How Cautious Should We Be?
On September 25th, 2014, Realtor Beverly Carter was reported missing after she'd been showing a home to prospective clients in Scott, Arizona. Five days later, her body was recovered not far from the home she was showing.
Two suspects were later detained and charged with her murder. They did not know Ms. Carter prior to seeing the home and contacted her about the property VIA email. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to make a sale, Ms. Carter met the couple at the home. Ms. Carter did inform her office and husband about where she would be, but those were the only steps towards security that she had taken.
Since these tragic events have unfolded, Realtors across the nation have been reevaluating the methods and security protocol that they exercise when meeting new clients. Some offices leave it entirely to the agent's discretion. Some offices require a meeting and copy of a photo ID before showing a home and others offer self defense courses. However, some agents are looking for additional security when meeting home buyers and have explored concealed firearms.
There are certainly arguments to be made on both sides of this issue - not to mention the fact that some agents already carry firearms when out in the field. The questions that I hope to raise are whether or not agents should be required to disclose to a prospect if he or she is carrying a weapon. Sometimes even such a conversation may work as a deterrent. Also, as a home buyer, would you feel comfortable if your agent was armed? Would you want to be made aware that he or she is carrying a gun?
I'm very curious to hear from you and open a healthy and vigorous debate. Thank you all for visiting!
