This is another reminder to be safe out there. An Oregon real estate agent was robbed in a model home while working late in the evening. Fortunately she was able to get free and contact police, and that all the attackers were interested in was her ATM card.
That being said, if you are an agent, you are a potential victim, especially in these tough economic times. Have a plan if things go wrong especially if you are alone.
Sheriff’s deputies say a real estate agent working late in the model home of a subdivision in Aloha was tied up and robbed of her ATM card.
The Washington County deputies say the real estate agent told them early Tuesday the armed robber accosted her as she was leaving.
She told them the robber tied her hands behind her back, took the card from her purse, got the PIN number from her and then duct-taped her mouth. via KTVZ.com
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All agents really need to take precautions when working.
1. Never meet at new client at a home without taking someone with you. In fact the safest thing to do is have the client meet you at your office first.
2. Make sure that people know who you are meetin and where you will be.
3. Be especially careful when working on open house. If you are uncomfortable with someone in the house you should either call some, walk outside, or both.
Wow. I hadn't heard about this yet. Since agents are going to be in all different kinds of neighborhoods and potentially alone in vacant homes it might be time for agents to think about self defense classes and carrying pepper spray. Some precautions and training and we can defend ourselves. -Tyler
This is one of the few industries where we advertise to the public(for an open house) that we will be at a vacant property for several hours all by ourselves and usually include our picture.
This incident will serve as an awakening for all the agents to be extra careful especially when dealing at night. Good to know nothing bad happen to the women.
Scott@Financially Free Landlord
This is a revolting, but unfortunately not all that surprising, event. I used to be a Realtor and always worried that the female members of our office were taking a chance when they either agreed to meet a prospect at a home or held an open house alone, espewcially at night. Scary stuff, I guess everyone neds to carry mace with them and study martial arts to be safe these days..
Unfortunately this is happening all over with an increase in violence as well. Just type in "realtor robbed" or other violent terms in Google and you'll be shocked at just how widespread the problem has become. Ivan above sums it up pretty good in his post above. All I can say is stay alert and if possible have your husband, coworker or friend nearby at a late showing or pop in just before the end of an open house. And yes, mace is always welcome.