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A Not So Funny Occupied Property Experience ! Be Careful!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams-Capital Properties

First just let me say that I personally dislike and I am uncomfortable at scheduling and showing occupied properties . I guess I will just have to get over it  or make sure I ask the listing agent all conceivable questions i.e  are their animals in the house, persons at home, recent communication if scheduling has changed. Anyway, Our buyers had requested to see this house  and so we went through all the procedures of calling the listing agent to coordinate scheduling. We arrived at the property with the buyers and all of a sudden we here dogs barking in the house. I mentioned to my wife that I don't think we should enter this place especially after first knocking on the door repeatedly and then waiting for about four minutes. Our buyers sort of looked rather puzzled. Surprisingly enough a little dog peaked his head out beneath the curtain. My wife opened the door in which I had reluctantly remarked , who in their right mind would leave their dogs at home without a sitter or? The house was definitely occupied with three little frightened little doggies. A strange emotion came over me that signaled that we were not alone and someone else was there. The buyer and my wife started there incline up the staircase and all of a sudden a door abruptly closes. I noticed that they quickly had walked back down the stairs. I inquired as to what had happened. They chuckled a little that their was someone smoking "weed". We all managed to leave safely and I started wonder all the "what if questions" , you know what they are? Anyway this man comes out the door about five minutes later and looks at us. I then mentioned that we were real estate agents and had been told that no one would be at home and it was ok to show the property. He said very little if anything. Perhaps he was somewhat buzzed? I' m sharing this story with you because there were stop lights that went on in mind in the beginning of this experience and I think if this ever happens to you that  you will consider rescheduling or at least call the listing agent back. Simply, who knows what would have happened if they had surprised this character? Even though there were four of us , unsuspected inhabitants should rattle anyone! What do you think? I ethically plan on speaking with this listing agent!

Comments (8)

Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Hi Curt.  ANYTHING can happen upon entering in .... even with permission.  You seemed to know from your discernment that something was up, however the others went beyond that signal... Sometimes the agents just don't know... it happens all the time.  Just brush it off and go on, making sure you heed your inner voice next time.

Diane 

May 02, 2009 12:39 PM
Judy Schneider
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA

Curt,

I have also had some unusual showings. You just never know even when you take every precaution it can happen!! I would let the listing agent know! The agent may have no idea what is going on, and be happy you let them know!!

May 02, 2009 03:51 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

You just neve know what to expect is the home is occupied.  I hope you advised the listing agent as to what you experienced.

May 02, 2009 10:07 PM
Curt Canada
Keller Williams-Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Real Estate - Career Coach

Diane, Judy,and Richard

I thank you so much for your comments and I was most concerned for my clients in this situation.

May 03, 2009 01:41 AM
Curt Canada
Keller Williams-Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Real Estate - Career Coach

Thanks also to the fifty  five other persons who took a look at my post!

May 03, 2009 09:56 AM
Janna Scharf
Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert

Well, nothing ever surprises me anymore. One thing about our business is that it is NEVER BORING!

May 03, 2009 01:05 PM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

There's always a new story every day in the real estate business.  I've never had this one happen though!

Jul 12, 2009 02:54 PM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

Curt--I did have a similar experience years ago...though the without dogs. The home was occupied by renters who were there and the house was full of smoke from their recent "activities". Embarrassing because it was listed by an agent from my own office at the time. We didn't stay long and there wasn't a sale...but a discussion with the listing agent!

Jul 13, 2009 12:51 AM