Virginia Association of REALTORS® Issues Safety Warning to Female Agents
RICHMOND, Va. February 2, 2015 – The Virginia Association of REALTORS® (VAR) is warning real estate agents to be aware of an individual who is persistently calling female agents to show them properties in remote places, at night, or in areas they do not generally cover.
Over the past week, a man has telephoned several female REALTORS® in southern and central Virginia multiple times, within a few hours, requesting they show him homes. No identifiable caller ID appears on the agents’ phones. Agents say he refuses to meet them during the day, in a public location, or at their office.
“This is one of the situations that REALTORS® face that sets off our alarm bell,” said Deborah Baisden, president of the Virginia Association of REALTORS®. “REALTORS® generally have their radar working and can identify a potentially threatening situation. However, we are very concerned about our members’ safety and want to alert them to any suspicious behavior.”
The caller has been very persistent. One agent reported that he asked her to, "Show me anything you can this evening." She refused to meet with him. Another agent was asked to show a land listing after dark, and again, the agent used caution and common sense. Local law enforcement authorities have been contacted and VAR is keeping its members informed. REALTORS® receive training to take precautions when scheduling appointments and showing homes.
Baisden added, “We are relieved that our fellow REALTORS® who were contacted trusted their instincts and refused to meet with this individual. We encourage our colleagues to contact their law enforcement departments to stop this predator.”
The Virginia Association of REALTORS® the largest trade association in the state, represents more than 30,000 real estate professionals and serves as the advocate the voice for real estate in Virginia. Our mission is to protect private property rights and ensure our membership’s ability to achieve business success.
Note The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
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