2,759,871
Never. That said, I have nice long conversations with folks before making appointments to show. By the time we meet to tour homes or a home, we feel like old friends.
My first broker trained new agents to "make the appointment" and don't talk much until you have the appointment. I never liked that advice and prefer to get to know folks and about folks first.
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
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Annette Thor
Westport, CT
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
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Evelyn Santiago, Manag...
Oswego, IL
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Shanna Hall
Kirkwood, MO
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Andi Grant
Los Angeles, CA
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Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Sedona, AZ
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Gerhard Ade
Seattle, WA
856,072
I had one time that I met with a family that was in a very large RV. For some reason I got spooked while driving to a showing and them following. North Idaho can be very rural in places. I called my office buddy but phone service was sketchy at best. Told him how nervous I was about this all of a sudden. He was laughing at 'little ole lady' Mark. The prospects and I stopped to match directions. They opened their RV door and said to come on in. By now I was over the red line and no way out other than being flat out rude. I stepped in and stayed at the first seat by the door thinking I could make the door if a problem. Two late teen boys with a healthy Dad and the wife. Then the kids wanted to show me their pistols they were so happy to be carrying in North Idaho. I was stuck. Had done the right precautions in meeting first in the office. Calling a partner (big help he was...lol) and yet found myself in a RV distant from anywhere with the kids flashing their guns. Nothing came of it and all was well. I never will forget how freaked out I had allowed myself to become, and that was before stepping into the RV. Mark PS...I now carry
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Jill Sackler
Long Beach, NY
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Marte Cliff
Priest River, ID
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Praful Thakkar
Andover, MA
-
Shanna Hall
Kirkwood, MO
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Penny Stevenson
Dahlonega, GA
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Mari Armstrong
Murrells Inlet, SC
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Kathryn .
Grants Pass, OR
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Debbie Laity
Cedaredge, CO
1,706,465
Very early in my career, I got a call while working floor duty. Back then, I didn't know any better and agreed to meet him. However, I asked my husband (he wasn't licensed at the time) to come along because it was a vacant foreclosure with no electricity. We were meeting at dusk. When my husband got out of the car, you could see that the buyer was visibly surprised. He even said, "I thought you were coming alone." To which I responded that I never met men alone to show a property. Anyhow, that guy practically ran through the house. When I tried following up with him the next day, I found the number he had given me was bogus. This guy definitely had foul play on his mind. I never meet men alone to show properties unless I know them prior.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Catherine Ulrey
Salem, OR
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Jill Sackler
Long Beach, NY
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
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Shanna Hall
Kirkwood, MO
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Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
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Tamara Liggins
Florissant, MO
9,105
Being in a plumbing company most of my life I have spent many hours in other people's homes. I can think of a few times where it was uncomfortable but nothing over the top. My dad and brother on the other hand would tell stories of going out on service calls and the person showing up to the door in nothing or next to nothing. I have to be honest, about the only thing to do in that situation is tell them that you can come back when they are "decent". As for being uncomfortable in situations where you are showing property I would just suggest having someone in the office call with a safety phrase like "How was the traffic". If your answer is "There were a lot of red lights" that would mean you feel like there is certain peril. If there were all green lights everything is ok. If you had to beat a bunch of yellows then that would mean they should call back in about ten minutes or so. The whole test phrase thing came from Michelle Goodman, my Instructor at real estate school. She's a pretty smart lady.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Catherine Ulrey
Salem, OR
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Jill Sackler
Long Beach, NY
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Terri Buseman
Chicago, IL
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Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Sedona, AZ
125,383
I have always been a workaholic and, years ago, when I needed the tools available at the office to do my research, make my marketing calls, prepare my CMAs, etc., it was not unusual for me to be the only person at the office at night when the cleaning person arrived. We used to chat every night. He was a nice guy and I liked him. So did everyone else in the office that had met him. So, imagine my shock when I turned on the news one night and discovered that he had been arrested for the murder of his wife. A murder that was clearly coldly planned. I bring this up because a number of people have mentioned that they never go out with people until they've "gotten to know them" through phone conversation and office meetings. A couple of phone conversations and an office meeting don't necessarily tell you the whole story about someone. Be prepared for anything, folks and be careful.
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Debra Peters
Manorville, NY
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Jill Sackler
Long Beach, NY
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Marte Cliff
Priest River, ID
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
280,599
Precisely why I do not do open houses anymore. I had a house open in a nice neighborhood. Several folks coming and going. Dude shows up: one tooth missing, arm in a cast up to his shoulder, stitches on every visible finger on casted hand (like he punched something). The smell of liquor is evident. He decides to hang around and "keep me company". Now, this is in the day prior to cell phones. Finally, I tell him he has to leave. I'm going to the neighbor's to call police. He runs out the front door after me and begs me not to call them. Jumps in his car. I never saw him again. Since then my mantra has been "I don't pick up hitchhikers and I will not do open houses"
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
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Annette Thor
Westport, CT
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Tamara Liggins
Florissant, MO
750,057
I trust my gut and if its in a poor cell area I have a friend in my pocket that no one wants to meet. My pocket friend and I get together at the range frequently to make sure we understand each other.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
144,993
Trust your instincts!
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Catherine Ulrey
Salem, OR
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
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Tamara Liggins
Florissant, MO
4,272,548
I had showed a woman client houses several times several years ago. I had an uncomfortable situation with this client, who came out of the master bathroom of one house with her shirt unbuttoned to the waist. I stammered and told her that she was having a wardrobe malfunction and she said something that was not a service I offer.
I told her that we have to leave and when we got outside (witnessed by a next door neighbor) I told her I was a happily married man and I thought she should seek another agent. I then reported the incident to my managing broker Noah Seidenberg...
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Paul S. Henderson, REA...
Tacoma, WA
4,319,419
Noah Seidenberg not sure why one should take someone to show a home or in their car if you don't know that person! Working by referral have helped me avoide such situations.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
3,545,649
There have been 2 distinct incidents where I felt uncomfortable with a client. In both instances, those feelings came while in initial conversations with them on the phone. One was a buyer and the other was a seller. In both incidents I took a partner along with me when there was to be contact. It is important for agents to sometimes rely on their gut!
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
356,584
I have only had one early on as a newbie...took a floor call and went to show rural properties. As it kept getting darker, my imagination got the best of me and I told the guy that I had to go back to the office for an emergency. My gut kept getting tighter and I just followed my instincts after that. Nothing specific that the gentleman did but I got the feeling he was more lonely than looking for a home and have never done that type of showing again! No commission is worth the possibility of getting hurt or worse! Just by asking if they are pre-approved and having a conversation with them over the phone asking pointed questions usually gets rid of the potential problems.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
93,694
Almost forgot the worst one. When I was just starting in REO I got a request for a second opinion BPO on another broker's listing. I really wanted to get in with that company so I agreed. It was a boarded up fourplex in a rough area. The front unit had the entry door boarding removed and was open. I walked in and saw four guys smoking meth (or crack, who knows). I executed an about face that would have made my old drill sergent proud and beat feet back to the car. I called the client and they demanded that I go back and finish the BPO. I politely asked them to drop me from their vendor list.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
93,694
Yeah, the guy that the first words out of his mouth were "If you smell pot I got a prescription". I handed him a card and said I can't talk business or ask you to sign anything if you're high. Call me later to reschedule. I never heard from him.
Also, back in my REO days sometimes a neighbor would come by while I was doing my initial inspection. A few made the hairs on my neck stand up. Of course I was usually carrying. Once, on an REO, I saw a yound guy sneaking towards the open front door with a brick in his hand through the kitchen window. I assume he intended to knock me in the head with it. You should have seen his face when he came around the corner, brick raised, and found himself staring down the barrel of my 357.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
25,344
I admit I was totally stupid on this one ---
I was helping our property management division out with showings when business was slow and I had a man who wanted to see a condo that afternoon. I told him I needed for him to text me a photo of his ID before I'd meet him. (that was our office's procedure then). He said he would send it right over but I never received it. I drove to the condo to meet him anyway ("I'm sure it will be fine....") and, while still in the parking lot, told him I'd need take a photo of his ID to send back to my office before proceeding to go to the 2nd floor unit. He gave me a song and dance about how his wallet was stolen, etc. The hair was standing up on the back of my neck - my gut was screaming that something was just not right. The condo was vacant and there was no way I was going inside with this guy so, while he was putting his jacket into his car I opened the door and said I'd be waiting downstairs while he looked around. I'm not kidding he was back downstairs in less than 2 minutes, said, "Sorry, not what I'm looking for"... and drove away - never to be heard from again. I trust my gut and I truly believe he knew the condo was vacant (we advertised "move right in") and had bad intentions in mind.
I do things totally differently now AND I carry.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
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Gene Riemenschneider
Brentwood, CA
90,543
When I was first starting out in RE, safety issues weren't on my mind. Then the red flag went up when I had a male customer in my car and on the way to view a home, he stated to me that I was very trusting having a stranger ride in my car. My heart started pounding, I showed him the house, he didn't buy it of course, and I never had a customer in my car again!
I was also door to door prospecting and when a man answered the door and we started talking, he grabbed my arm, kissed my on the cheek (Yikes!) he asked me to come into his home, thank God I was working with a partner that was at a house across the street. I yelled for him, my partner came over and we ended up not going into the home.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
1,432,649
I am a really big guy. I have had a few minor problems on a personality basis or with people in the house not expected, but nothing major or no set ups. I worked 20 years as a PI and doing insurance claims. I got scared there more often. Perhaps it made me immune to lighter stuff. And I would not let my wife work as an agent meeting strange people at odd hours.
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Gene Riemenschneider
Brentwood, CA
112,947
I think we always have to be safe , had an instance where I had a client I had sold over 5 houses too. Met his family kids etc. At home number 6 he hit on me and kept edging me towards another room. We no longer work together but it scared the bajeebers out of me.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
334,783
Good topic, we should keep a perpetual conversation going on realtor safety.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
18,309
My mother was a broker for over 20 yrs.
She had someone follower her home to her house in his vehicle. He then blocked off HER car at the driveway of her neighbor where she turned in and to whom she had called to come out onto his porch and help her.
The sight of the neighbor had the guy screaming off down the street.....
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
323,664
Rule one for me is "Trust, but verify." I have a non-threatening demeanor, treat folks like long-time friends; but assume nothing. I do not meet women by myself, but turn to a family member (wife, daughter, family friend, or fellow agent). I consentrate on getting buyers prequalified first, then the MLO knows with whom I am working. I trust her assessment, and most are referrals from those we know.
When I was an MLO, I had a few occassions of female REALTORS® expressing concerns and asking me to back them up. One had an ex-boyfriend who attempted to abduct & kill her. She escaped from the trunk of her Towncar at a 4 Way Stop. I take risk & threats seriously, and beg others to do so.
The female is at greater risk. Those flashing bling are at greater risk. Those showing fear are at greater risk. Those who are small of stature are at greater risk. Those who are careless are at greater risk. Those who are oblivious are at greater risk. AVOID UNNECESSARY RISK.
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Gene Riemenschneider
Brentwood, CA
1,318,269
I had one buyer who gave me the creeps. My manager insisted that I work with the buyer. I had the buyer take their own car. We found a property. At the inspection, the listing agent said she thought he was creep too and told me she was "Packing."
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
1,139,819
As a guy I do not have the problem often. Once though I thought I was being set up for a robbery. I stood by the open door.
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
1,771,867
Great set of answers friends. Remember this as you take appointments and avoid being a target.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
55,606
When I have the initial phone consultation and get an uneasy feeling, I set an appointment not for a showing but for a face to face meeting. I also then bring my husband or a friend along that can watch for me. I also follow that same protocol on a first showing and if I can't shake the uneasy feeling, my husband goes on every showing with me after that because he is licensed to carry.
I listen to the first voice and follow it and often times I never hear from the person again and they don't answer any communications from me either. I take it as a sign that my first mind was right and something was wrong with that interaction all together
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Fred Cope
Nashville, TN
217,941
I have had two situations that I can recall. One was a showing with a client where there wasn't notice given to the tenants who smelled of cannabis and were living in a mess [In hindsight we should've never gone inside], the other was an open house with a big guy at least 6'4" over 200 lbs who had bloodshot eyes. The moment he walked inside and made a right to check out the dining room, I went left and walked right out the front door. Scary stuff. He came out 30 seconds later and drove off.
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Tamara Liggins
Florissant, MO
5,829,143
I've never been in a situation like that. I know, though, that we can never let our guard down.
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Tamara Liggins
Florissant, MO
2,383,311
I had an awkward moment once. Based on the voice of the person I spoke with on the phone, I thought I was meeting a woman for a staging consult. Turns out the client was a man and I didn't know until they answered the door.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
1,844,301
Exit quickly. Leave the door open & go sit in your car & call others.
Had a creepy situation once in an open house & I never stopped moving because I thought the guy was going to trap me in a corner.
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Guin White
Santa Fe, NM
1,901,544
It's funny with this question on my part, they are more afraid of ME. I guess when you are 6ft4in it goes with the territory, but I think NO ONE wants to feel uncomfortable.
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Jill Sackler
Long Beach, NY
293,277
I have heard many stories about this, a few I will not share
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Rita Harris
Seattle, WA
3,986,258
With my training in corrections I have learned to quickly assess people. I am careful when showing a home to anyone and I am ready physically and mentally for anything. ANYTHING! I carry and I am not above stepping out a of a room or building at the first sign of anything I don't like.
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Patrick Willard
Rio Rancho, NM
4,434,127
I have never been in such situations. I always ask to meet at my office or meet at the hosue only after I know there will be other people.
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Andrew Mooers | 207.53...
Houlton, ME
5,104,931
Fortunately, not. Of course, I've made sure I am never alone in a house or car with someone I don't kow. If I need to meet someone I don't know, I bring my husband along.
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Kris Neese
Bellevue, WA
6,393,584
3,071,489
4,572,183
Hi Noah -- an important question and one that should continue to get a lot of attention. As many have already answered and although it's never happened to me --- I'd say trust your instincts, know your surroudings well and make sure people know where you are going with whom and always have an exit plan.
746,373
Noah-I've not had the sort of uneasy situation with a client. Hope to keep that record intact.
447,987
Great question, especially with safety at the forefront of everyone's mind.
781,674
Passed on a listing because I felt so uncomfortable and had 2 other occasions where I waited by the front door while I sent the buyer inside to a vacant house (for the same reason). Love referrals more than Internet leads. Joy Baker's story is really something.
166,435
A couple of times although not from my clients, both times it was sellers. Neither was physically threatening but both were very uncomfortable. Two is not bad for 15 years.
2,241,053
2,241,053
Like Gita. Not feeling any look over my shoulder, oh oh may be in a box canyon with no safe, easy way out. 4th lowest crime state and no locked doors part of it. But crazy people, they happen. Had one tenant in a house I listed that when i did the measure rooms, take images and video loops give me a moment of pause. Deer in the headlights. When I was done the first floor, asked if okay to go upstairs and she smiled, said "best invitation I have had all week." Ah, on the job, closing in a half hour to get to and just doing my job miss, no hanky panky spanky on the clock. And won't be back for a cup of sugar either.
1,026,854
Never. But I can see how that might happen if an agent made the mistake of meeting a stranger at a property.
273,237
Never have felt uncomfortable. Have met people at vacant homes at 10pm. Seems dumb but there's no difference between 10am and 10pm in a vacant house. I let people know where I'm going to be via a logbook, text message, etc.
1,767,614
I recall taking my teen-age son or another agent along a few times - and we did have a code in the office. If we called for "more information" on a listing certain words were a trouble alert - I forget the words now.
I remember someone once telling me "I'd never mess with you - I've seen your sons."
I did have a client once who turned out to be a murder, but when I met him I was impressed by the fact that he was one of the most polite young men I'd ever spoken with. There's just no knowing...
2,443,250
Yes, on a listing appointment I felt uncomfortable. I went to get something from my car, got in locked the doors, drove off and sent them a letter releasing them.
235,442
Oh my goodness, some of these stories sound like something straight out of a crime show! I have had a few incidents and let me just say, I'd rather appear rude than the alternative. I just say, "I'm sorry, I can't help you." Then I called my broker to let him know what happened just in case they heard any complaints...and there were no complaints!
931,002
Only once- and it was very minor. However, it can be an odd world- be careful out there everyone.
3,345,091
Noah, Never with a client. But, I've had a few dates where I felt VERY UNCOMFORTABLE.
4,800,082
I've been there and I try my best to cut the time short. Even to the point of faking an emergency call from home. It's not worth the aggravation.
51,536
I will share Kathy Streib's "knock on wood" and say I have not felt uncomfortable in this business as of yet. I make sure my office knows where I am during showings and open houses.
1,084,061
Yes....I kept my phone with me and showed the house carefully...and came back to the office very quickly. I let my assistant know where I was...and she kept calling me..
Will never do that again..
940,545
It has happened and I guess for me it depended. I did get to the point that I suggested they folks work with another agent. Just did not click and I did feel uncomfortable, not fear of attack or anything just un comfortable.
5,829,143
Knock wood, I've not been in that situation. But as alert as we try to be, we have to still be vigilant and never think we're just imagining things.
1,955,212
Noah, This is a GREAT post! If just one agent reading these answers changes the way they show properties, you have had an impact. I have only had a couple of situations where I met an unknown client. My husband was with me each time. At open houses, if I am alone, I have taken precautions to ensure my safety, such as what Justin Allred has suggested. I also get a family member or close friend or other realtor to "stop by".
613,494
From an invitation from swinger clients, to an attempted kiss, to a client rubbing himself...nothing scary, just gross. Not unusual for south Florida.
Central Florida is boring by comparison...or maybe I am getting too old.
Eve
137,508
Never. Same as Lenn Harley - my clients are almost always referrals. By the time we meet I know more about them than they know about me.
133,885
I get calls from out-of-state people who are interested in 2nd homes in Maine. Usually, we have a phone and email get-to-know-each-other period, they get their financing lined up, and then they want to come and see a few things. The first time we meet, I have them come to my office, where I photocopy their drivers license and write their car plate number and make/model on the sheet. They meet my broker as I hand the info sheet off to him in their presence, we might talk for a bit in the office, then off we go, in separate cars. My broker will also know exactly where I am and he will call me at an agreed-upon time and I will check back in after the showings are done. I have also had my husband accompany me to showings at vacant homes or land. So far, so good, and no one who is a legitimate buyer will have any problem with this at all.
49,097
I recently showed a staged home to a client of mine. We met at the house as we were walking through we heard a shower going. We thought it was some homeless person that got in. We knocked on the door and it was a spanish speaking man. He finally opened the door naked from the shower talking spanish. We rushed outside and I called the listing agent. He said it was the caretaker but never mentioned this to me. Also my client was quite new and although he was signed to a buyer contract I realized the whole experience was something I too; should be more careful about. I did not know this new client very well either and realized I should not be going to vacant homes period with anyone I barely know. A lesson learned.
443,220
I am always aware of the risks. I feel it most when doing open houses. Because I am an older, small woman, I am very careful about where I take listings and house buyers. Of course, that's no guarantee. But so far, thank goodness, I've been ok.
196,080
I had a strange situation years ago when I was a new agent doing floor time at my office. It was a small office in a strip mall. I was the only person in my office when a man walked in with sunglasses on and wearing a baseball cap. He started asking really weird questions, like how many people work out of the office and was anyone else there now. It really made me uneasy and I told him my partner just stepped out for a minute and would be right back. He finally left and I locked the door behind him. That was over 10 years ago and it still bothers me.
5,772,575
Luckily, I have not. I have good sense of people even on the phone. In commercial real estate you meet people in plain view for a store or in an office building that is either secure with a guard in the lobby or a smaller one that houses a lot of tenants. In showing a building, I have usually vetted the person, and we had a list of buyers for certain properties that we knew well.
If I felt insecure, Ron came along, or if he was busy, one of our agents was a 3rd degree black belt in Tai Kwan Do...felt very safe. A
2,224,473
I've always been fortunate. I have had a few uncomfortable meetings, but they always turned out OK. One guy is now a good friend of mine.
3,416,038
One way to avoid this is to bring someone with you when showing a vacant home. Even if they sit in the car or stand at the door. This is a great question and seemingly growing problem