I went to show a foreclosure this afternoon, there was a car parked in the lot but since the door was locked I figured it was a neighbors car using the parking space. Instead of going directly to open the lock box we walked around the property & the buyer went to show me a shattered door which she had noticed several days prior (she had already seen this property). While we were outside we heard loud banging & I thought it might had been workers fixing up the property. I said "hello" several times & the noise stopped. So we just stood outside kind of concerned. Then we heard the car engine running & as I looked over the wood fence I saw a young couple drive off in the parked car. I freaked because I thought how about if we just walked in through the front like we all normally do & encounter these people! They are up to anything, they were probably the previous owners pist off & are not thinking straight. By what we saw, the attic was left open & there were shadows of light in it, the banging was coming from that area. I called the police & reported it. I told them maybe they should keep an eye out due to the door being broken. I also left an email for the agent. Scary... I am sure some of you have experienced scary situations, but this one was my first. My main concern is the agents showing the property & coming accross a situation like this.

Vacant homes attract the worst sorts. I have had several scary situations while checking on my vacant properties

When I see a vehicle that doesn't appear to belong in the subjects area, I write down the license number, prior to proceeding any further.......Prior to entry, I will make my best effort to insure the property is vacant(especially if I have clients with me). If I'm still unsure, I have the clients wait outside while I make a visual inspection. Experience and commmon sense can be your best friend.

Go in and say "Is anybody in here and then RACK your gun". If anyone is in there they will run really fast!:)

I've got a new toy called "flash bang"......seems to get the job done...lol

I use the "XXXX police, come out or I'll send in the dog".

Hey that's my opening line........lol

What if both of my guns are already racked before I enter? Maybe a couple warning shots will do the trick

And, if you hear them rack their gun, the correct answer would be......."you run faster"....

All kidding aside.....some of these orders take us into a "war zone".......I had a brief encounter last year with a 350 lb. monkey....walked away from that one.....too Irish, too Aries, and too stupid....just don't care for bullies.....

wow, the x-rated police. how did you find that job? are you looking for amateur film stars?

hmm...you have to wonder what the phrase "send in the dog" really means.

Dog Chapman and Snoop Dog and Michael Vick

If you are an REO agent and enter vacant homes, you are nuts if you don't carry a firearm or at least police quality pepper spray.

Any of you folks use a Taser? I think its a ntch above pepper spray, won't do permanent damage and can be worn on your belt. I think just the appearance of something can help deter bad guys. I do believe some stays have stricter regaulations on these than other states do.I am giving thoughts to just having one of these at my ready....I get into some pretty fundky areas...

I do both... and a knife...

I unlock the door, act like I forgot something and send the client in first.