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REALTOR SAFETY ALERT TEXAS REALTORS

By Cathleen Rodgers

Real Estate Agent with North Texas GMAC

June 26, 2008 08:17 AM

THIS CAME FROM AN ELLIS COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS AND I GOT THIS FROM MY OFFICE. THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE WITH TEXAS REALTORS

On Wednesday, June 25^th, 2008, a member of our Association was listing property in Bosque County and was abducted, assaulted and sustained injury. This member would like to remain anonymous, but is currently safe and doing well. One of the offenders has yet to be found, and more information regarding a reward for their arrest may be forthcoming.

Please be very careful when showing or listing property. Please ensure that safety and security measures are discussed in your offices. Local law enforcement officers in your community are a valuable resource; they are glad to assist your offices with awareness and preventative measures which can assist in avoiding this type of offense. Please be careful out there and prayerful for our REALTOR® member.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTECTION:

· Take someone with you to list a property.

· Ask for clients to come to your office to show property and get a copy of their drivers license.

· Let someone in your office know where you will be showing or listing a property

· Have a plan within your office to let someone know if you feel uncomfortable with a client

· We have has added pepper spray to our REALTOR® store inventory which will be available by early next week

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Pam Joffe

Solaris Realty - Tampa, FL

Cathleen - It is always better to be careful and be safe then take a risk and end up hurt, thanks for the safety precautions.

Jun 26, 2008 08:19 AM

Cathleen Rodgers

North Texas GMAC - Desoto, TX

e-Pro, ASP

Yes Pam you are right. Since my mother was attacked years ago on a listing appointment- I take this very seriously and always use precaution. Her friend was attacked that same year.Sometimes I do not think it is enough though. Everyone be safe and cautious of your surroundings.

Jun 26, 2008 08:24 AM

Crystal Ledbetter

Texas Home Group - Montgomery, TX

I had a weird experience with a male out of state buyer coming in to look at some really rural foreclosures, I did a criminal check on this person, and came back with only traffic tickets, I did not have a good feeling about being alone in the middle of nowhere with this person even though we were to first meet at my my office. The day before he flew in I let him know my broker, a male, was interested in viewing the same areas for one of his clients and he would be riding with us, the next morning I received a email that he missed his flight, the email was sent 2 hours before the flight was of supposed to leave the airport, I never heard from this person again, So glad I went with my gut instinct, Please everyone be careful out there!

Jun 26, 2008 08:35 AM

I am very glad you checked him out and you went with your gutt. My mom- which I have blogged before- was with her assistant and they were still attacked. So pairs or by yourself always go with your gutt. As my mom knocked on the door- she had a feeling.

Jun 26, 2008 08:48 AM

Brian Horan

Realtor.com - Westlake Village, CA

I've been hearing more and more about these types of situations lately. Cathleen, do you know if there is an actual increase, or if we're just finding out about it more often because of the advances in newsreporting and information via the internet?

Also, doesn't texas have a concealed carry gun law? I wonder how many agents have chosen to protect themselves via this measure.

Jul 16, 2008 03:44 AM

We are, but in this day and age- you may get your gun stolen and shot. So I do not think it would be wise. If I go into an area that I know that is totally not safe- totally- than I refer out to a male friend or bring my step dad who is liscensed to carry! Like the DR Horton consultant that was murdered while sitting a house. I do not think it would have saved her or even this Realtor.

Jul 16, 2008 05:11 AM

I am in agreement with you. I just wanted to hear what your feelings were on the subject. Thank you for the feedback.

Jul 18, 2008 03:06 AM

Not a problem- I think everyone needs to think one step ahead before they ring that door bell or step one foot out of the car. What is your plan and how can I escape. Everyone needs to think and believe that each potential buyer and each potential seller is or could be a threat to us. Never let your guard down and always be thinking on your toes

Jul 18, 2008 03:13 AM

REALTOR SAFETY ALERT TEXAS REALTORS

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