Here's an article that I wrote several years ago. Since it's getting so much exposure all over the net, I decided to include it in my Real Estate Blog for those that have not seen it. Hope you enjoy the short story!
This event actually took place while I was holding an Open House at the house shown in this picture. Certainly looks like a safe enough home.
It only goes to show one thing. One can never be too overly concerned about security.
So how are you to make money in the real estate industry when you can't trust your potential buyer? Here's a few helpful hint's intended to protect your most valuable asset. YOU!
I was holding an open house on one of my rental properties when someone off the street came to the door and asked to view the property. I said, "Sure come on in." I quickly discovered this individual was one french fry short of a full happy meal. He said, as he walked in, "I'm your neighbor from down the street." I thought to myself, harmless enough. He then continued......"I just wanted to see what you were selling your house for." "By the way, do you like guns?" I thought to myself, strange question. I replied, "sure, I shoot expert on a police target?" He stated, "do you want to see one?" I said, "sure, do you have one on you?" He replied, "Yea, check this out!", then pulled a relvolver out of his jacket pocket.
I said, "WoW!, Cool!, let me hold it and check it out while you look at the house." He gave me the gun and I let him look at the house..........(true story)I tell this story to emphasis the importance of security in the real estate industry.
This story could have had a much worst ending. Here's a few helpful tips to insure that your hot new prospect doesn't become a future suspect.
1. Make sure you pre-qualify any prospect before you start working with them. I'ts important to have a working relationship with a mortgage professional that can give you on the spot responses in reference to credit, work history, rental/mortgage history on a client prior to showing properties.
2. If client is referred and no pre-qualification is warranted or available, get copies of driver's licenses and make sure someone in your office knows your schedule and estimated time of completion before showing any properties.
3. When showing property, Stay Alert! Look for anything out of the ordinary in the neighborhood and in the home. It's never a bad thing to be too cautious. Always be aware of your surroundings.
4. Try to work open houses in couples during the daylight hours. There's many new lenders and/or loan officers that would jump at the opportunity to sit in an open house and help pre-qualify buyers with you.
Keep Selling and Stay Safe!
Dick Green
Triad Mortgage and Realty
Texas Licensed Brokerdcgreen@houstonhotdeals.com
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