« « Ice Skating in Rockefeller Center | Home | Social Networking Explained by Rocketboom » »

Wanted - Manhattan Open House Bandits

November 14, 2007

wanted.gifIf you’re holding an open house in Manhattan, be aware of the open house bandits. They were caught red handed at one of Doug Heddings open houses this past Sunday. Unfortunately, they managed to flee the scene. Noah from Urban Digs, Joey from Curbed and Peter from Comitini.com also managed to get the story up in hopes of spreading the news about these crooks. The more people that see their picture, the faster we can get them off the streets.

These two knuckleheads obviously don’t read blogs. If they did, they would have known better then to try to rob one of Doug’s open houses. It would be pretty amazing if they were caught because of the online exposure real estate bloggers generated. If they have been doing this for some time, I’m sure the brokerage community will put the pieces together and pool our resources to find them. This is a great example of why all open houses should have at least two or more agents present at all times. Each person can not only help answer questions but also keep an eye out on the bad apples who roam open houses.

If your clients still live in the unit and have personal belongings present, it’s essential to protect their valuables. I’ve seen agents who sit on their asses at open houses and let people wander around not knowing what the heck their doing. It’s dangerous and irresponsible. From my own personal experience, I have to admit that I too have been overwhelmed with a flood of traffic at some of my past open houses. I learned quickly to get some help. I realized that I could not manage all the people at once. Having an assistant there with you is crucial - especially in light of this brazen robbery.

Open question to the real estate community: Besides having people sign in at our open houses, should we take photos or video of everyone who attends our open houses or even check for valid driver license ID? Is that even legal? Does that cross the privacy line? I’m not so sure. Personally, I think we should give it a try. Our clients homes and contents are too valuable to just let anyone in off the streets. Maybe it’s time for a serious open house shakedown?

Related Posts

Posted by Rudolph D. Bachraty III | Filed Under Manhattan Open Houses, NYC News 

Comments

4 Responses to “Wanted - Manhattan Open House Bandits”

  1. ines on November 20th, 2007 4:23 pm

    Hey Rudy - nice spiffy blog!! When I said YOU ROCK!! and then saw the link, I thought it was the wrong Rudy……..but there’s only ONE RUDY!!!

    Anyway, this is pretty horrible! I hope they catch the crooks soon. I’ve been telling Rick that there should definitely be 2 agents at open houses, but it makes it the more difficult to plan.

    As for pictures - I know a lot of visitors would have issues with that. There has to be a better way.

  3. Mary Pope-Handy on November 21st, 2007 3:08 am

    An open house fad in my area, perhaps others, is the Quantum Open House. It’s a bit annoying but it might solve the problem with crooks.

    Before the open, agents knock on a ton of doors and ask permission to put up a ton of directional signs (this probably wouldn’t work in Manhattan). They also invite the neighbors to come through.

    On the day of the open house, there are way too many signs out - but it does get one’s attention.

    At the open house itself, there are a LOT of agents present. In fact you’re only allowed in while accompanied by one of the agents. And if all the agents are busy, you are asked to wait outside until an agent is freed up to accompany you through.

    I have not done one of these but sellers like the idea that there’s more control, more presence, more publicity. It seems to me that it’s a bit overbearing generally - but in the situation you’re describing, perhaps it’s warranted.

    Hope you guys catch the bad guys!

    Mary

  5. Rudolph D. Bacharty III on November 21st, 2007 10:32 pm

    hi ines!

    thanks.

    for sure, two agents are better than one. protecting our homeowner clients is number one. as for taking a photo or video of the buyer, yeah, it may be a stretch. however, asking to see their driver license id for verification i think is something to seriously consider. on top of that, ask for their card. signing them in yourself could also insure that their contact information is properly recorded on paper. i never liked seeing someone sign in as mickey mouse - just plain rude you know.

    hi mary!

    great ideas. in new york city, i have done just that. escorted a few people that i could manage up to an apartment with an assistant while others waited in the lobby. not only will this tactic help maintain a higher level of security, but it will also allow you to get to know the buyer and their requirements a little better.

    they still haven’t been caught.

    all the best ladies,

    - rudy

  7. The Manhattan Open House Bandits are Caught on November 26th, 2007 11:05 am

    [...] night, Doug Heddings reported on his blog that the Manhattan Open House Bandits were caught. Today, both Curbed and the New York Post follow up on the story: Two Upper East Side [...]

Got something to say?





rebny.jpg