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Medfield Police Log Advises A Realtor Impersonation

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Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group S-96414

Medfield Police Log Advises A Realtor Impersonation

Yesterday's daily Patch reports that a woman walked into the local police house to report that she had been duped by someone, a lady, claiming to be a Realtor.   Apparently this women got into her home and walked off with a chest.  

My first thought is that it sounds just crazy.    But is it?

Carol Ann Palmieri's blog

I often get calls from folks I don't know who invite me into their homes to do a market analysis or a consult.   In fact my business depends on it!   

  In 25 years, I have never been asked to show an ID.    In lieu of that, I always hand my new prospective client a business card.    Unlike most Realtors,  I no longer bother to have a photo on my business card and rather use our logo in place of that.  

 It drives me crazy when I see cards that don't remotely resemble the person that holds them.      I mean really with my every changing hair style,  the natural aging process and, yup, I hate to say it, weight fluctuation, one might not recognize the person on the card to be me anyway!    So that being said, I guess the homeowner is taking a leap of faith that it is in fact me.    

So, why wouldn't some crafty thief gain entry into someones home posing as a Realtor just to pick them off?     Realtors are typically welcomed into "strangers" homes.   It does sound a bit crazy doesn't it?

I mean, after all, imagine someone gaining entry into a home pretending to be a Realtor.    That homeowner would have an easy time giving the PoPo  a description of the perp.   I mean I can't imagine anyone letting a "Realtor" with a ski mask covering their face into their home!     I am guessing that one wouldn't be able to hide the "get a way" car either.   In our neck of the woods, a real estate professional will pull right up to the home.    Anyone on foot would probably set up a red flag or two.  

Seems to me it gaining access to a home to rip someone off in this way is a bit risky with promise of little gain.   

Of course I joke a bit, but you should always protect yourself.   

If you are worried or concerned, ask for an ID.     We are happy to show you one!!   

:)   Just promise not to look to close at that date of birth!   

_______________________    

 

Realtor Impersonation

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Al and Cal Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Their mission....  To exceed your expectations!
 

 

Al Raymondi
Ocean View Realty Group in Ormond By The Sea Florida - Ormond Beach, FL
Ormond By The Sea Florida - Home and Condo Sales

That sure sounds like a strange way to get into a home Cal, I hope they catch that bad guy.

Mar 27, 2013 11:45 PM
Carol-Ann Palmieri
RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA
"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi Al.   I agree, very weird!  

Mar 27, 2013 11:47 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Carol Ann, this is going to become a bigger problem especially among older citizens...I always warn them about it but many truly trust that person at the door!

Mar 27, 2013 11:58 PM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Hi Carol Ann~

 

WHOA!! Good point(s0!!! Maybe it's time for us to think more about this. I read the post with interest and found myself wondering how this could unfold. Here's a Big SUGGEST.

Mar 28, 2013 02:23 AM
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Carol Ann: Desperate times make some folks do crazy things.  It sounds like the homeowners were unharmed which is great.

Mar 28, 2013 06:50 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Hi Cal Gal - That's such a bummer to hear about - I just can't believe folks do this kind of thing. :(  Perhaps your post will remind people to be a little less trusting about who they allow in their homes. )

 

By the way, hope you ( and your family) have a wonderful Easter weekend.

Mar 29, 2013 05:11 AM
Carol-Ann Palmieri
RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA
"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Hi janeAnne, Anita, and Debb.   Thanks for checking this out.  I hope you are having a good weekend.  

Mar 31, 2013 12:23 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Cal, Very brazen robbery and I would be careful as these types will do anything and obviously this person left a description of themselves by being seen. The world is loaded with thief's looking to take advantage of whoever they can. The best thing a homeowner can do is ask for a business card and their drivers license before they get into the house.  

Apr 04, 2013 07:12 AM