Posted by donnafl on 8/1/06 1:04pm
Msg #136479

Safety Concerns

I was just wondering if anyone out there has ever felt unsafe? I have been hearing several stories lately about real estate agents getting harmed when they show a home or a model home, etc.
I have only felt unsafe once when I came upon a crime happening in the home (domestic abuse) and obviously didn't go into the home, however it really makes me more aware.
I no longer take an assignment if it is after 7:00 pm (I know things can also happen during the day) and always make my husband aware of where I will be going and when I should return.
Just curious about how some of you feel.

Reply by Pamela on 8/1/06 1:15pm
Msg #136487

donna Re: Safety Concerns

Good Morning!

I posted the same topic yesterday.
Please read thread no 136266.

Pam

Reply by BrendaTx on 8/1/06 1:15pm
Msg #136488

Re: Safety Concerns See My answer - Msg #136272 n/m

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 8/1/06 2:00pm
Msg #136502

Re: Safety Concerns-Donna FL

I had a signing several months ago, single man, cabin-deep in the woods, I never even knew a house was there. As I approached the house which by the way the road only held room for one vehicle at a time. The signing was at noon when I spoke with the borrower on the phone he sounded different to me, in an odd sort of way. I arrived at the cabin but couldn't help notice the old van parked near the house, tinted windows. My mind immediately ran wild with thoughts of, what a great vehicle to kidnap someone in. I knocked on the door, a man came to door in a towel, his hair a mess, younger looking then I expected, paperwork had said he was in 40's, single, etc., etc., etc.
I waited outside, he returned shortly clothed, invited me in and interesting enough pointed out the bathroom to me as we passed it in the hallway, so if I needed to use it.
Long story short, he was harmless at least with me, odd personality I guess I might say, he was an artist, no one I knew. But I must say when I pulled up I did feel a little unsafe and after the fact I had no reason to. There was a few other odd things that occurred while I was there but I just chalked it up to human nature and was on my way soon enough.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 8/1/06 2:15pm
Msg #136508

A wierd person living in Southern California, especially....

in a cabin, deep in the woods. ???????
I am Shocked, SHOCKED.
Happy that everything was ok, Susan.
BTW, you are the spitting image of my sister-in-law , Linda.
And yes , everyone needs to be careful out there. .
With the heat, gas prices, interest ratesm etc. etc, folks seem
to be getting extra strange.
Most people you will be meeting are ok, especially
since you know where they live and there is a record that
you were sent there, but no signing is worth getting hurt.
Gotta run

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 8/1/06 2:48pm
Msg #136518

Re:Thanks Bob and I'll take that as a compliment in the

resemblance to Linda but in all honesty that picture is a good 20 years old, I'm an old hag now, didn't dare post a current one.

Reply by christiSocal on 8/1/06 3:17pm
Msg #136524

We do have some protection due to the fact

that at least someone knows where we are. Whatever SS or title, etc sent us, has all the info. If I'm even a little uncomfortable I mention "Oh by the way, this company often calls to make sure all is going well, so please exuse me if I have to answer my phone." Now that may not help with a truly crazy person, but it'll make just a bad person think twice. If we can put old pics up, I've got a great one of me at 19. I'm twice the person I was then (and NOT in a good way!) I don't like my pics now, some old fat woman keeps jumbing in front of me!

Reply by Sher_AZ on 8/1/06 3:49pm
Msg #136528

Re: We do have some protection due to the fact

Unfortunately the NSA's here in AZ have a little more to worry about than "weird folks" we run into (notice I didn't say men). We've got a couple of them roaming the streets at night (2 serial killer's) randomly covering the entire valley communities. They don't seem to differentiate between men or women, just whomever happens to be handy. NOT a good feeling to go out at night after dark, however I consider my appts to be 1) scheduled and these folks really want to get their loan approved and aren't interested in me for any other reason 2) Always have someone else along (my favorite chauffeur who amuses himself with his little TV) which the borrower is made aware of he's waiting and it helps to make sure the "time frame I set is met". 3) I've had daytime hour appts with married men who made me more nervous than the single guy trying to get his finances back in order after a divorce or bad business deal. 4) I always carry my cell phone clipped to my briefcase and I let the borrower know I am willing to make a call at any time (if they have any questions or issues with their loan packet) so it serves as a reminder to them why I am there.

Reply by BrendaTx on 8/1/06 4:20pm
Msg #136530

Re: We do have some protection due to the fact

Sher - you guys in AZ do need to take extra precautions right now...that's for darn sure.

Reply by SharonMN on 8/2/06 10:02am
Msg #136679

Re: We do have some protection due to the fact

I've never had anybody even remotely strange, but that may be because we're all "wholesome Midwesterners" and my service area is suburban/rural. I'm also comforted by the fact that these people have gone to all the trouble to apply for a loan. I am considerably more wary of a call for notary service from Joe off the street and do not let people come to my home.

Single male borrowers or late appointments don't bother me. Actually, I think I'm better off at night since neighbors are usually home, and in the summer, people are around outside mowing lawns, walking the dog, etc.