5,117,178
If the agent admits he/she didn't check for stragglers and that the house was secure, I would think it's the agent who's responsible. (And that is one reason I don't have open houses--security for my clients.)
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John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque, NM
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Robert Smith
Brighton, MI
5,583,328
that's an interesting question.... I think it's always a risk for the homeowner to allow an open house....maybe a release of liability should be part of every open house package!!! there is always some type of risk to a homeowner when a home is on the market...
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Richard Robibero, e-Pr...
Toronto, ON
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Susan Haughton
Alexandria, VA
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
400,356
I think the agent blew it.
The agent should have checked the house prior to leaving. I always check to be sure all doors and windows are locked. If the slider isn't locked, an innocent visitor probably walked outside and didn't think about locking the door when they walked back inside. Windows are a different story.
If something seems or feels weird or out of place, I'll ask a neighbor, agent, broker, my husband or whoever to walk through the property with me.
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Richard Robibero, e-Pr...
Toronto, ON
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
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Debbie Gartner
White Plains, NY
5,773,367
Paul,
Yikes, when we showed commercial property, I always did a tour before closing...it was not like a house, but a small office building is similar in some ways. I think the agent may be at fault. A
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
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Paul S. Henderson, REA...
Tacoma, WA
3,168,284
Wow, I would say the agent had a responsibility to get everyone out. Another reason I don't do opens and no one should do them alone.
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Debbie Gartner
White Plains, NY
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Paul S. Henderson, REA...
Tacoma, WA
784,786
Something for the insurance company lawyers to figure out.
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Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
2,817,727
That is awful. So sorry to hear that. Sounds like the agent is liable here. It was completely preventable.
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
2,759,862
Good Monday morning Paul. My guess would be the agent. I hate when things like this happen.
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
1,625,353
That is terrible. Keep us updated what are the outcomes of that investigation.
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
231,224
Thats a horrible story, if it is as you say, the guilt party is clear. E&O wont cover that.
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
1,771,867
I am not sure Paul but I am really sorry. I hope your sisters neighbor was not hurt or traumatized.
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Paul S. Henderson, REA...
Tacoma, WA
6,426,149
273,787
I do open houses, Broker Opens, wine and cheese mixers, etc, and they're great and fantastic for me and the seller. I inform the Seller of all risks, benefits, cons, etc. The fact that someone hung around afterwards would indicate to me that the Realtor didn't do his job properly.
If you don't like doing open houses that's fine but to disparage the practice by saying they don't work and "see, you'll get robbed!!!" is false. I've sold homes specifically because from holding an open house.
699,277
902,538
It's like leaving the car keys in the ignition and the car gets stolen... the one who didn't check is liable, it would seem.
192,741
Holy cow!! Thank you for posting about this. Increased awareness for all of us agents...
1,712,876
2,051,769
I am guessing the robbers hid in the home? If so I think the Broker and the agent have some liability for this theft. Before leaving any open house the entire premises should be checked for whatever issues might be present.
766,969
216,904
Sounds like agent enabled free entry. Even if they looked around, the thief was probably hiding. Is an agent to look in every nook and cranny? What if the Seller came home to find agent looking under beds, in closets, etc.? They would think agent is robbing them. The open house should have been properly manned to watch each person entering the home. Thank goodness it was only material items stolen, vs someone attacked! Too much liability to do open houses..
914,198
I bet this varies by state. But I always check all rooms, windows, and doors after an open house as general safety practice. Luckily it wasn't worse. Seems like it would be hard for owner to prove exactly when all those items were stolen.
67,369
The sellers insurance will pay for any stolen items. But I can not say who is liable. When I have an open house I always tell my seller's to remove any valuables when they leave or lock them in a safe if they have one. I also work in pairs so if anyone goes upstairs the agent will go with them.
1,664,936
Yikes!!! I don't do open houses and am glad I don't have the liability.
1,466,257
Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Tacoma Washington I don't know who is legally responsible, but the agent did drop the ball by not securing the property. That was definitely too close to home!
7,871,821
The agent is responsible for securing the home but liability for the stolen items is another question.
Home owners are at risk when they allow open houses. Valuables need to be secured.
2,459,743
I can definitely see that things could be stolen even if the agent IS on top of every visitor (look how easy it is for people to steal wallets right out of other people's pockets). That being said, in this case the agent didn't seem to be paying attention and would be liable.
4,907,547
1,027,602
I agree the agent was negligent, but I think Barbara Todaro 's comment is also very valid.
4,434,177
115,482
Oh my, what a bad - and scary - situation. Agree agent blew it. And also reminds me to keep a careful eye and tally on Open House guests.