Entering foreclosed or vacant homes

 

If you work in real estate, you undoubtedly do the following tasks all of the time, but did you know that you could be putting yourself in danger? Here’s how you can stay on guard and protect yourself.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | BY MELISSA DITTMANN TRACEY

The Risk:Foreclosures may attract unexpected house guests — such as squatters — or former home owners refusing to leave. The homes also may be damaged and poorly lit or attract wildlife since it’s abandoned, leading to more potential safety hazards.

• Inspect the exterior. Walk around the perimeter before you enter the house and make sure the door hasn’t been kicked in and no windows are shattered, suggests Tracey Hawkins, owner ofSafety and Security Source in Kansas City, Mo. Call police if you suspect someone is in the property. (Read: Be on the Lookout for Clues)

• Don’t confront a squatter. If a squatter is in the home, leave immediately, Siciliano says. Call law enforcement once you’ve left and allow police to deal with any trespassers.

• Use the buddy system. Ask a coworker, spouse, friend, or family member to come with you when you show the home.

• Let others know where you are. Before you leave, tell your coworkers, family, or friends where you are, whom you are with, and when you expect to return.

• Visit during the day. Visiting homes at night makes it more dangerous, Siciliano says. Try to make appointments during daylight hours only.

Please comment on this post. Providing feedback and sharing of personal experiences on this very important topic is important and may help save someones life. 

If you work in real estate, you undoubtedly do the following tasks all of the time, but did you know that you could be putting yourself in danger? Here’s how you can stay on guard and protect yourself.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | BY MELISSA DITTMANN TRACEY

The Risk:Meeting with people you don’t know can put your safety at risk. You don’t know whether this person could potentially be a criminal, stalker, thief, or worse.

Safety Tips:

• Meet at the office first. Get them on your territory before you visit any property with them so you can learn more about them and collect personal information about them for your files.
• Ask for identification. The public is used to having their identification checked, so don’t be reluctant to ask because you’re scared you’ll offend someone, Siciliano says. Tell clients it’s company policy that all clients’ driver’s licenses are photocopied. “This will significantly reduce your risk because the bad guys don’t want to give you their I.D. or get their picture taken,” Siciliano says.
• Have all clients fill out a customer identification form. You can find an example of this atREALTOR.org. Click on “Prospect Identification Form” under the Office Safety Forms heading. The form asks for car make and license number, contact information, and employer information, and also requests a photocopy of the driver’s license.
• Introduce them to a coworker. When you meet them at the office, introduce them to at least one other person in your office. Criminals won’t like that others have seen them for identification purposes, according to tip sheets provided by the Washington Real Estate Safety Council.

Please comment on this post. Providing feedback and sharing of personal experiences on this very important topic is important and may help save someones life.