Glock 19 with +p hollow points. Works every time.

In the last month here in Ohio 2 people have been killed in forclosed homes. Another lady yesterday was pushed down the basement steps and her purse stolen while checking on one of her properties.

Angie

For those of us that concentrate on doing mostly BPOs, the OP reminds us about the need of being cautious while doing interiors. I have almost gotten to the point of just not doing them anymore. Beside the crime risk in some neighborhoods, is it really worth the little extra you get for all the access issues that come with them?

Nonetheless, thanks for posting Angie and reminding us of what we already know but have a tendency to forget. Be careful folks, desperate people will do desperate things!

Again, please try to keep things accurate. The agent murdered near Kent, for sure was not showing a f/c'd house. It was vacant, yes, f/c'd, no. And I do not believe the agent killed in Y-Town was showing an f/c'd house either.

Again, please try to keep things accurate. The agent murdered near Kent, for sure was not showing a f/c'd house. It was vacant, yes, f/c'd, no. And I do not believe the agent killed in Y-Town was showing an f/c'd house either.

"Bingo. If you can carry a firearm in your state I highly suggest it for this business."

I highly disagree with this statement. The reason is many that purchase a knife,gun,etc. do not practice to use it.

I believe it is a waste for someone to have a gun and then feel SECURE and have no clue and be rusty as a nail when they need it.

It takes time and commitment with any weapon along with maintenance and costs of range time and ammo to train properly.

Having weapons and not knowing how to use them can actually put you in a worse situation with an attacker.


So if you buy a weapon make goals with it and stick to those goals.Your life is worth taking the time to put in the work instead of just BUYING SOMETHING.

The Ohio agent was local to me. She was in a nicer subdivision, and was in the back yard. She had walked through the property and into the back yard and was checking the exterior. She heard a noise in the house and went back in. The guy grabbed for her purse and at the same time pushed her down the basement stairs. She has three cracked ribs, a concusion, and a messed up knee. I am not even going to comment on her actions but I will list what I do at every property no matter what - nice area or crackville.
1) I do not pull into the drive, I park across the street from the property and I sit there for at least 2 minutes watching not only the house but the surroundings.
2) I take the following things with me: 1)my cell which is set on location so that if I dial 911 I do not need to tell anyone where I am - my location shows up. 2) My huge police flashlight, tucked under my left arm so that should I need to I can grab the light part and swing it around at someone's head. My camera on a strap around my right wrist so that I do not have to have anything in my right hand or left. My keys (with a whisle on the ring) are tucked into my back waist band. (notice I do not take my purse)
3) Walk around the entire exterior - EVRYTIME. Look at all windows - including basement ones, look for any smudges left by hands trying to open them. Try every knob on every exterior door and if one is unlocked, leave. If you see any signs of entry, leave. Go around the corner in your vehicle and call the police radio room to dispatch a cruiser to your location. If you do not see any signs of entry, enter the house through the front door. Yell very loudly "Realtor" and listen for movement - if you hear any noise - leave. Walk the entire house prior to doing whatever it is you are there to do. Check every closet and then set about your business. It takes time but your attention is on one thing checking the house, not taking pics or whatever. I have never entered a house that made me feel uneasy. Any vacant house anywhere is a potential trap for an agent. Think and pay attention to the hair on the back of your neck.

If I am headed to a property that I feel the slightist bit hinky about I will let our front desk folks know the address. I ask them to call me at a certain time and if I don't answer they are to call the police. Thankfully we have never had to execute this plan yet.

I have on occasion called the police, told them what I needed to do and asked a patrol officer to meet me at the address. They totally understand my concern and will help me out unless there is an emergency call.