Today, I received the following message from the Southwest Michigan Board of REALTORS:
"Last week I reported around 17 vacant on-market homes were being broken into in St. Joseph Twp. I was given an update that there have been several more now outreaching into the City of St. Joseph and surrounding areas. Sine these vacant homes are all currently on the market, the police feel Realtor Open Houses are being targeted."
This has been an ongoing concern that doesn't get enough attention. Last month, I posted an article about the lack of security protocols in the residential real estate industry. While incidents rarely make headlines, there have been multiple reported incidents where homes were robbed or vandalized following realtor open houses.
Theft During Open Houses
Open houses can inadvertently expose homeowners to risks, as they allow numerous strangers to access the property. Below is additional information along with links to sources.
- Common Targets: Valuables such as jewelry, electronics, prescription medications, and personal documents are often targeted during open houses.
- Source: Realtor.com - How to Keep Your Home Safe During an Open House
Notable Incidents Across Various Locations
Vancouver, Canada (2015)
- Incident: Thieves posing as potential buyers stole valuables during open houses.
- Source: CBC News - Thieves target open houses in Vancouver
San Diego, California, USA (2019)
- Incident: A couple was arrested for stealing items from multiple open houses across the county.
- Source: NBC San Diego - Couple Arrested for Open House Thefts
Long Island, New York, USA (2018)
- Incident: A woman was accused of stealing prescription drugs from homes during open houses.
- Source: ABC7 New York - Woman accused of stealing from open houses
Chicago, Illinois, USA (2020)
- Incident: Thieves attended open houses to scout properties and later returned for burglaries.
- Source: Chicago Tribune - Open houses pose security risks
Realtor Safety Concerns
- Agent Attacks: Real estate agents have faced threats and attacks during open houses.
- National Statistics: A report highlighted that 5% of realtors experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety in 2020.
- Source: National Association of Realtors - 2020 Member Safety Report
Police and Community Warnings
- Law Enforcement Advisories: Police departments have issued warnings about open house risks.
- Example: The Los Angeles Police Department provided safety tips for conducting open houses.
- Source: LAPD - Open House Safety Tips
Preventative Measures
- Secure Valuables: Homeowners should remove or lock away valuables during open houses.
- Use of Technology: Installing security cameras can deter potential thieves.
- Visitor Logs: Realtors are encouraged to have attendees sign in with identification.
- Source: HGTV - Open House Safety Tips
Media Reports Highlighting Risks
The New York Times
- Article: Discussed the vulnerabilities of open houses to theft.
- Source: The New York Times - When Thieves Visit Open Houses
The Wall Street Journal
- Article: Explored security concerns during open houses and suggested precautions.
- Source: The Wall Street Journal - The Dark Side of Open Houses
Real Estate Industry Response
- Training and Awareness: Agencies are providing safety training to agents.
- Policy Changes: Implementing stricter protocols for open houses.
- Source: National Association of Realtors - Realtor Safety Program
Additional Resources
Homeowner Tips
- Articles offering advice on preparing for a safe open house.
- Source: Zillow Porchlight - Open House Safety Tips for Sellers
Agent Safety Apps
- Tools like safety apps are being used by agents to enhance security.
- Source: Inman - Top Safety Apps for Real Estate Agents
Recommendations
While open houses are effective for attracting potential buyers, they can pose security risks if precautions aren't taken. Both homeowners and real estate agents should collaborate to implement safety measures:
- For Homeowners:
- Remove or secure all valuables, medications, and personal information.
- Consider using security cameras or alarms.
- Limit access to certain areas of the home if possible.
- For Realtors:
- Always have another person present during the open house.
- Keep a visitor log with verified identification.
- Be vigilant and trust your instincts regarding suspicious behavior.
- For Brokerages:
- Consult security experts to develop security protocols for your agents.
- Include security protocols within your Broker / Agent contracts and enforce them.
- Considering hiring real estate agents or assistants with a military / policing background or have training in Close Protection to accompany vulnerable agents when showing vacant homes or property in remote locations.
By taking these steps, the risks associated with open houses can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer experience for everyone involved.
Paul Zubrys