Can a real estate agent come into your house when ever they

The owner is now selling it and there is a century 21 sign in front of the house. An Agent from another company came by today and they had the key and an appointment to sell the house. They said they called and left a message. They said it has been listed in the " multiple listings" and today, the agent got the key from another company.

problem is, we dont have an answering machine.

It scared me to think that any body could get the key to my house, and with robbing and home invasions up around NY, worried because the agent did not look like a nice guy. And a key can be copied faster then it took me to write this here.

anyways, is this illegal?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:25AM

Jon Holdman

Real Estate Investor · Denver, Colorado

11859 posts
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Icon_minipost Jun 27 '08, 11:09 PM

Check your lease, but its almost certainly allowed by the lease. It may say something about giving you notice, but that may be difficult if they can't reach you. That will still come if they can't reach you, you just won't get any notice.

When a house is listed, the key will either be put into a lockbox on the house, or the listing will have a key. In either case, a buyer's real estate agent can get the key to let their buyers have a look. You're going to have a parade of people coming through.

Your lease will still be in effect if the property is sold. If you have a one year lease, or some such, you'll at least be able to stay until the end of the lease. Maybe longer if the buyer is an investor. You say you've been there six years. If you lease has converted to month-to-month, and the buyer want's to live there, you may get a notice to move out.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:25AM

Jon Holdman, Flying Phoenix LLC

Puma Cat

Real Estate Investor · California

5 posts
4 Influence

Icon_minipost Jul 06 '08, 06:51 AM

Pressure,

If I was you, I would run from that place immediately! I just can't imagine anyone walking around my home whenever they want to.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:27AM

Dane Whales

55 posts

Icon_minipost Aug 24 '08, 06:39 PM

i suggest you to start finding a new home. If you are not aware of what is happening, then leave the house.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:45AM

Jonathan Rexford

Real Estate Investor · Vero Beach, Florida

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Icon_minipost Aug 24 '08, 07:13 PM

Contact landlord. Tell them that you wish to be present when they show the home. Tell the landlord that you are afraid of your safety. The landlord will instruct the listing agent to change showing instructions that you must be present when a showing to occur. That way it will be verified with you and they can show the home.

I would really read your lease.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:45AM

Cedric Canierro

· Alabama

21 posts

Icon_minipost Aug 25 '08, 03:17 PM

that's kinda freaky, i think you should talk to your landlord

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:46AM

Damien Hall

Real Estate Investor · Washington, Washington D.C.

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Icon_minipost Aug 25 '08, 08:59 PM

Pressure:

An agent can't come into your house whenever they want. As a tenant, you should have a right to "quiet enjoyment" which should be a clause in your lease agreement. I am a landlord and because of this clause, I can't come into my tenant's unit without proper notice, usually 24 hours. Even though the property is being sold, you do have rights as a tenant. I would take this up with your landlord.

What is the length of your lease, month to month or is it longer?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:46AM

Mark Brian

Real Estate Agent · Anderson, South Carolina

313 posts
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Icon_minipost Aug 29 '08, 06:56 AM

My state requires 24 hour notice. Call your landlord and be polite but express your apprehension.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:47AM