner CalBRE# 01433049

The Fort Knox of gates

 

I swear, occupancy checks get more and more interesting every day. While trying to find a foreclosed home WAY up in the hills of Healdsburg, I came across a gate with 21 locks attached to it. One lock belongs to Pacific Gas & Electric, another belongs to the phone company. I'm assuming all of the others are for the many residents who live on this road.

I parked my car and hiked in, but I never did find the house. I came across one of the residents who accused me of trespassing and refused to open the gate. I guess I can't blame him, for all he knows I could be an ax murderer. But, all is well, we had a long conversation and exchanged phone numbers. I'll call him first before I step foot past this gate again.

I see a lot of exercise in my near future, trying to find this house. The property I'm trying to locate is on 44 acres and I have no idea how many acres this road services. Google Maps are no help, all you can see is a forest.

Getting past this gate so I can list and sell this property is going to be quite an adventure. Something tells me I'll be adding a new tool to my real estate toolbox very soon.

 

 

Posted by

 

Cynthia Larsen (707-332-2560) is an independent real estate referral broker in Sonoma County, California as well as a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist.

CA Broker License #01433049

Comments(12)

Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I feel for you. I've done my share of occupancy checks. I haven't had one this difficult, though, and I too live in a rural area. Good luck.

Nov 04, 2012 02:55 AM
Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

Sorry but I would ask the sheriff to accompany me. Safety First.

Nov 04, 2012 02:57 AM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

Oh My... if you can't find the property, how will prospective buyers???  Lot's of luck, Cynthia...

Nov 04, 2012 02:58 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

Debbie - thanks

Bill - I called the Sheriff, they said they couldn't help me without an eviction notice in hand. Believe me, I would have loved to have had their company.

Peggy - I'm going to have to leave a trail of bread crumbs ... or maybe Reese's Pieces would be more appropriate.

Nov 04, 2012 03:05 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I shouldn't LOL... Cynthia, as that's an all too familiar scene in my neck of the woods.  I've had a few scary moments behind gates like that... I no longer go it alone or unarmed ;)  You're a brave soul!

Nov 04, 2012 03:24 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

Mel - I didn't go it alone yesterday, but somehow I think I need a bigger dog. A chihuahua just isn't very intimidating.

Nov 04, 2012 03:51 AM
Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

looks like a "one upper" on whoever locked the gate last so that the other person could not get in!

Nov 04, 2012 05:20 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

Mark - I'm not sure which emotion was stronger yesterday ... upset about being locked out or afraid of getting locked in.

Nov 04, 2012 05:23 AM
Christine Smith
Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com - Canton, MA
Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

Wow Cynthia....that is dedication!  Stay safe!

Nov 04, 2012 06:16 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Cynthia, I have never in all of my years in the business seen anything like this!  I like the suggestion to call the local police or fire department.  They might be able to help you locate it.

Nov 04, 2012 06:43 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
I might be telling the lender they can keep this house. Not sure your it's worth risking your life over.
Nov 04, 2012 07:28 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

Christine - thanks, I will!

Kathy - I'm about ready to call PG&E. They visit the house every month, they know where it is ... and they have a key!

Cindy - Somebody's got to do it, it may as well be me. I am getting a little tired of people trying to intimidate me, it's been happening a lot this year. I won't be stupid, but I won't back down either. Reminds me of a Tom Petty song ... But I Won't Back Down.

Nov 04, 2012 08:56 AM