It’s a troubling development that has occurred one too many times in the recent months. We read about the unfortunate murder of Lindsay Buziak in Victoria B.C. in February and now in Toronto’s east end a Realtor was tied and robbed at gun point. Luckily the agent suffered only minor injuries.
It has been reported that the Realtor met a man posing as a buyer, to show a home listed for sale. The would-be buyer arrived with two other men, who later snuck into the house and they bound the Realtor with plastic tie-wraps. The thieves then pulled out a handgun and demanded a wallet. The thieves further proceeded to also take valuables from the home.
Even though this is not common and would not for a moment overreact, it’s definitely time for Realtors to really follow their instincts and not just run to a property showing with the potential of selling it. Being at the beck and call of anyone who calls is never right. In my selling days, I made every attempt to meet with the buyer client in the office before showing any properties. I also never showed homes after daylight hours (especially vacant property) unless a rapport was established. I always had a copy of all my appointments with full contact details of every client I was meeting with at the office and my wife would sometimes call me on my cell just to make sure everything was OK. I highly recommend that if a home is vacant and or uncomfortable being on the appointment alone, to at least team up with another Realtor to show the property.
I also believe that what occurred is not an area and or neighbourhood concern. It may and could happen in any area of any city. If any potential buyer client is evasive and or unwilling to co-operative in answering your questions and work with your terms, it’s not worth the risk.
This brings another thought to mind. Considering ALL the amazing things Realtors do and with the safety risks involved, I wonder why any Seller would even consider selling a home on their own.
Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage
Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Home Buyer tips, Toronto Market Watch Tagged: | Career Building and Coaching, Home Buyer tips, Toronto Real Estate Update
