I have several times had calls from prospective buyers on my listings or others on the market that they wanted more information on or a showing. As the conversation proceeds, they inform me that they have already been at the property and peeked in the windows or walked around the property. Others have even entered the home because the back door was not locked or some other point of entry was available. These were occupied homes and the last time I hear- there was a Name for that Behavior. These are people who presently live in homes themselves and would be outraged if someone were to access their property for a PEEK.
"Whether the home is occupied or vacant- just because there is a Big For Sale sign in the yard does not mean that you have the right to put even one foot on the lawn let alone go for a hike around the yard."
Why should that be a surprise to otherwise somewhat normally functioning people? Do they get caught up in "the hunt" and lose their reason? Do they get confused between For Sale signs and Open House signs? or are they unable to read English?
Even as I try to explain that this was a lapse in their judgement and possibly illegal, they just respond with a laugh or a shrug and I am sure they will be repeat offenders.
