I came across this blog by a Texas Realtor and thought it was a good safety reminder for all of us. Sellers, please be EXTREMELY careful about whom you allow into your house.
And this is not the first such case in Austin. Sellers: Please be safety conscious.
In 2001 a woman who had her home for sale in the Great Hills, Austin neighborhood was strangled to death by a man who knocked on her door and asked if he could come in and see the house. IF THEY AREN'T ACCOMPANIED BY AN AGENT, DON'T LET THEM IN. In addition, this same man had previously strangled 4 other women with the same rouse. One of them had survived to identify him. I don't recall why he was not in prison when the Great Hills murder happened but I do remember the eerie feeling when I toured the home a year later on a property tour.
Most recently, a woman in Austin was assaulted and robbed by a man whom she admitted to her home under the same circumstances. Her home was for sale. He knocked on the door and asked if he could see the home. She let him in.
Here is a list of safety tips for sellers:
1. If someone knocks on the door and wants to see the house, tell them to call the phone number on the for sale sign and make an appointment.
2. If you are at home when a Realtor comes, ask them to access the lockbox which electronically records their name, contact info and time of entry.
3. Remove any valuables from view or easy access. That includes account information, jewelry, prescription drugs, weapons, etc.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.
No matter how grand or modest your real estate dreams may be, you can turn to me in confidence. Give me a call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you!
Janna Rankin Scharf AB, GRI, CSP, CNS, CLHMS 208.651.9700
Janna- Whoo-hoo on your success of getting your clustrmap on board. Look at you and your world-wide following already!
This is great information. It is sad, but important for all to know.
Morning Janna,
We communicate this message over and over to our clients in our community. Many of them are older and too trusting.
Good post and advice. Thanks for taking the time.