Yesterday I gave you my thoughts on some “tell all” signs I feel are indicative of a brothel. Today I would like to continue the discussion with you and provide you with some additional signs. Once again, I feel that there is very little out there about this topic as it relates to the real estate world, especially in Canada. As a real estate agent, I feel that we ough it to our clients to make them fully aware of the type of place that they planning to rent or buy. So let’s continue.
6. Beds
Next time you are showing your client a condo unit, take a look at the beds. Is there a full bed setup? Ask yourself, why is there only a mattress with no headboard, footboard and box spring? Use your imagination. Need I say more?
7. Night tables
You ask yourself, why is there only one night table? That’s strange. Not only that, you look closer and notice that there is a large roll of paper towel sitting right on top of the night table.
8. Closets
I find that a great deal of clients are always interested in how big the closets are in bedrooms. There’s nothing wrong with that. A quick glance doesn’t hurt at all. So your client now opens the closet and to his/her surprise, they notice not only a large assortment of women’s lingerie but also observe a variety of sex toys.
9. Visible luggage
The presence of luggage in an empty unit can mean one of several things. On the one hand, the sex trade workers not only live in the respective unit but also may be transient and working out of several different locations. They are probably working different locations from time to time and must be ready to leave when required to do so. In addition, these units may be used for short periods of time so as to avert any attention or complaints from neighbouring units.
10. Location of Unit
Have you noticed that the unit you just walked out of is next to the stairwell? It may or may not mean anything to you. However, quick access to stairs avoids elevator wait times in the event that someone had to quickly avert or evade someone.
In closing, I hope that I was able to provide you with some education about what to look for when showing units. The goal of this article was not to turn you into a detective or a private investigator. I just want you and your clients to be aware of what’s out there. As I mentioned in my previous article on grow-op’s, you can always contact your local police department to find out if there has been any police activity at the unit that your client is interested in buying or renting. For the cities of Mississauga and Brampton, call Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311. You may also go in person to 22 Division Peel Regional Police HQ located at 7750 Hurontario Street, in the city of Brampton. By going in person, you are making a request for an address check through police records, via freedom of information act.
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