How many of us out the field, including agents, inspectors, appraisers and pest control companies look at foreclosed homes alone? I spend approximately half of my time inspecting homes in Atlanta that are vacant. Many of these homes are for investment firms that are outside of the metropolitan area and for the most part, out of state – so of course, they are not present. What kinds of precautions do you take before you enter into that property? Do you let others know where you are? If you are with a client, how well do you actually know them? Do you perform a quick sweep of the home to ensure that no one is there? When inside do you lock the door behind you?
These are very important questions to think about. There has been a rash of assaults and murders in vacant homes on real estate professionals. On September 28, an Ohio man was apprehended in the shooting death of a real estate agent. Apparently, the disgruntled home owner knew and had dealings with the agent. A real estate agent was assaulted when she showed a vacant home to a potential buyer. In this case the attacker was apprehended because the agent wrote down his license plate number before entering into the home. A few years ago in Atlanta, 3 real estate agents were assaulted by a man who posed as a “Professional” baseball player. I have looked around and found that 206 agents were murdered on the job between 1982 and 2000. This does not account for assaults.
I entered into a home several months back to perform an inspection. During my initial walk through, I did not see anything out the ordinary. Nearing the end of the inspection, I opened a bedroom closet door to find a sleeping man – who became agitated quickly. This ended well, but would it had in different circumstances? I have many stories of entering into vacant homes that have been used by homeless for a shelter. Although I have never faced imminent danger, would others have?
A vacent home that had recently been used by homeless as a shelter.
When entering into an unfamiliar neighborhood, I locate the home and then drive around to see if I notice anything or anyone that I consider strange. When I get out of my vehicle at the home, I walk the exterior of the home to see if there are any signs that the doors or windows had been tempered with. When inside, I perform a sweep, with the door open, to see if anyone is there. When I decide that it is safe to stay, I lock the door behind me. When someone arrives to look at the home, I take their license number down. Always be suspicious and never trust anyone. OK that sounds bad, but remember that your client may be someone that you only spoke with over the phone. Do you really know them? In the best circumstances, you should first meet your client at your office – with others around. Should you carry some sort of personal defense device? Yes. There are many products that are very easy to use and are non-lethal that can be administered very quickly and easily, which can allow for your escape.
Everyone who performs field work alone must be very careful. Be cautious, suspicious, and on full alert – at all times. Just be careful.
Richard Morse
Morlin Property Inspections
InspectorRick@Bellsouth.net
(770)564-1505
Atlanta Home and Commercial Property Inspections
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