In the Wake of Tragedy, the Real Estate Community is Beside Itself
Chris Ann Cleland makes some excellent points below and there are excellent suggestions in the comments below, as well.
I had decided earlier the world did not need my voice added to the cacophony of noise about this tragic situation, when something occurred just a few minutes ago to change my mind.
My phone rang and when I answered, a very enthusiastic gentleman proceeded to tell me he was on a street in front of one of my team's listings and wanted more information. If possible, he was a little too chatty, but I chalked it up to personality.
Long story short, after a lengthy phone conversation, in which he told me was in a branch of law enforcement with the federal government, he asked to make an appointment to see 3 houses tomorrow morning - EARLY. He said he could meet as early as 6 a.m. I explained to him that was not an option and said I'd get back with him once I made arrangements for an agent to meet him.
When I texted him back (he requested a text back), to say I had an agent to meet him tomorrow at 9 a.m. at our office, his immediate response was "Let's meet at xxxproperty addressxxx."
That property happens to be vacant.
I texted him back "Sorry, we do not meet unknown prospects at properties without meeting first the office, getting a copy of a photo ID and discussing agency." That has always been our standard, recent events notwithstanding and we certainly weren't going to change course now without a very good reason. Obviously, if it is a referral from a trusted source, that's different. But a sign call? I don't think so.
His response? "Too bad."
I thought that was a very odd response for someone who claimed to be in law enforcement; in fact, I was rather taken aback that his response wasn't, "You're smart to do that" or something to that effect.
So, did we lose a prospective client or dodge a bullet? At the least, if harmless, he was already a little too arrogant in his response, given he gave no logical reason for refusing to come to the office. Not a client we need - or want.
Worst case scenario? Then good judgement may have just saved us from an unfortunate outcome.
In the Wake of Tragedy, the Real Estate Community is Beside Itself
Waking up this morning and having the story of murdered real estate agent Beverly Carter, my heart sank for her friends and family. It is horrifying to think of the evil that lurks in our world. And as expected, the real estate community is flailing, lighting up social media talking about the tragedy.
The first tidbit I read focused on the murderer's motive---that he thought Beverly Carter was rich. The poster went on to talk about how the public needs to realize that real estate agents aren't rich. Rich people are not the only targets of perverts and psychopaths. College students aren't rich, yet Virginia is anxiously waiting for news about Hannah Graham and horrified to hear that there may have been a serial killer targeting women along the Route 29 corridor.
Whether you make a lot of money in this business, or have yet to earn a paycheck, you are a target. Why? We work in vacant homes and are usually alone with our clients. I've heard a lot of discussion today, and agents in my local area begging for pearls of wisdom from the real estate board. Here's some common sense for all of us in the community.
1. Don't be a pop tart agent. When someone wants to see a home, make sure they get qualified for a loan FIRST. Odds are, criminals are not going to want to go through the harang of pre-pproval just so they get the chance to harm or kill you. And here's a novel idea--you'll actually figure out quickly if you have a legitimate prospect anyway.
2. Never meet a stranger at a property for the first time. Meet them in a public place, like your office, or if an independent broker, at a coffee shop. Of course, when a stranger calls and wants to see a listing, refer to the statement above. Get them qualified.
3. When you are taking out a new client make a copy of their drivers license and leave it with your office, or email it to someone via cell phone picture. Most importantly, announce what you are doing.
4. Let someone in your office, friend or family member know where you are going. Leave a list of the properties you are showing.
5. If possible, take someone with you while showing a home. Say someone calls and says they have been preapproved and you decide to disregard all of the above steps because you really need a paycheck and these folks sound okay. Don't go alone.
6. Take a self defense course. Everyone should know how to defend themselves.
7. Call the NRA and find out about how to become a responsible gun owner. Get some practice on a gun range and, if comfortable with the idea, learn about what is involved in concealed carry of a hand gun. I know agents in our marketplace that conceal carry and I can't say it's a bad idea.
First and foremost, stop focusing on the potential commission and the concept of right now that the person on the phone is pushing. You may lose a buyer or two that are impatient, but you will have your life if you put up qualifying barriers between yourself and out of the blue buyers.
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker-Licensed in VA
Top Producing Agent 2013 & 2011
Long & Foster REALTORS®, Manassas, VA
703-402-0037, ChrisAnn@LNF.com
www.NVARealEstate.net, www.SpeakingOfHomes.net, www.SellingBraemar.com,
The opinions expressed in this post are those of Chris Ann Cleland, not those of Long & Foster REALTORS®.
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