Reminder - Real Estate Can Be a Dangerous Profession
There are a lot of terrible people in the world that take advantage of others and Real Estate is no exception. This great post written by Claudette Millette details some shocking situations. Just this morning the local Baltimore news station WBAL reported a story of two elderly women (aged 80 and 75) who were attacked and robbed outside a local restaurant on Christmas Day.
If you are a valid buyer and you see a new listing that you want to view, don't just call the number on the sign and expect a random agent to show you the home within the next hour. Make an appointment, meet the agent at their office and then they will show you the house. Do not take it personally when they won't meet you at the property.
Reminder - Real Estate Can Be a Dangerous Profession
Last week a real estate agent in San Antonio, Texas barely escaped with her life from a harrowing encounter with a robber. While showing a luxury home to someone she thought was a potential buyer - he turned on her and began to beat her with a stick.
From a viewing in a gated community of multi-million dollar homes the man forced her into a car and was in the process of driving her to a bank with a demand for $4,000. Fortunately, the quick-thinking woman bolted out at a stoplight and managed to escape. Story via The Chron.
This is just another of many episodes that should cause us to reevaluate our own personal safety in some of the situations we find ourselves in.
A few years ago I had a stalker who had more than likely came from one of my ads. He began calling me every afternoon at approximately the same time with some very threatening and frightening dialogue.
Surprisingly, the caller ID read, "Friendly's" and I connected the phone number with a particular restaurant in Framingham. I got in touch with the local police who were absolutely wonderful. They tracked the "Friendly" location and we set up a sting operation. I was certain this would work - but, then again, I probably read too many crime novels.
The perp managed to evade the sting and called from a different location. He eventually stopped the calls completely but not until he had completely shaken my world.
Although it is not often showcased in the media, the business of real estate is considered by security experts as a high-risk profession. And, there are some precautions that we really should follow.
- Be careful about who you allow in your car. Always meet a new customer or client at the office first and drive separately if you can.
- Paperwork is a great buffer. Get a signed contract or at least an Agency Disclosure - any excuse to see their identification and have a chance to "Google" them.
- Don't be so willing to show a vacant home to someone that you do not know. Take someone with you or at least let people know exactly where you are.
- The same rules apply for an open house. Be vigilante about how it is conducted.
- Be careful not to become a target for robbers or potentially dangerous people.
No one wants to be afraid or live life in a bubble. But a few precautions can make a world of difference.
"Reminder - Real Estate Can be a Dangerous Profession"
This post was written by
Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230
An Exclusive Buyer Brokerage serving the Greater Metrowest area
MLS Property Search With No Registration Required
Comments(1)