squatters (1)

CSI Ohio....Beware of Squatters!

Just a reminder to be careful when showing REOs. HUD, & Bank owned homesMy husband usually accompanies me to all showings.....this is what happened on a rare exception!I had an experience recently where upon entering a vacant home, I smelled cigarette smoke. It smelled too fresh, not the stale kind that comes with an old home with rancid carpet! We then proceeded to see the home, calling out "hello" as we went through the home. I think from the signs, the squatter was hiding in the attic space when he heard us coming. Needless to say, we made a quick exit. In retrospect, this was stupid.No sale is worth sacrificing your safety. My clients husband was a big guy, so we had some "safety in numbers and size" and "don't mess with me" to our credit....but if that squatter had a gun, well, it really doesn't matter how big your clients husband is....Just TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.Get the heck out of there, and have the police check the place out before going back in. Report any suspicions to the listing agent as well. Hey, they always want feedback!
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