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Safety for You and Your Home

By
Real Estate Agent with Brentwood Real Estate, Short Sales, Foreclosures, HAFA BRE# 01446530

Prescription Drugs It's that time again to remind you not to have prescription drugs visible in medicine cabinets or other readily observed locations while showcasing your home.  This has long been one of the most frequently stolen items from open houses, and it continues today.

Break-ins Reported Thieves are back again targeting homes for sale that are vacant and staged.  In each case a white van was seen in the neighborhood either before or just after the theft was reported. It appears that the thieves are finding targets through attending Open Houses.  

 

Involve the Neighbors  At a staged Richmond property which had lights on and a lockbox, the Listing Agent returned to discover that the doorknob had been removed and someone had been sleeping inside. The police were called. They suggested that neighbors be made aware that the house is empty and that there should be no activity outside normal business hours.  With more homes on the market for longer periods of time, we need to keep everyone alert.

 

Safety Alert - Two agents in Fremont reported possible thefts by a couple visiting open houses.  Both agents described the woman as white, in her twenties, around 5' 6" with thin blond hair, bad skin and who is believed to be the actual thief.  There were different men with her at the two properties who talked with the agent while the woman went through the house.  Fremont police were notified. 

Important Safety Alert for Sellers - A very recent incident involving a member's open house caused us to send out this urgent reminder about safety precautions.  Although no crime occurred, the homeowners' neighbors reported that this same individual returned to the area later in the evening and was taking photos of the house.  While this all could have been innocent behavior, it also might not have been, and highlights the importance of not allowing anyone into a home who is not accompanied by an agent who has made a prior appointment.  Be sure you make yourself aware of the potential dangers involved in allowing strangers access to your home.

Posted by

 

John Giggy, Realtor & Foreclosure Specialist
Keller Williams Realty


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Phone: 925 392 4177
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Comments (3)

Anthony Stokes-Pereira
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Nanuet, NY
Realtor

Very important information, I thank you for sharing and good luck.

Jul 15, 2010 07:09 AM
Judi Boad
SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE - Scottsdale, AZ

Hi John,

Thanks for the reminder to play it safe when holding an open house, showing homes and informing sellers.

Best regards,

Jul 15, 2010 07:19 AM
John Giggy
Brentwood Real Estate, Short Sales, Foreclosures, HAFA - Brentwood, CA

You are welcome. My pleasure. Have a great and prosperous day.

Jul 21, 2010 06:20 AM