3 minute read
Welcome to The Cringe
A COLUMN ABOUT REAL ESTATE MOMENTS WE'D RATHER FORGET
Sulphur, LA – Imagine visiting a listing to do a video tour for an out-of-town investment client like you've done several times before. After recording the exterior and all its outbuildings, you go to open the lockbox on the back door and hear, “What are you doing here and why are you breaking into my home!" yelled from behind you. Worse still, when you turn you find the person armed with a knife, and there’s a language barrier involved. What was meant to be a routine request ended up with Franchisee, Josh Foster, in handcuffs because of police safety protocol when they arrive on a scene. This was after he realized his car was blocked into the driveway, and he desperately called the listing agent for help. Even still, the armed tenant wouldn’t accept the property was for sale calling both the landlord as well as the local police.
Squatters or miscommunications regarding tenants in listings have become an unfortunate common issue in the industry, but this was a first for Josh in his 25-year career, that he won’t soon forget. The what if’s still haunt him, even though he checked all the boxes. He knows about agent safety, set the showing through ShowingTime, and saw the property was vacant BUT also confirmed that with the listing agent.
THE HEART OF THE MATTER:
The listing agent had no knowledge of anyone living in the home, as it was vacant when she listed it. She would come to learn later that distressing day, that the original landlord had passed away leaving the home to an heir; an heir who wasn't interested in renting the home. He listed it for sale as it was vacant at the time (the renter was out of town working but still had a key). The thinking is he moved back in upon returning to town, unaware of the situation.
IMPORTANT LESSONS:
-Thinking isn’t knowing. Ensure the listing agent has current, eyes-on info before you go
-Consider parking where you'll have free access to leave when you wish
-Cooler heads prevail. Josh knows this could’ve been so much worse if he hadn’t stayed calm
-Always use caution or the buddy system for professional safety when showing or viewing properties
-Always carry identification, including proof of your real estate business
-The right to bear arms in the U.S. is very real and goes both ways
-Many homes have surveillance. You could be on camera in real-time at anytime.
-Discuss these situations with your franchisee, broker, or manager who can then help educate fellow agents in the office to help lessen the chances of it happening to others
