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Hard Times? Owners Beware!

By Kim Inman

Real Estate Agent with Mountains to Lakes Real Estate, Inc.

June 27, 2011 03:48 AM

Hard Times? Owners Beware!

In difficult times people may do what they normally would not do. I'm here to remind you, Owners Beware!

With the unemployment rate hanging in around 9.1%, many people not able to find work, many young people out of school and bored, drug use at an all time high...I'm here to remind you, Owners Beware!

Agents, if you have a vacant house and your owner resides out of the area...I'm here to remind you, Agents Beware! Make sure either you, your owner, or someone is keeping an eye on the vacant property.

Thanks to a cautious neighbor I was called on Saturday to a vacant house with the door standing open. Once inside I could tell that someone had indeed broken into the house. Glass had been broken, drawers had been rummaged through and I'm sure things were taken. The police officer came out to write up a report.

I think we all need to take caution when showing property. You never know what could be on the other side of that door.

burglar

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Sheila Anderson

Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ

The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Great post Kim and a very important post. For those of us who have been around awhile, and have many stories about finding all kinds of things and people in listings that are purported to be vacant this is still a good reminder of our responsibilities.

Jun 27, 2011 03:54 AM

Donna Bosze

Realty Executives Top Producers - Chesapeake, VA

Ask Me Why I'm Different!

I suggest to have alarm systems activated as well if possible and affordable!

Jun 27, 2011 03:57 AM

Kim Inman

Mountains to Lakes Real Estate, Inc. - Harriman, TN

CRS, Broker/Owner

Sheila...thanks for stopping by and commenting. To the best of my memory, this is the first house I've had broken into in 23 years. I think sometimes we forget what could happen.

Donna...Thank you for stopping by and commenting too. An alarm would be a good idea!

Jun 27, 2011 04:05 AM

Richard Weeks

Dallas, TX

REALTOR®, Broker

Great information, also might make sure they have advised their insurance that the property is vacant so the proper rider can be in place.

Jun 27, 2011 04:53 AM

Joni Bailey

101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX

Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

Oh! Richard has a valid point. Some insurance companies will not insure vacant properties. SOMETHING has to be in the house. A chair, table... something. Be sure to ask!

Jun 27, 2011 05:18 AM

Richard & Joni, I didn't think of that. The house does have much of the furnishings, beds, tables, chairs, etc. The elderly lady passed away about 6 weeks ago but her children have not taken anything other than jewelry and silver and have thrown away all her meds.

Jun 27, 2011 05:35 AM

Cindy Edwards

RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN

CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

So true Kim, and the key is the fact that so many people are in bad ways.

Jun 27, 2011 06:27 AM

Cindy...I know. It's just like that fellow that killed four people at the pharmacy to steal pills. CRAZY!

Jun 27, 2011 07:10 AM

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Kim Inman

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