Risky Business

Arkansas Realtor Beverly Carter's tragic, senseless murder has prompted me to reflect critically and heavily on my own trusting nature and the changes I'm making.  When I started out in real estate I was working distressed properties on a HUD team in neighborhoods all over the Kansas City metro area, including a lot of sketchy, high crime areas.  Don't laugh, here's my slightly flawed logic on how to remain safe:

1.  Try not to go by yourself.  If you must go alone, always let someone know EXACTLY where you'll be
2.  Go early in the morning, drug dealers and thieves sleep late since they operate at night
3.  Get in, do your business and get out, quickly
4.  If you encounter people, look them in the eye, speak to them and engage them
5.  Always be closer to an open door than whomever you encounter
6.  If the door isn't secured, don't go in, call for backup
7.  Most people look mentally stable, however, not all of them are
8.  Always carry yourself with confidence and make your presence known
9.  If you have a conceal and carry permit and a gun, carry them, both, I do.
10.  Listen to your gut, period.  Always.

The sad truth of the matter is...Beverly wasn't in a high risk area, she did what most of us do when someone calls and wants to look at a property, she agreed to meet him.  She did her job and lost her life doing what we all do, every single day in the life of a Realtor.

Rest in peace Beverly, your death will not be in vain, I will be more conscious and observant to operate safely AND I'll remind other agents to do the same.

Next Please...

The next property transformation is underway.  My plan is to follow this one while it's in process. Located in southern Olathe, renovations began this week.    This one has some foundation issues, so that's where we're starting.  Here are some exterior "before" pictures.

 

 

 

I sourced this property from the hudhomestore.com website, and watched it closely from the initial listing, knowing it fit our team criteria.  Here's what appealed to us about this one:  Purchase price (can you say BARGAIN), resale potential, profit margin, and location.  The cul-de-sac locations appeal to families with kids and this one has a GIANT back yard.  It has "family" written all over it.     

 

 

 

 

Feeling sorry for the foundation guys this week, hopefully they can stay dry and warm.  This is the second time we've utilized Norris Foundation Repair http://www.norrisfoundationrepair.com/ .  They are economical, have a quick turn around time and haven't tried to sell us something we don't need.  In short, we like them!  A shameless plug for great people (Dirk) doing a great job. Updates to follow as the renovation continues. 

 

 

 

Rental Scam, Seriously, I Couldn't Make This Up

HOLY COW!  Last weekend I received two phone calls regarding the property I currently have listed North of the Legends shopping area, which also happens to be the most recent flip we completed. The question was about renting the property.  My response, "not for rent, for sale, I'd be happy to show it if you're interested in taking a look."  I promptly drove to the property to ensure my sign was till in the yard, confirmed, hmmmm.  The plot thickens.

At this point I wasn't aware the property had become part of a rental scam and listed on zillow rentals. Thankfully, a very honest paralegal (thank you, Rachel), looking to rent in the area, called me on Monday morning with quite a story.  She said her first clue was the less than stellar english in the email correspondence. She never actually spoke to a person, but did leave a message at the number listed as the property contact person. Here's his number if you'd like to give him a call :)  661.424.7279.  It was listed on the website so I'm sure he won't mind.  

After emailing Zillow, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly the "rental" was removed from their site (within minutes).  I'm not sure what the process for listing properties on the rental site entails, but I'm guessing it needs to be refined.  I appreciate Rachel's help.  Next time I have an inquiry about renting instead of purchasing, I'll google the address to make sure it isn't listed for rent.  I'm thankful no poor soul paid this person an $800 deposit.