Hey guys I want to remind you about safety as I encountered a squatter in a foreclosed home today. Yes, I just about tinkled my drawers! I didn't have my pepper spray on me either as I took it out of my purse to go on the plane last week. I announced sternly "GOOD AFTERNOON, REALTOR HERE" as I always do when I open the door. I heard nothing and we proceeded in. Windows and the slider were open and I screamed at the top of my lungs "GOOD AFTERNOON" and someone screamed back "GOOD AFTERNOON."
We bolted and I called the list agent to alert them that there was a squatter. There was a truck parked in the driveway but it is typical for neighbors to park in foreclosed home driveways. Just look for telltale signs of squatter droppings: cars parked in driveways, windows open, sliders unlocked, blankets, pillows, empty bottles of 40s etc. I have seen signs of squatters before and swear that some slip in the attic while I am showing but never encountered one. Just be careful out there AND DO NOT SHOW AFTER DARK! This was broad daylight!
Hawley's glock idea is not a bad one (as we laughed yesterday) and now the stun gun situation or even maybe a concealed weapon permit is NOT a bad idea. Although ~ my husband declares me too psycho to carry a gun.
Also had 2 houses with rocks through windows, one of them the complete kitchen was missing, including cabinets.
Had several showings with keys missing in lockboxes ON ONE STREET. Luckily my brokerage provides me with survival skills and tools to be able to access these homes, THANK YOU NVRS! I guess agents are back to the old games of stealing the keys. I am mentally exhausted after today's challenges but I got two contracts done late from it!
Make SURE you notify the list agent if you ever see any unusual activity in homes - rocks through windows, stolen goods (like entire kitchens,) missing keys and most importantly SQUATTER droppings!
It's a crazy existence selling real estate in the Las Vegas area right now, folks. I see lots of things but never encountered so much in one day. A little overload if you will! Be safe! These were newer homes in decent neighborhoods.
You be careful! I've had it happen in vacant rentals and never like it - and I'm a tiny little guy all soft spoken and stuff :) I worry about all my agent friends doing showings. Having been in and around construction and investing for over 35 years I know it can happen. Glad you're okay.
Yikes, Renee. I haev heard these stories but no personal experience, yet. Thank goodness all was OK for you. So what did the LA have to say? Sounds like a crazy day for you.
Yep, have seen vandalized homes a number of times (out of town agents, of course) so placed a few calls. Scary stuff going on these days, and not likely to change.
Thanks for sharing this - good things to be on the look out as we are showing homes.
Jeff
Holy crap!!! I'm glad you're safe!
I'm definitely over this whole foreclosure era in our real estate market. I think we all have seen enough gruesome stuff out there that fills our story quota for a career. Thanks for the good advice!
Renee,
How awful. We have not run into the "big town" issues in my market that you are experiencing, thankfully. I would do more than tinkle in my pants if I happened in on a squatter. Put your pepper spray back in your purse where it belongs.
Renee..... how funny, I never thought about squaters. But I guess with tough times, anything is possible. But you with a gun?? rut row... ;o)
Ken: I feel comfort in knowing you have seen this stuff. All of this in one day is overload! I see maybe one odd thing in a day of showings. I find the whole soft spoken teeny guy thing maybe a little overblown. To me, you are larger than life!
Jeff: it was his assistant. She knew I was frightened by the tone of my voice and apologized which was kind. I know stuff happens and it wasn't her fault!
Mike MIKEMIKE! You are one of the few who can probably empathize. I am so over it. I think I have been over it for about a year now since the multiple offers started! Unfortunately it all feels like it will never end. We are going to have some great stories to tell the grandkids fer sure! I want my pillow and blannie and California dreams I had last night!
Fran: No doubt (re: pepper spray!) My blood pressure is so high. I am normally in bed by now.
Jeff: That's what my man pal says about me with a gun. I am thinking maybe a stun gun or something that I couldn't harm anyone too much with. Packin heat sounds like a good idea. Like I said, I have seen the signs of squatters before and swear they were in the house but maybe in the attic. Never encountered one before!
Unfortunately showing homes these days in my market means that there is a very real possibility of encountering someone (or something) on nearly every showing.
I always have my finger on the pepper spray button when I turn that key. We are all going to have some fantastic tales to tell by the time this market turns around.
Be safe out there! Thanks for the reminder to be alert out there in the field.
Renee
That would be enough to frighten anyone. I have a big dog you can borrow.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Renee - Be careful, girl! It's happening everywhere it seems. Just don't get in a confrontation - you never know the mental state of some of these folks. Some might be OK, but why take the chance?
Renee, Glad your safe, what a day you mist have had, and a good lesson for the rest of ud
I have a couple of flash bangs still from my days on the SWAT Team, let me know if you want to use them. All you do is pull the pin and throw them, it will definitely scare the snot out of anyone in the house :)
Wow. With as many bank owned homes as we have in our area I have yet to encounter a squatter. (I probably shouldn't have typed that, now I've just jinxed myself.)
Glad you and your client are safe Renee.
Renee, squatter droppings? Love it! Glad you're OK.
I need to sell more houses. My capital expenses this year include a budget for a Taser. I think it will help me with rent collections as well.
Renee - I know it's not somethime to everyone is comfortable with, but the carry permit is not a bad idea. I've never read about anything bad happening to a realtor who had one. Stay safe.
Renee! Yikes! Glad you escaped with only elevated blood pressure. Let me ask...what's up with "realtors are up to their old tricks of stealing keys?" What's THAT about??
And glad to hear that you've got business going on.
That is one thing I do not like about foreclosures. In the past I've taken a look at a few by myself for a client and I don't do that anymore; you never know who you'll run into. I've heard some stories about squatters here too. Squatter droppings, LOL
Renee, that could be a problem. We had a squatter in the winter burning fires to stay warm in the middle of a wood floor. Also, not using the bath rooms. Securing the homes is important.
Richard
Renee ~ Thanks for the warning and reminder that we always need to be alert and careful! Crazy times we are living in! Glad you turned and ran and are able to laugh about it now.
Thanks for writing about this, it is certainly something that we all need to be aware of.
I am always cautious when entering a vacant home.
We have agents in our office that have experienced this and thankfully nothing happened. Thank you for the warning and the reminder that we all need to use caution.
Thanks for this post Renee ... and encouragement for us to be careful while showing REO and vacant homes.
I have had some experience with homeless people during a prior career and in working with missions. Most of them are peaceful and cooperative. But you can never be sure in advance.
Best wishes.
Renee, You are a very beautiful woman and to be quite honest is a curse. We here in Wisconsin just recently lost one of our Re/Max agents to a murder. A man who purposefully made an appointment with a female agent for two purposes. You all know what they are.
Our business is changing. We all need to heed the words of Renee. You men out there are not safe either. Robbery happens to all of us. Guns talk loud and we all should be careful.
Thanks Renee for these words of wisdon.
Larry Stanul
It can be disconcerting to say the least. My worst expierence was when I was showing a property and a squatter was in a back room on the floor with a needle in his arm. He just sat there quivering.
Scared the bejesus out of us.
Thanks Renee for the warning! It never hurts to take extra precautions. I heard a news report yesterday of another car jacking so folks should remember to keep their car doors locked and to be observant at all times. Empty properties are a hazard to all agents. It's a good idea to travel in teams on some of these properties - not really practical but something we need to think about!
Mary
Renee - I just had to laugh, " my husband thinks I am to psycho to carry a gun as well". But thank you for bringing back Reator safety, it is so important and unfortunatly I have encountered very similar things you have.
We have escaped that so far, however, not to say it won't be happening. Many homes are remote, I really should carry pepper spray or something. Although I know my way around a gun, I will not carry one.
Please remember this to those who want to carry a gun. The first rule to remember is, if you point a gun at anything alive, be ready to kill. You do not aim to injure, and if you kill, you have to live with it for the rest of your life. I prefer the stun gun, or pepper spray, or large dog.
Stay safe and good luck!
My biggest fear. I have been in homes that it was obvious someone was using the facilities, but I never saw them. I gave the realtor a heads up.
Renee, Wow, your post seems so non-chalant about the whole thing.
I can understand your heart rate may have increased.
I forgot about all these crazy possibilities.
I have not encountered this myself, but my partner has on a couple of our REO listings. Be careful for sure.
Guns seem too risky for me. I take a pal (big, brawny, street smart) when I preview or show property in unfamiliar areas. He called me back outside once after I had unlocked a door and entered a "vacant" home. He'd seem a man was getting dressed in a bedroom. We chatted for awhile, then entered the house as the guy departed through a window. I didn't get scared until I saw his size and shaved head. In this area, it's more than a fashion statement ... When I have to go into a vacant home alone, I call and leave the address I'm visiting on his voicemail and call again when I leave. Stay safe, everyone!
We really do have dangerous jobs, sometimes. And in this economic environment it's going to get worse.
Hi Renee, i am glad this was featured and agree that we must always be safe when showing "vacant" houses! Good point and I also have to agrre about the "GUN" I would not want my wife to carry a gun either. I probably would egg her on ONE too many times!
Renee - That is scary. If our MLS sheets say it's vacant, and we get there and it's not - it gives me the willies too. We gotta be safe. You made me go check my pepper spray....and its' expired!
perhaps excessive, but I cary a .357 loaded at all times and 100 rounds of ammo in the trunk. I also carry pepper spray for dogs
Oh my, I would freak out!
Listing Agents, please take care of your listings. Leave a light on, buy those battery powered lights if not power, check on your listing, pick up the stacking newspapers.
Oh boy what a sobering post !! .... but very valuable to make us all that little more aware of the possibilities.
Great post Renee !
Cheers !
Sheldon
Wow Renee that is quite a story.
But I have a question.
Do you know where these people come from? Did they work in the home construction trades and now unemployed?
Do you think they recently WERE employed but now have fallen victim to this economy?
I guess anything is possible. Desperate times will create desparate actions.
Its definetly a scary situation... but also a sad testament to these time.
Keep safe,
Me
Wow, Renee. That definitely reminds Realtors not to go into a listing alone. Or, if it isn't avoidable, always let someone know what your schedule is in case, God forbid, something happens. I bet you will ALWAYS carry pepper spray AND a stun gun in your purse from now on.
That is terrifying! I always have an uneasy feeling going into foreclosed homes but that is usually reserved for the scarier neighborhoods. I would not have expected it in a nicer neighborhood. I am glad you are safe!
Okay I guess I should take my pepper spray out of my briefcase and put it in my purse, what was the point of getting the license.. Seriously it can be scary out there be careful.
Renee, you should learn martial arts like Deborah and I have. Also, I'd highly recommend reading "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker. A must-read to become more aware of your surroundings and attuned to danger.
Always remember that your life and your safety are worth infinitely more than any home sale!
Several real estate people in my area that I know carry this pepper spray that looks like a pen. You can keep it attached to your clip board at open houses or have it in your hand at showings as a "spare pen", etc...
Hi Renee. There have been several times when I've entered a foreclosed property (especially before the listing actually starts), and "felt" that I was not alone. Fortunately, I had the good sense to turn around and leave before confronting anyone. I go well prepared now, but it still rattles me. Thanks for the term "squatter droppings"... VERY appropriate!
Hi Renee,
How scary that must have been for you, another reminder for everyone to be safe out there. :)
Renee, glad you are o.k., please be careful.
Renee - Glad you are safe! Thankful I haven't encountered anything like that as yet.
A phone in hand though a vacant home is quite wise. Also, get to know the panic buttons on security alarms in neighborhoods as usually neighborhoods have two or three builders and it is easy to know which builder is which and how to push the panic alarm. Push the panic alarm when fleeing and call 911. Always...always...always have someone know where you are going.
Renee - Great post and I see the gods got a hold of it, here is another little something and let's get together soon and talk business.
Featured at: LAS VEGAS - NEVADA
Thankfully he called back to you!
I previewed one like this last week and took my husband - front door was broken, back door was open and we realized it looked like someone was staying there. We left quickly and called the listing agent.
No normal person would stay there with five feet of water in the basement and everything looking like a movie set of a war zone.
This house was in an area of million dollar homes!!
Thanks for the reminder, Renee. Sometimes in our day to day activites we become to relaxed about our own safety. Congrats on your feature, too. :)
Hi Renee -- Wow, shocking. I've seen a bit of this, almost fell through a floor of an REO home where the previous owner through bowling balls (still in the basement) through beautiful, old, oak hardwood flooring -- all over one room and it was late dusk and I almost didn't see it and almost ended up in the basement.
Renee,
That is pretty darn scary! I need to break out the pepper spray, too! Be safe!
That's why I love showing homes with a partner--my 30 something son is better than pepper spray! Glad you're safe.
Frig Renee, This is one of my biggest fears while showing multi families in the city. I am lucky it hasn't happened yet. It is most scary when you go into the dark basement with the flash light and they have sectioned off the basement into rooms. I really don't know what I would have done if I shined the light into one of the rooms and saw someone. Ugh!!! I have seen rocks thrown through the windows also. Thanks for sending chills up and down my spine. LOL Glad you are safe and thanks for sharing. On a lighter note seeing how many are talking about Tasers. If you want to read a funny story about a taser look at my blog. Not totally related but funny.
Years ago when I had property in a gang disupted area, the police told me to go view property in the morning (8-10am) as many of the gang members were still asleep! Just a thought if this property is in an area that experiences a higher incidence of gang activity.
Stay safe!
Renee - Great tips and reminders to be safe. Stephanie carries mace. I think a Taser is not a bad idea as well. Is certainly smart to scream when you open the door. We have the same issues here when keys are taken out of lockboxes for "hot" properties. Sounds like it was a busy day ! Hang in there and good luck with the deals. ~ Chris
Renee, thanks for the headsup on the activity in Vegas....that squartter thing is very scary.
We have had our share of experiences like this -- people sleeping in homes that are said to be vacant - dogs in homes that are said to be vacant - - signs of people living in homes that are said to be vacant -- we all need to be careful out here.
We had a female Realtor abducted at gunpoint recently. The "buyer" walked to the home saying he lived in the neighborhood. Your points are well taken and i am grateful that this does not happen more often. My girlfriend is a realtor and their are times I go with her when we are unsure. Having an office buddy system is a good idea.
Renee, I would have tinkled in my pants too and screamed my head off. Good advice to always be aware and know the signs. I use a code with my husband or a team member. Thanks for the warning.
I am glad that you are safe and trusted your instincts to get out of there. Still, I'm wondering if it was the former owner of the house in an act of civil disobedience. Check out this video: "This is our house now"
Weird, wild stuff...
That said, NAR's "Field Guide to Safety" is worth a periodic review as well. Safety first, people always.
We are fortuntate that we haven't seen this in New Hampshire. I have seen some houses pretty trashed, moldy and smelly, but no squatters. Be safe!
Renee: We can never talk about Realtor safty enough.. Good to hear that all is fine in this case.
Renee: We can never talk about Realtor safty enough.. Good to hear that all is fine in this case.
We have all seen the safety tips from NAR and are good ideas to follow at all times. Never meet anyone at a vacant home, holler as you enter any vacant homes and have a back up plan as you seem to have.
Rene, pretty scary stuff! Even if the squatters are sweet, harmless people, I'd rather not encounter them!
I run into them occasionally as well and they scare me! There are usually signs of "concoctions" in the kitchen and I flee the scene immediately. We are living in desperate times in the US right now and we cannot be too careful!
I have started taking someone with me and that is really unusual for me - but it is wise (also unusual for me LOL)
I think there's going to be more of this to see as this market sorts itself back to normalcy.
He sounded like a nice squatter at least, responding politely to your, "Good afternoon!" I like the big dog idea.
Some say real estate is an exciting profession. That's a bit too exciting. Glad you were alert and unharmed.
Renee,
It is not only foreclosures. Inthe fall of 2007, a builder here in Waco went in to a new construction and was attacked by a soldier AWOL from FT Hood, about an hour from here. He took of in the builders pickup and was quickly caught.
But they believe he had been hidig in there for almost 2 weeks. And many female agents had been there, sometimes alone! The builder was a large man who was able to defend himself. I shudder to think what could have happened to one of the women.
Julie: Not a bad idea! I have entered hundreds (maybe over a thousand) homes in the last year and had yet to encounter a living being! Oh I take that back. I encountered a cat about a month ago probably entering through doggie door. ALA Fresh Step party style!
Carol: TRUE TRUE TRUE
Michael E: I just want everyone to be aware and safe!
Tony: HMMMM that sounds interesting !
Kris: Same. I enter plenty by myself for previewing or BPO reasons too. I have seen evidence that someone is around so now I will courtesy call list agents to let them know.
Maggie: LOL! Be careful in FL too! I know you guys have just as many REO
Mike H: LOL @ Rent Collections via taser!
Larry: VERY TRUE THAT!
Charlene: Realtors steal keys because they have clients who like the property and want to write an offer. That prevents other Realtors from showing the properties and doing the same. Luckily I have some master keys and know lots and lots and lots of mechanical codes in my head by agent and by servicing company ;)
Patricia: Crazy enough I have walked into just foreclosed unsecured homes by myself!
Tom B: Lars would be a perfect companion for me. He probably weighs more than me!
Richard: And checking up on them on a regular basis!
Terrie: YES! I can laugh now. My husband was mortified with questions "who were you with, what did you do, blah blah blah." He is never really concerned about me since I am a big girl and can handle so many situations on my own so it was nice for once.
Mark M: You are welcome
Yvette & Dennis: Like you I have only seen signs and heard stories! We all need constant reminders about safety!
Harrison: Very true, they are just looking for a place to crash BUT you never know!
Larry S: Yes I have encountered those that don't want to show any proof they can buy a home (preapproval or VOF.) They get shuffled on to my boyz and never return calls.
Herb: OMG!
Mary S: YES! My car doors lock automatically as my car transmission gets put in "drive". I even have reservations about driving with windows down many times.
Melissa: True story, LOL!
Andrea: That advice makes me scared in and of itself. I don't know that I could be prepared to live with those consequences. I wanted to be a doctor but couldn't use a scalpel or administer a shot.
Brien: Great idea. Never thought twice about it until this incident.
Andrew: Writing is therapeutic to me. I was not non-chalant when I was hyperventilating and my clients had to calm me ;)
Heather: Hopefully your partner checks them on a regular basis!!
Ila: Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Erica: BINGO!
Russell: Maybe you men just shouldn't challenge authority :tongue in cheek:
Christine B: DO NOT PASS GO OR COLLECT $200! Get some new pepper spray! Glad this post made you check!
Greg: Never thought about the pepper spray for dogs too, splendid idea!
Kelly: THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT IN REGARDS TO LA's! There were leaflets outside of the house so not many signs of entry from the entrance. Just the back door at that!
Craig: With my tongue firmly planted in my cheek, I didn't stick around to interview the dude. I hear what you are saying in regards to the economic times. I am a very compassionate person and I always wonder after I cross situations like this what happened and why. I wonder that after I view a recently foreclosed home. I wish walls could talk. I know many people doing what they can by living with extended family. I know one family that has a house of grandma, mom and hub, son and wife, daughter (grown and single) and 7 children to share expenses. We all need to reach out to our friends and family that may be in distress and grow closer to the ones we love because they may not be telling us something. There are no trespassing signs on vacant and foreclosed homes. There was one on this home. I know we are all doing what we have to in order to survive but I believe we have to keep our morals and ethics and not break the law. My husband and I just had that discussion last night as we are all fighting for survival. I know that there are some people who are mentally and emotionally incapable of doing such. It's the way we are wired. Different story for a different time however!
Heather: What's odd is we did that the day before. My partner had a walk through in a not so great part of town and we all checked in w/ each other at the end of the day!
Jeanna: Very unexpected with everything I saw yesterday! Like I said, I can handle one or two issues but not a day of such issues!
Christina B: YES!
Brian: I know you saw the interest in me when you and Deborah explained what you did! Very interesting and definitely could be something fun for hub and I to get involved in!
Christine W: That's exactly what I have - the pepper spray pen!!
Linda: Same here. I have also walked into unsecured property at the butt crack of dawn. It is habit for me to scream "GOOD :insert time of day" REALTOR HERE" and then listen for movement.
Suzanne: Reminders of safety never hurt! Thanks for stopping by!
Jean: I will be even more careful now! Stay safe!
Tim: Now that you have said that, I unarmed the alarm when I walked in. It wasn't functional but gave the flatline BEEP when I walked in!
Robert: Thanks for the feature. I have a BA leaving the country for 3 weeks soon and I need someone soon! We do need to figure out a time to sit down!
Dawn: OH MY! I don't think that any of the above activity I described has any economic borders!
Kristina P: Thanks for your comment and stopping by!
Chris O: One of my most recent favorites was my client climbing in the attic because they were suspicious about something. Used their Iphone and took pictures of bundles and bundles of electric, telephone and CAT wire that was pulled up through the walls!
Kristi D: DO IT!
Norma: Could be! I really like Tom's idea of going with a German Shepherd. Thumbs up for that one!
Lisa G: I will check out that taser story! My partner did a walk through a 4 plex just the night before but it was with a big guy. We both checked on each other at the end of the day!
Chris S: Yes, was an overwhelming day. I couldn't sleep that night so my husband let me sleep in today!
Rebecca: No doubt about squatters!
Bob & Carolin: YES WE do all need to be careful!!
Joe P: For that reason, I always lock the door behind me which now I wonder if that is safe to do since I actually encountered someone in case I needed to escape. I do this because a creepy guy (same situation) did the same thing once!
Missy: You are very welcome and thanks for stopping by!
Daren: Thanks for sharing those resources!
Roland: KUDOS!
Charles: True true true!
Patricia: YES! My family members scare the snot out of me at times in the house too if they are too quiet!
Emily: Concoctions, YIKES! I can honestly say that I haven't run into that, Now I will ...LOLOL!
Kathleen: I hear you about it being unusual. On occassion my son will be in the car with me on a BPO and he will enter it with me. Otherwise I don't know if it is highest and best use of time. I guess it would be if it saves lives!
Christine D: No doubt!
Joetta: YES! At least he responded in kind (the second time!) I love Tom's idea too. I don't know how well my Italian Greyhounds would feel about me employing a German Shepherd (like Tom's)
Pete: Not a bad idea!
Wayne: I hear you on that in regards to it being a BIT too exciting!
Ann: The thefts happen in new construction here too. Appliances are not regularly delivered prior to close and if they are, doors and knobs are taken off and then put on after close.
.... ahem ! ... you skipped the handsome dude in comment number #38 ??!??!?!?!! LOLOL
Be careful!!
Renee- I work with many bank owned properties and enter them before they are on the market...talk about scary! I have encountered evidence of one squatter but thankfully not the squatter in person. You are right to remind us all to be safe and I am sure your nerves were rattled when you were finally done for the day!
Renee, I'm a little late to this party, but all I want to say is be safe!
Both hubby and I carry - he has his CCW and I'm getting mine shortly. We are going through more and more training just for instances like these.
I have not run into that yet and I'm really glad, now I have run into the teenagers breaking in and using it as a party house, but I'm not sure I would want an answer back on a vacant home when I yelled... Anyone home?
Sheldon: The dude was so cute that I must have skipped over him ;) FYI, it is very sobering!
Carrie & Cathie: ABSOLUTELY!
Sonya: VERY mentally exhausted!
Greg: Call it fashionably late ;)
Christina: NEVER HURTS!
Anthony: Did you have a garage sale? LOL!
Todd: You don't, especially with a full bladder !