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Forgive me, but I can't show you that house

As much as I would like to sell you that home, I don't know you and I don't trust you. If you are calling real estate agents to show you a house, don't be surprised if they won't meet you there without a lot of questions (at least I hope they won't!).

I know you may not want to answer those questions, but they are necessary. Unfortunately, some crazy sickos occasionally target real estate agents (men and women alike). I personally know of multiple agents who have been stalked, attacked, and sexually assaulted. YEP. One of the "perks" of our profession.

Over the weekend, a real estate agent in Victoria, BC was contacted by a woman who was referred to her. Sounds like a safe bet to meet the client at the property. Unfortunately, she didn't listen to her gut instinct, which told her something didn't seem right. Police found the young real estate agent murdered at the home she was showing.

For my personal safety, I have to check out any person before I show them a home. I may take your driver's license, I will definitely meet you at a public place, and I will be bringing "back up".

Please don't be offended, these are necessary precautions. My life could be on the line here.

Posted by Ginger Wilcox, Marin County Realtor on 02/06/2008 10:02 PM

Comments (16)

real estate agent safety

16 Comments on Forgive me, but I can't show you that house

FEB

2008

Very smart! Even if everything is above board..I always wonder why someone calls just for us to open doors wihtout any committment! Aside from safety... What about the time, money and gasoline?

Ginger, How weird that I was just thinking to myself just the other day how I hadn't heard any drama like that in quite some time...just goes to show you how you should never let your guard down! Thanks for the reminder! :)

FEB

2008

Ginger- Safety first. This is the most important thing. One more reason I love Nestor, he goes to open our listings. I will not ever go alone, too many stories of what happens. I taught rape prevention and it was a real eye opener.

GInger, I hate that the world is this way, but those ARE the facts! we all know it, have heard it, but might otherwise have wavered on our regular policies in a tough market. Thanks for the reminder to stay in check, but I need to bury this post before my husband FREAKS and wants me to 'quit my job'! :-D

I was thinking the same thing last month....that I hadn't heard of anything happening in a while. You always have to be careful. Another good reason to ask people to come to the office first. When I tell callers it's a safety issue, they usually don't have a problem with it.

Ginger, good for you! Never forget this -- CITO. Come into the office. If they don't want to come to the office first to meet with you, they're probably not worthy as a serious client. Safety is such a critical issue and your security and sense of comfort is infinitely more important than any commission.

I told my buyer agents the same thing again yesterday, DO not meet people you do not know anywhere but the office!!!

Ginger - Nowadays you can never be too sure. I think you are very smart. It seems lately there have been so many of these types of stories where and agent is attacked or worse killed.

Great Post! I always bring my husband with me if I have an uneasy feeling! If anyone is offended by being asked for their drivers license and pertinent information then walk away! I have also started taking a picture with my phone and letting the client know that this is for identification purposes when I enter their number.

Ginger I try to meet at the office. I used to meet at the property all the time, but no more. Stay safe.

Ginger,

It's a scary world out there. The lure of business is tempting, but you have use common sense and precaution. Us lenders don't have the problem, but occassionally we get calls for borrowers to meet us at a common location to sign - fortunately it's always at a public place, never after 6pm.

What a sad story up in Victoria.

FEB

2008

JIM- good point. I learned early on that some esssential questions needed to be asked. Many "sign calls" are buyers who are already committed to someone else!

SHANNON-It is so easy to get complacent, but we really need to remember this important lesson, ALWAYS!

KATERINA- I don't go alone either, and I always have someone with me for the majority of my open houses. I have my own story to tell about a stalker. Another post.

KATRINA- Fear can be a good thing when it comes to personal safety. My husband is licensed so he can assist me on open houses!

SANDRA- Most people get it with an explanation. If they can't understand it, I don't want to meet with them anyway!

BRIAN- So true. A commission is worthless if you aren't around to spend it. Safety first!! I like the acronymn CITO.

MISSY- I see a lot of attractive young agents rushing out to meet people often late at night. I just don't get it.

BILL- These stories have been around for years. When I first started in the industry, I remember horror stories about attacks in model homes in the Phoenix area. It is not new, people just forget quickly.

KELLY- Modern technology definitely helps. What a great idea. I am taking your picture to protect my safety. If they don't let you do that, run as fast as you can!

JEFF- I occasionally will meet someone at a property, but again, not without lots of questions and reinforcements in tow!

SHAILESH- I know many loan officers who go take apps at clients homes. Again, not a safe idea. I think it is a great practice to meet in a public place.

FEB

2008

I am currently taking the real estate course and this is a real eye opener for me.

Even so, I don't believe that this was a random act and don't believe that it had anything to do with her career as a real esate agent.

No one stabs someone without a reason. Stabbing is usually a crime of passion. The fact that this agent was not sexually assaulted means that it was not a predator.

Really sad story all the same.

FEB

2008

KATHERINE- I have personally been stalked because I am visible as a real estate agent. It is not something to take lightly. Our personal safety must come first. Yes, the story is very sad.

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