A ScArY, but real reason houses shouldn't be left VACANT

I just read yesterday when I was logging in to the MLS that it's against the rules and we will be fined if we use the word vacant in any public marketing or listing.  So, along the lines you were talking about, yes it's a bad thing for a house to be a sitting duck.  It can be vandalized or occupied by people who are not supposed to be there.

As for being alone at any open house, we should be careful to stay near the front door and allow the potential clients to wander through the house by themselves.  One cannot be too careful nowadays.

When I was sworn in to the Board of Realtors a veteran agent was in charge and told us a story that happened to her when she first started out.  Four men came to view the (multiple) condos that she was hosting an open house to.  She was in the front office and she saw them and they asked her to take them back to see the condos.  She pretended like she was on the phone with her husband and told them that the condos were open and they were welcome to view them alone.  They insisted she show them, but she insisted not to go.  Two weeks later another Realtor was attacked and raped by what turned out to be the same four men.  This veteran Realtor told us that she ended up having to identify the four men! for the court trial!  This is uncommon, but it does happen.  I tend to be very trusting to the point that I don't think someone would do something like that to me, but we can never let our guard down when we are alone, and the men too!  It can just as easily be a male Realtor attacked.  So, just use caution and be aware of your surroundings. 

I don't mean to go on, but I had the experience two weeks ago of waiting for a person from a reputable carpet place to come and give me an estimate.  I was at my parents' house (they were on the east coast vacationing).  The guy came and he made me feel really uncomfortable.  I realized that I should not have been alone even for that type of situation.  I should have had the neighbor come over. 

Hehe...well, I'm single so I get pretty used to doing everything myself.  I have an internet friend who lives in a tiny village in Spain and he was shocked (with disbelief) that people are murdered in their own homes here.  Well, sad to say, but it happens a lot here.  He thought I would keep my window open at night when it's hot, I said NO WAY JOSE!  That's how people get killed.  Anyway, it's not a funny subject, but we need to remember to protect ourselves.  We were even told to be careful who we meet to show houses and to take off expensive jewelry before going out to meet a client.  Especially to always tell someone where we intend to be and when we intend to be back.

As far as the copper thefts, that is so on the rise...some baseball fields have had their entire electrical wiring stolen just for the copper.  It's amazing what some people will stoop to.

BTW, I have been to SC once.  I used to live at Fort Bragg in NC.  My son was born at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center!

That's a great idea Kym