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What to do if you find a BOMB on your listing

Reblogger
Industry Observer with Retired
Original content by Cathy Sarmento 01094982

Yep, after 28+ years another new first. (this was undeveloped land in Central CA near the gold discovery area)

Bomb

1.  Safety, treat every firearm, weapon or bomb as live, loaded and dangerous.

2.  Do NOT pick it up.

3.  Take photos of High Quality from a safe distance, inform the owners of the next step.

4. Contact the proper authorities, they'll know what to do.

5.  Plug your ears, then write a blog about it, oh and respond to all the outlandish scenarios on Facebook as to what caused that loud boom.

Back story, while have land cleared so we could find the well head and proceed with the testing and only remaining contingency prior to closing escrow; the landscaper found a bomb, a very large mortar round 14" x 4".  He neglected to mention this to me.  Next day while exploring, I come across the round which they had moved to the side of the access road.

I took pictures, surely it was some kind of survey monument, surveyor says no - looks like a bomb.  I sent pictures to a firearms specialist, they said military ordinance.   So I called the Sheriff and asked if we had a bomb squad (small rural community) We did, but the dispatcher didn't want to forward my call.  Said I should take "ammo" to a gun store since they don't deal with it.  I insisted that bomb squad call me back.  He did 2 hours later, but after I texted the picture, called back in 5 seconds.  He sent a deputy to verify then he came up and said it was too big for him to handle and sent pictures to the military "bomb squad".  They identified it (a WWI Mortar more than 100 years old) and based on the markings, said back away, it is a live round!  2 Hours later after they determined it was unsafe to move it (remember live round) they asked to detonate it on site.  They required us to move away 1/4 of a mile, but when the blast went off, I thought it could have been better to have been farther!  It was louder than a sonic boom or any firearm or even tanerite I had every heard and it lit up inquiries on Facebook.

6.  Lastly, CA is a full disclosure state, so we had to inform the buyer.  Her concerns about how it got there and if it was the only one......I referred her to the local historical society to see if there had ever been military exerises or a firing range.

We are in an interesting business, every day we are presented with new things to learn and new challenges to overcome.  Stay safe out there!

 

 

  

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Comments (10)

Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Decades ago I dated the head of the bomb squad for the city of Milwaukee...after calling 911...we are still friends..he would be our next call !

Apr 08, 2019 03:55 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Please be sure to leave comments at the originial blog by Cathy Sarmento

Apr 08, 2019 04:20 AM
Amanda S. Davidson
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Roy, I remember Cathy's blog and it made my jaw drop. I don't know that I'd even recognize a bomb but, if I did I'd call 911. Never a dull moment in real estate!

Apr 08, 2019 06:04 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

What an interesting reblog, Roy. And finding a bomb would be a first for me, as well.

Apr 08, 2019 06:38 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Wow, that is crazy.  I have come across some crazy things when I am out showing homes, but nothing like that.

Apr 08, 2019 07:31 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks so much for stopping by. It is always good to hear from you.

Apr 08, 2019 07:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
I-495 / I-270 Managed Lane Study
 LaneStudy
 

Representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will update the Mayor and City Council on the proposed managed lane study designed to address traffic congestion along two of the area's busiest highways. The Work Session takes place at City Hall on Monday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. MDOT SHA is also holding a series of hour-long workshops in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in April. Traffic, environmental, and financial information for the recommended screened alternatives will be presented. Closest to Gaithersburg are workshops at Wootton High School on Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. An online virtual workshop will also be available as of April 11. Click here for more information.
Apr 08, 2019 10:04 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Roy - that is something rare in this country but when I was traveling in Germany an area was evacuated because someone found a World War II bomb.

Apr 08, 2019 10:31 AM