As a Real Estate Agent for over 25 years in the Mississauga area, the issue of safety has always concerned me and many of my colleagues and clients.
There are some steps that realtors can take to protect their clients. The General public can help us by not getting offended when we ask for I.D at the time we have you sign our Guest Register. The Seller can help by removing all valuables and agents can help themselves by placing a sign on the door so that only one showing occurs at a time. If people are serious, they will wait 5-10 minutes (I learned that tip from Sam McDadi, another Veteran agent) Thank you, Sam for always sharing great information with your colleagues. I always share the tips I learn from you and other full time experienced agents because one candle loses nothing by lighting another.
Guest registrars make our Sellers feel more comfortable knowing who has been through their home
and because I don't want to interfere with another agents buyers- I have an opt out section so I will not call you unless you want me to.
I think public perception is we want your names so we can put you under a spell and force you to buy or call you more times than is necessary to follow up.
The professional realtors I know, are not in the business of harassing prospects and the days of high pressure sales like you can see in the movie Glengarry/Glen Ross are far behind us.
So here is what happened. Fortunately, there was injury or loss of life and "things" can be replaced. Still, I wanted to make sure many of you are aware of what happened.
MEMBER ALERT: Open House Theft - Mississauga.
June 11, 2013 -- A Member has reported a theft that occurred at an open house, which took place in the Eglinton Avenue East and Kennedy Road area of Mississauga on June 8.
During the open house, the Member’s laptop computer was taken from the dining room table, which he had been using as a workspace.
Although the open house attracted several potential Buyers at the outset, a quiet period followed, during which the Member began using his laptop. Thereafter, a couple arrived to view the home and immediately after they left, the Member discovered his laptop was gone.
The Member overheard the couple talking outside the front door prior to their arrival; however, upon introducing themselves, they claimed that they did not know each other.
The male indicated he was a local contractor and after signing the registry, immediately went to view the basement.
The Member remained with the female and after she had signed in, he accompanied her to view the basement. As they reached that area, the male quickly went to the home’s second level using a separate staircase.
As the Member and the female followed to the second level, the male returned to the home’s main level and promptly began putting on his shoes to leave. The Member called down from the second level, inquiring as to why the male was leaving so soon. He replied that the house was not for him.
Immediately thereafter, the woman indicated her intention to leave, stating that the house, which was 2800 square feet, was too large for her and her husband. She indicated that she was newly married and lived in a townhome nearby.
After accompanying her to the door, the Member returned to the dining room to find his laptop had gone.
Although the homeowners were present during the showing, they remained in the family room, not within view of the laptop’s location, and as such, they did not witness the theft.
Upon attempting to reach each of the individuals at the telephone numbers they provided, the Member found that both numbers were unassigned.
The male is described as being in his early 30s, approximately 6’ tall with an athletic build. He had dark hair and was well groomed. He wore jeans and a t-shirt and carried a tape measure.
The female is described as being in her late 20s, approximately 5’8” tall with dark hair. She was very attractive and casually dressed in jeans and a dark top.
Members are reminded to consider keeping a guest registry at all open houses, requesting visitors’ identification as part of this process.
In addition to safeguarding their own possessions, it is suggested that Members also advise their clients to remove all valuables from the home, including jewellery and electronics, prior to any showing rather than attempting to hide them.
This incident has been reported to police.
Do not hesitate to contact me for additional informatrion. Visit
www.lisamovesyou.ca or call me at 905-568-2121
P.S For my movie buff clients, colleagues and readers of this blog, this is a great film! Have a great week!
