All
Members
Companies
Blog
Forums
Podcast
Webinars
    User Log in  /  Sign up
  • Forums
    Newest Posts Trending Discussions Followed Forums Real Estate News & Current Events General Landlording & Rental Properties Buying & Selling Real Estate Deal Analysis See All
  • Education

    Read

    BiggerPockets Blog BPInsights: Expert Analysis Coronavirus Content & Resources Guides Glossary Reviews Member Blogs

    Watch

    Webinars Video Library Financial Independence Blueprint Intro to Real Estate: Rentals

    Listen

    BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast BiggerPockets Money Podcast BiggerPockets Business Podcast Real Estate Rookie Podcast Daily Podcast (Audio Blog)

    Topics

    Business Operations Finance Finding Deals Property Management Property Types Strategy
  • Network

    Recommended Vendors

    Real Estate Agents Mortgage Lenders Companies Hard Money Lenders Contractors Investment Companies

    Search

    Members Events Jobs
  • Tools

    Calculators

    Rental Property Fix and Flip BRRRR Rehab Estimator
    Wholesaling Mortgage Payment 70% Rule Airbnb

    Services

    BPInsights: Property Insights Tenant Screening Property Management Lease Agreement Packages

    New Feature

    BPInsights (beta)

    Quickly analyze a property address or ZIP Code to compare your rent in your neighborhood.

    Analyze a property
  • Find Deals
    Real Estate Listings Find Foreclosures External Link Ads, Jobs, and Other
  • Bookstore

    Real Estate Books

    Profit Like The Pros Bidding to Buy See all books

    Featured Book

    BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine book cover
    BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine

    Written by financial journalists and data scientists, get 60+ pages of newsworthy content, expert-driven advice, and data-backed research written in a clear way to help you navigate your tough investment decisions in an ever-changing financial climate! Subscribe today and get the Oct/Nov issue delivered to your door!

    Get the Magazine
  • Pricing
Log In Sign up
User
Quick search links
Podcast Hard Money Lenders Books Washington
ForumsArrowBuying & Selling Real Estate DiscussionArrowBEWARE WHEN SHOWING PROPERTY!! ARKANSAS AGENT MISSING!
  • Newest Posts
    • Newest Posts
    • Unanswered Discussions
  • Trending
    • Top Discussions
    • Trending Discussions
  • Browse Forums
Search Nova
Topic: 1031 Exchanges Topic: Akron Real Estate Forum Topic: Alabama Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Alaska Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Alberta Real Estate Forum Topic: Albuquerque Topic: Allentown Real Estate Forum Topic: Anchorage Real Estate Forum Topic: Ann Arbor Topic: Arizona Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Arkansas Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Arlington Real Estate Forum Topic: Asheville NC Real Estate Forum Topic: Ask About A Real Estate Company Topic: Athens Real Estate Forum Topic: Atlanta Real Estate Forum Topic: Aurora Real Estate Forum Topic: Aurora Real Estate Forum Topic: Austin Real Estate Forum Topic: Bakersfield Real Estate Forum Topic: Baltimore Real Estate Forum Topic: Bankers, Lenders, and Mortgage Brokers Topic: Baton Rouge Real Estate Forum Topic: Beaverton Real Estate Forum Topic: BiggerPockets Business Podcast Topic: BiggerPockets Exclusive PRO Area Topic: BiggerPockets Money Podcast Topic: BiggerPockets Real Estate Investing Summit Topic: BiggerPockets Summer Reading List Topic: BiggerPockets Webinar Discussion Forum Topic: Billings Real Estate Forum Topic: Birmingham Real Estate Forum Topic: Bismarck Real Estate Forum Topic: Boise Real Estate Forum Topic: Boston Real Estate Forum Topic: Bridgeport Real Estate Forum Topic: British Columbia Real Estate Forum Topic: BRRRR - Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat Topic: Buying & Selling Real Estate Discussion Topic: California Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Cambridge Real Estate Forum Topic: Canadian Real Estate Topic: Cape Cod Real Estate Forum Topic: Cape Coral Real Estate Forum Topic: Casper Real Estate Forum Topic: Cedar Rapids Real Estate Forum Topic: Chandler Real Estate Forum Topic: Charleston Real Estate Forum Topic: Charleston Real Estate Forum Topic: Charlotte Real Estate Forum Topic: Chattanooga Real Estate Forum Topic: Chesapeake Real Estate Forum Topic: Cheyenne Real Estate Forum Topic: Chicago Real Estate Forum Topic: Chittenden County Real Estate Forum Topic: Cincinnati Real Estate Forum Topic: Cleveland Real Estate Forum Topic: Coastal NC Real Estate Forum Topic: Colorado Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Colorado Springs Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbia Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbia Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbus Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbus Real Estate Forum Topic: Commercial Real Estate Investing Forum Topic: Completed Deal Diaries Topic: Connecticut Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Construction & Remodeling Diaries Topic: Contractors Topic: Conway Real Estate Forum Topic: Coronavirus Conversation Topic: Coronavirus Government Assistance Programs Topic: Creative Real Estate Financing Forum Topic: Currently Under Contract Topic: Dallas Real Estate Forum Topic: Davenport Real Estate Forum Topic: Dayton Real Estate Forum Topic: Delaware Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Denver Real Estate Forum Topic: Des Moines Real Estate Forum Topic: Detroit Real Estate Forum Topic: Do it Yourself Topic: El Paso Real Estate Forum Topic: Eugene Real Estate Forum Topic: Evansville Real Estate Forum Topic: FAQ Forum Topic: Fargo Topic: Fayetteville Real Estate Forum Topic: First Time Home Buyer Topic: Florida Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Foreigners Buying in the USA Topic: Fort Collins Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Smith Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Wayne Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Worth Real Estate Forum Topic: Fresno Real Estate Forum Topic: General Foreclosure & Pre-Foreclosure Forums Topic: General Landlording & Rental Properties Topic: General Real Estate Investing Topic: Georgia Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Germantown Real Estate Forum Topic: Get Foreclosure Help - Stop Foreclosure Forum Topic: Gilbert Real Estate Forum Topic: Glendale Real Estate Forum Topic: Goals, Business Plans & Entities Topic: Grand Rapids Real Estate Forum Topic: Green Bay Topic: Greensboro Real Estate Forum Topic: Hammond Real Estate Forum Topic: Hartford Real Estate Forum Topic: Hawaii Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Henderson Real Estate Forum Topic: Hialeah Real Estate Forum Topic: Hilo Real Estate Forum Topic: Home Owner Association (HOA) Issues & Problems Forum Topic: Honolulu Real Estate Forum Topic: Housing News & Real Estate Market Discussions Topic: Houston Real Estate Forum Topic: HUD, VA, and Tax Sales Topic: Huntington Real Estate Forum Topic: Huntsville Real Estate Forum Topic: Idaho Falls Real Estate Forum Topic: Idaho Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Illinois Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Indianapolis Real Estate Forum Topic: Indiana Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Innovative Strategies Topic: Interest Rate Drops Topic: International Real Estate Topic: Investor Deal Diaries Topic: Investor Psychology Topic: Iowa Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Jackson Real Estate Forum Topic: Jacksonville Real Estate Forum Topic: Jersey City Real Estate Forum Topic: Job Loss/Company Closings Topic: Joliet Real Estate Forum Topic: Jonesboro Real Estate Forum Topic: Kailua Real Estate Forum Topic: Kānèohe Real Estate Forum Topic: Kansas City Real Estate Forum Topic: Kansas City Real Estate Forum Topic: Kansas Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Kentucky Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Knoxville Real Estate Forum Topic: Lakewood Real Estate Forum Topic: Landlord Problem Solving Topic: Las Cruces Real Estate Forum Topic: Las Vegas Real Estate Forum Topic: Lewiston Real Estate Forum Topic: Lexington-Fayette Real Estate Forum Topic: Lincoln Real Estate Forum Topic: Little Rock Real Estate Forum Topic: Local Real Estate Networking Topic: Long Beach Real Estate Forum Topic: Long Island Real Estate Forum Topic: Los Angeles County Real Estate Forum Topic: Louisiana Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Louisville Real Estate Forum Topic: Madison Real Estate Forum Topic: Maine Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Managing Your Property Topic: Manchester Real Estate Forum Topic: Manitoba Topic: Marketing Your Rental Topic: Marketplace Topic: Maryland Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Massachusetts Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Meads Real Estate Forum Topic: Memphis Real Estate Forum Topic: Meridian Real Estate Forum Topic: Mesa Real Estate Forum Topic: Miami Topic: Michigan Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Military Investing Topic: Milwaukee Real Estate Forum Topic: Minneapolis Real Estate Forum Topic: Minnesota Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Mississippi Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Missoula Real Estate Forum Topic: Missouri Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Mobile (Alabama) Real Estate Forum Topic: Mobile Homes & Mobile Home Park Investing Topic: Modesto/Merced Real Estate Forum Topic: Montana Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Montgomery Real Estate Forum Topic: Mortgage Payment Suspension Topic: Mt. Pleasant Real Estate Forum Topic: Multi-Family and Apartment Investing Forums Topic: Nampa Real Estate Forum Topic: Naperville Real Estate Forum Topic: Nashville Real Estate Forum Topic: Nebraska Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Nevada Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Newark Real Estate Forum Topic: New Brunswick Real Estate Forum Topic: Newfoundland and Labrador Real Estate Forum Topic: New Hampshire Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: New Haven Real Estate Forum Topic: New Jersey Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: New Member Introductions Topic: New Mexico Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: New Orleans Real Estate Forum Topic: New York City Real Estate Forum Topic: New York Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Norfolk Real Estate Forum Topic: North Carolina Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: North Dakota Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Northwest Territories Real Estate Forum Topic: Norwalk Real Estate Forum Topic: Nova Scotia Real Estate Forum Topic: Nunavut Real Estate Forum Topic: Oakland Real Estate Forum Topic: Off-Topic Topic: Ogden Topic: Ohio Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Oklahoma City Real Estate Forum Topic: Oklahoma Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Omaha Real Estate Forum Topic: Ontario Real Estate Forum Topic: Orange County Real Estate Forum Topic: Oregon Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Orlando Real Estate Forum Topic: Overland Park Real Estate Forum Topic: Pearl City Real Estate Forum Topic: Pennsylvania Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Peoria Real Estate Forum Topic: Personal Finance Forum Topic: Philadelphia Real Estate Forum Topic: Phoenix Real Estate Forum Topic: Pittsburgh Real Estate Forum Topic: Pocatello Real Estate Forum Topic: Portland Real Estate Forum Topic: Portland Real Estate Forum Topic: Prince Edward Island Real Estate Forum Topic: Private Lending & Conventional Mortgage Advice Topic: Property Insurance Questions & Discussions Topic: Providence Real Estate Forum Topic: Provo Real Estate Forum Topic: Quad Cities Real Estate Forum Topic: Quebec Real Estate Forum Topic: Questions About BiggerPockets and Official Site Announcements Topic: Raleigh Real Estate Forum Topic: Rapid City Real Estate Forum Topic: Real Estate Agent Forums Topic: Real Estate Crowdfunding Forums Topic: Real Estate Deal Analysis and Advice Topic: Real Estate Development & New Home Construction Topic: Real Estate Events and Happenings Topic: Real Estate Guru, Book & Course Reviews and Discussions Topic: Real Estate Investor Marketing Help & Advice Topic: Real Estate News & Current Events Topic: Real Estate Not-So-Successful Stories Topic: Real Estate Quizzes Topic: Real Estate Rookie Podcast Topic: Real Estate Success Stories Topic: Real Estate Technology, Social Media & Blogging Topic: Real Estate Wholesaling Questions & Answers Topic: Rehabbing and House Flipping Topic: Reno Real Estate Forum Topic: Renters Discussion Topic: Rent to Own a.k.a. Lease Purchase, Lease Options Topic: REOs Topic: Rhode Island Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Richmond Real Estate Forum Topic: Rio Grande Valley Real Estate Forum Topic: Riverside Real Estate Forum Topic: Rochester Real Estate Forum Topic: Rockford Real Estate Forum Topic: Sacramento Real Estate Forum Topic: Saint Paul Real Estate Forum Topic: Salem Real Estate Forum Topic: Salt Lake City Real Estate Forum Topic: San Antonio Real Estate Forum Topic: San Diego Real Estate Forum Topic: Sandy Springs Real Estate Forum Topic: San Francisco Real Estate Forum Topic: San Jose Real Estate Forum Topic: San Luis Obispo Real Estate Forum Topic: Santa Fe Real Estate Forum Topic: Saskatchewan Real Estate Forum Topic: Savannah Real Estate Forum Topic: Scottsdale Real Estate Forum Topic: Seattle Real Estate Forum Topic: Short Sales Questions Topic: Short-Term and Vacation Rental Discussion Topic: Shreveport Real Estate Forum Topic: Sioux City Real Estate Forum Topic: Sioux Falls Real Estate Forum Topic: South Bend Real Estate Forum Topic: South Carolina Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: South Dakota Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Southeast NC Real Estate Forum Topic: Spokane Real Estate Forum Topic: Springdale Real Estate Forum Topic: Springfield Real Estate Forum Topic: Stamford Real Estate Forum Topic: Starting Out Topic: St. Louis Real Estate Forum Topic: Stockton Real Estate Forum Topic: St. Petersburg Real Estate Forum Topic: STR Strategies Under Travel Restrictions Topic: Surprise Real Estate Forum Topic: Tacoma Real Estate Forum Topic: Tallahassee Real Estate Forum Topic: Tampa Real Estate Forum Topic: Tax, Legal Issues, Contracts, Self-Directed IRA Topic: Tax Liens, Notes, Paper, & Cash Flows Discussion Topic: Tempe Real Estate Forum Topic: Tenant Screening Topic: Tennessee Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Texas Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Thornton Real Estate Forum Topic: Toledo Real Estate Forum Topic: Topeka Real Estate Forum Topic: Tucson Real Estate Forum Topic: Tulsa Real Estate Forum Topic: Tuscaloosa Real Estate Forum Topic: Upstate New York Real Estate Forum Topic: Utah Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Vancouver Real Estate Forum Topic: Vermont Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Virginia Beach Real Estate Forum Topic: Virginia Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Waipahu Real Estate Forum Topic: Waipahu Real Estate Forum Topic: Warren Real Estate Forum Topic: Warwick Real Estate Forum Topic: Washington D.C. Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Washington Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Waterbury Real Estate Forum Topic: Westchester County Real Estate Forum Topic: Western NC Real Estate Forum Topic: West Gulfport Real Estate Forum Topic: West Virginia Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Wichita Real Estate Forum Topic: Wilkes Barre Scranton Real Estate Forum Topic: Wilmington Real Estate Forum Topic: Wisconsin Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Worcester Real Estate Forum Topic: Wyoming Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Yukon Real Estate Forum
Create post

BEWARE WHEN SHOWING PROPERTY!! ARKANSAS AGENT MISSING!

141 Replies

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team, Single Family, and Residential
  • Posts 7.2K
  • Votes 3.8K

Karen Margrave (Moderator) -
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer from Redding CA

posted over 6 years ago

This is mostly for the women on BP, but, it is wise for men too. There's an Arkansas Realtor that went to show a property and hasn't been heard from since. Missing Realtor

As an agent over the years I have heard these stories before, and they are always horrific. Here's some advice especially for those in rural areas or rough neighborhoods:

1. NEVER go meet someone at a property if you haven't met them in person before.

2. ALWAYS have someone else go with you to meet people at a property.

3. Don't hold Open Houses alone.

4. Have some type of GPS tracking device, OTHER THAN YOUR PHONE!! It's a complicated process for Police to be able to track your phone without permission from YOU, not your spouse, parent, etc. There are many options that are inexpensive GPS TILE

5. If you're not opposed to it, get a concealed weapons permit and carry a gun! If not a gun, carry taser or ? 

6. If nothing else is available, make sure you have your keys with you, press the faub and set off an alarm, maybe someone will hear it! 

7. If you MUST go alone, let someone know where you are going, and check in (from your car) when you arrive safely maybe text a license plate number of the person you are meeting with. 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Flipping, Team, and Residential
  • Posts 136
  • Votes 78

David Frandsen
Real Estate Investor from San Diego, CA

replied over 6 years ago

Good list. I think it's a great safety practice but I also apply this when servicing my tenants apartments to keep out of legal trouble. Email your property manager when you go into a unit and when you leave so there is a paper trail if you are ever accused of something. Just a thought. 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 3.7K
  • Votes 494

Jenkins Ramon
from Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

replied over 6 years ago

very nice tips

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 15K
  • Votes 10K

Joel Owens (Moderator) -
Real Estate Broker from Canton, GA

replied over 6 years ago

Number 5 ONLY if you are going to practice diligently with the weapon so it becomes second nature like tying your shoes.

If you buy stuff thinking it will save you and it collects dust without practice then forget it. Actually the criminal will have more practice then you and use it against you.

Weapons are NOT just knives and guns.

Your belt, jewelry, keys, pens etc. can all be deadly weapons if you know how to use them. Hard spots on the ground, corners of buildings, rail bannisters, etc. Make use of your environment and what you have to survive.

Regular items such as guns and knives are classified as  weapons and as such are not allowed in many venues around where you live. Learn how to use your body first as it never leaves you. Then unconventional weapons that you are still likely to have with you at all times. Last the weapons you can't use or train with as often that are not allowed in most venues.

Decades in street self defense and the martial arts.

No legal advice.  

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team, Single Family, and Residential
  • Posts 7.2K
  • Votes 3.8K

Karen Margrave (Moderator) -
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer from Redding CA

replied over 6 years ago

@Joel Owens  You are so right, and I should have stressed that fact. Only carry a gun if you have a permit and KNOW how to use it responsibly. Also, there are many things that can be used for protection. Thanks Joel! 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team, Single Family, and Residential
  • Posts 7.2K
  • Votes 3.8K

Karen Margrave (Moderator) -
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer from Redding CA

replied over 6 years ago

Just thought I'd bump this up. 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 655
  • Votes 196

Simon Campbell
from Miami, Florida

replied over 6 years ago

I wonder if there are any statistics out there that show if crimes against real estate agents are any greater than crimes against other professions. What are the odds that an agent would get attacked in a life-time of work?

I am not saying that we shouldn't be cautious but that should be general practice throughout life regardless of what we are doing or in what profession we are in.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 3
  • Votes 3

Sierra Veazey
from Slidell, Louisiana

replied over 6 years ago

Some agents like to have people meet at the office first instead of at the property. That is probably safest because everyone sees who you are with. If you go missing, someone will be able to identify the person you were with.

Also, if you are ever attacked, try screaming as loud as you can while fighting back. Statistics show that attackers usually will run off in fear of being noticed... Unless your in a really rural area.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 15K
  • Votes 10K

Joel Owens (Moderator) -
Real Estate Broker from Canton, GA

replied over 6 years ago

Well I do not know if this is the case now but studies showed that just screaming surprisingly many people didn't come to your aid. Same with yelling help as it had a mixed response.

The one word that did elicit the most response was yelling over and over again FIRE. They found a bunch of people came if you called out that phrase.

I am not saying to do this and I am not giving legal advice just some data I remember from years back.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 132
  • Votes 55

Kendall T.
Real Estate Investor from Fort Pierce, Florida

replied over 6 years ago

Definitely you should consider getting a ccw and practicing with it.@Joel Owens  he is giving excellent advice,  also I really recommend Gracie jiu-jitsu and taekwondo.  Separately they are not the best martial arts, but combined, they make a really great self defensive package

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 111
  • Votes 160

Bill R.
from Henderson, Nevada

replied over 6 years ago

On the topic of carrying a gun as a weapon, also keep in mind that a handgun is not an easy weapon to control in a high-stress situation.  I recently ran across the story below about a cop who shot an unarmed man at a gas station and from just a few feet away the officer shot 4 or 5 shots at the guy and only grazed the guy in the leg.  I don't mean to say "only" to downplay the injuries the unarmed man received, but to highlight the fact that even a trained police officer can fire off 4 or 5 shots at a target from 10 feet away and miss the target when stress levels are high.  

http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/dashcam-shows-co...

And, someone who wishes to do you harm isn't going to signal their intentions and let you reach into your purse or in your jacket and draw your weapon.  He (or she) is far more likely to pounce when you're in a vulnerable position like when you're fiddling with keys to get a door unlocked.  

As someone that Uncle Sam paid good money to become proficient in firing everything from handguns to anti-tank weapons, I'm hardly anti-guns.  I just think that as @Joel Owens  pointed out, having a weapon on you that you don't know how to use or it giving you false sense of security is, IMHO, more dangerous from being completely unarmed.  

Also, on #4 - I don't like being negative by being blunt but the chances of you being abducted for any length of time are pretty low (i.e. where you would be listed as "missing" as this agent is).  Children, yes.  Adults, not so much.  Although there are 2300 missing person reports filed per day in the US, only 6% of missing persons reports are filed on adults.  Of that 6%, a good majority of them involve substance abuse or dementia.  

If you are victim of a violent crime, the motive is usually robbery or rape (or both) which sometimes escalates to murder.  By the time someone is worried enough to contact law enforcement, the crime has already been committed.  

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 15K
  • Votes 10K

Joel Owens (Moderator) -
Real Estate Broker from Canton, GA

replied over 6 years ago

Just remember that if you do not fight someone and go with them where they can isolate you then your chances of survival go way down.

Some even abdicate fainting etc. for a woman if in a public place and they will not want to carry the dead weight and will run away.

Make yourself a hard target by paying attention and having a sense of awareness at all times. Sadly in our defense and martial arts classes there are very few woman there and statistically they need it the most. It really makes me cringe when I hear these news stories about girls and women. If they had only even a little training it might save their life.

No legal advice.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 2.0K
  • Votes 1.1K

Sharad M.
from Carlsbad, CA

replied over 6 years ago

@Karen Margrave  Great post!!

Another thing agents can do is get full information for the person including, name, address, phone number, etc. and then have them email/text/fax a picture of their state ID to confirm that the information matches.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 1.0K
  • Votes 388

Brian P.
Wholesaler from Salt Lake City, Utah

replied over 6 years ago

when I saw this headline in the news I felt really rotten. I know if they remove the agent from the property and 24 hours pass, the likely hood of a good ending is small. I used to go over safety every week with my agents. This is one of the dangers of being an agent. Agents get careless because this is a one in a ten-thousand type of deal, and they think that won't happen to me, but one in ten- thousand is still way to low for me.

I suggested that the ladies carry hornet spray instead of pepper spray because you need to be close for pepper spray but hornet spray could travel 30 feet. And this saved one of my agents during an attack. I didn't allow them to show vacant properties without a backup agent in a second car. This agent thought oh one time won't hurt. And this was even after we implemented a required office visit before we would show property to a new prospect. and remember it doesn't need to be a solo male watch out for women too, or couples.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team, Single Family, and Residential
  • Posts 7.2K
  • Votes 3.8K

Karen Margrave (Moderator) -
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer from Redding CA

replied over 6 years ago

@Brian P.  Good points!  Sounds like you go out of your way to cover your agents, that's great. Thanks for the post. The hornet spray is not something I would have ever thought of, but good idea. It's unbelievable what sickos will do in order to carry out their perversion. Hopefully they'll find the agent safe, but you're right, the more time that passes the less likely that will be. 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 22K
  • Votes 13K

Bill Gulley
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator from Springfield, Missouri

replied over 6 years ago

Karen read the first post, good tips.

As to cell phones, keep the batteries charged! If you must meet someone, call someone to call you in like 5 minutes, you answer the phone and tell the caller you're with Mr. Who at 3234 S. wherever and that you'll call right back. Act like you hang up but don't, put the phone in you pocket to be monitored by your buddy. You can just excuse yourself before you get out of the car and make a call in front of them. give a description of them and their vehicle.

The buddy can call the cops on another line and give consent to tracking the open call, but they already know where everyone is. Some phones, not mine, record, so the buddy can record as well.

While a Desert Eagle may not fit in all bras that's one way to avoid issues, LOL

What you've done is communicated to a would be attacker that people know where you are and are expecting a call back in a few minutes, that effects the thinking of the more thoughtful as that limits the time they have and time to get away.

Didn't read about that case, but good changes are they could have known each other too, she may have had the keys and it may not be their first party. Another good reason to flip for a motel than use empty houses for those so inclined, I know this is a family site, I'll leave it at that. Yes, Realtors have been known to stop at homes on personal business.

There have been several attacks on Realtors in this area, best to use the buddy system as Karen mentioned. :)

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 530
  • Votes 473

Daren H.
Real Estate Investor from Desoto, Texas

replied over 6 years ago

I agree that precautions should be taken (men and women) but I also feel that we should keep in mind that thousands and thousands of showings take place each day with no incident. The gun talk might be a little much for me. IMO, guns mostly make gun manufacturers rich, not physically making us safer.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 1.9K
  • Votes 650

Mary B.
Real Estate Investor from Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

replied over 6 years ago

Although it doesn't happen often it obviously can happen. This is a prime example of why more people(particularly those that are independent contractors dealing with the public often alone) should have some sort of self-defense training be it in weaponry or/and physical. 

This happened in broad daylight in a middle class neighborhood. It could happen to any r.e. investor / r.e. salesperson as often there may be no signs of danger. Many sick in the head people are calculating and know how to pretend to be normal until they are ready to strike. She may have had a stalker and didn't have a clue. 

Most of us don't think in the manner of having to carry weapons to the grocery store or going out for a night on the town or going to work even. I sure don't. If its not your job to be an authority figure or you don't have a combat training background, its likely not a thought until something like this occurs.  

This woman called her husband and told him the address of where she'd be and the time. She might've had a taser or gun in her purse which was found in the car. Maybe combative physical self-defense is better here. Preparation is key. I truly feel for her family.

Kudos,

Mary

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 854
  • Votes 511

Account Closed

replied over 6 years ago

Warrant has been issued for suspect.

CNN story

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 854
  • Votes 511

Account Closed

replied over 6 years ago

This link has a picture of the suspect

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 812
  • Votes 428

Walt Payne
Real Estate Investor from Sebastian, Florida

replied over 6 years ago

Another suggestion I have seen is to arrive early. Use your cell phone to text a picture of their car (and include them, if possible) to yourself. This provides a record that will be found, if needed. Wait in your car just long enough to be noticed, then apologize for the delay and tell them that your husband, or bf, insists that you send him a picture when meeting strangers, for safety reasons.

This will not 100% protect anyone, but it greatly reduces the risk since it increases the chance of them being caught. 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 15K
  • Votes 10K

Joel Owens (Moderator) -
Real Estate Broker from Canton, GA

replied over 6 years ago

I remember they use to have a policy when I was first licensed over a decade ago that if you didn't personally know the buyer then have them come in to the office first.

The office then took pictures of drivers license and info etc. of the buyers. If they wouldn't agree to this then the brokerage would not show the property.

The husband should probably have went with his wife for an unknown buyer like that. You know nothing about the person etc. just from a call. It's really sad and hopefully she is okay. The KEY point is people are not being aware and too trusting in this world when it comes to personal safety. You could know your whole town and one person straggles through town and all it takes is one event to change your life forever. I have survived an attack by a gang on the beach when I was younger on Spring Break. It's not like the movies and it is over within seconds to a minute. Luckily another guy came over and me and my friends were able to get away which got me into the arts and self defense. That was over 20 years ago. There are still beautiful things in this world but also evil forces and disturbed people that you have to watch out for. Have fun, relax, and enjoy life but be alert and ready to do what you have to do to survive is the way the world is now.     

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 584
  • Votes 340

Wade Sikkink
Real Estate Investor from Lincoln, Nebraska

replied over 6 years ago

The point has sort of been made above, but to state it a little differently, you should not even consider buying a gun unless you are prepared to KILL someone. It's very easy to talk about self defense. However, few people think it through. If you pull that gun out, then you need to be prepared to kill the person in front of you. Shooting them in the leg is for the movies. If you aren't prepared to do that or not proficient in using the gun then all you are going to do is arm the attacker when they call your bluff and get the gun away from you.

I'm pro-gun and believe in self defense. An armed and trained citizen could stop/prevent a lot of these senseless shootings. However, I would just strongly encourage anyone that even considers getting a gun to think it all the way through, then if you do it, get trained and practice frequently.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 6

Joe Zhang
Real Estate Investor from Austin, Texas

replied about 6 years ago

scary, I have sent this link my wife who is an agent.

Probably, I will suggest her to get a CHL, although she was scared of the guns.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Rentals, Analyze Deals, and Maintenance
  • Posts 1.8K
  • Votes 747

Aaron Montague
Rental Property Investor from Brookline, MA

replied about 6 years ago

The realtor in this story did not survive.

http://www.katv.com/story/27168627/murder-suspect-...

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
Related Resources Buying & Selling Real Estate Discussion
5 Reasons To Wait To Negotiate Until After the Home Inspection
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Home Sale
7 Ways to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Hot Market
4 Ways COVID-19 Has Changed Being a Real Estate Agent
How To Walk Through an Investment Property Like a Pro
Resources Read, see, and learn more!
Link Real Estate Investment Calculators
Link BiggerPockets Blog
Link Path to Purchase
Link Mortgage Loans
Link Find a Contractor
Link Real Estate Agents
Link Hard Money Lenders
Link Real Estate Listings

Top Contributors

Dave Foster
Dave Foster
St. Petersburg, FL
7.53
Score
Bill Brandt
Bill Brandt
Las Vegas, NV
7.12
Score
Carolyn Chupa
Carolyn Chupa
Denver, CO
6.43
Score
Tammy Tivis
Tammy Tivis
Beulah, CO
4.78
Score
Frank Procopio
Frank Procopio
Syracuse, NY
4.73
Score

Buying & Selling Real Estate Discussion Trending Discussions

  • 3 Family Cash Cow with tons of equity: Keep it or sell it?
    35 Replies
  • I love my Turnkey Investments. BP is skeptical. Am I just lucky?
    40 Replies
  • Best state to invest
    41 Replies
  • I have questions regarding 1031 Exchange
    13 Replies
  • Questions about SDIRA
    12 Replies
Log in Sign up

Log in

Forgot password?

If you signed up for BiggerPockets via Facebook, you can log in with just one click!

Log in with Facebook

Or
btn_google_dark_normal_ios Created with Sketch. Continue with Google

Let's get started

We just need a few details to get you set up and ready to go!

Use your real name

Use at least 8 characters. Using a phrase of random words (like: paper Dog team blue) is secure and easy to remember.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.

Or
btn_google_dark_normal_ios Created with Sketch. Continue with Google

Why create an account?

Receive a free digital download of The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing.

Connect with 1,000,000+ real estate investors!

Find local real estate meetups and events in your area.

Start analyzing real estate properties, we do the math for you.

It's free!

Explore

  • Membership
  • Community
  • Education
  • Marketplace
  • Tools
  • FilePlace
  • REI Resources
  • Perks
  • Glossary
  • Reviews
  • iOS App
  • Android App

Company

  • About Us
  • Press
  • Advertising
  • Careers
  • Stats
  • Contact Us

Important

  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Terms of Use
  • Rules
  • Privacy
  • FAQ

Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
© 2004-2021 BiggerPockets, LLC. All Rights Reserved.