A melodic tune burst forth from the work phone. I purposefully selected it to ensure that my demeanor going into the conversation would always be positive, energetic, tuned in, and ready to act.  The caller owned property which she wanted to rent out, and it had been unoccupied for quite some time. Neighbors informed her that there had been activity at the home; however, officers on patrol had never encountered anyone when they responded to complaints. She got a key to me.  I contacted and briefed my team, not my current real estate one- one from a former life (where responsibilities and duties comprise the unseen bullet points on a resume), and we planned to assess the situation around daybreak.

Just before dawn, we surveilled the perimeter and quickly noticed a sheet being drawn ever so slightly in and out of an open window in the rear. A flickering dim light revealed a couple of shadows moving around the room. Instantaneously, that first wave of adrenaline hit us all confirming that game time was here. With tools in hand, we moved to the front and cautiously opened the door and announced our presence. The first obstacle was overcoming an eye watering, innards twisting stench of chemicals mixed with decay. A figure scurried across the burnt squares of foil, spoons, glass pipes and other drug paraphernalia which lie strewn across the debris ladened living room. We strategically moved through the residence clearing every nook and cranny.  Some of the intruders hastily retreated out of the back window while others, fueled by chemical courage, chose to become aggressive and defend “their home”. We neutralized the threats, took pictures (trash, makeshift beds, drugs, stolen item), secured the back window, and relayed our findings to the owner, who promptly called the police. This vacant property had been operating as a drug Airbnb. A couple of individuals had discovered the unoccupied home, broke into the back window and began renting use of the rooms and showers in exchange for drugs, sex, and stolen goods. Unfortunately, as bizarre as this sounds, this is not an uncommon occurrence, and it affects various neighborhoods, regardless of economic threshold, whether they are gated or not.  

Safety Checklist/ Quick Guide for Previewing Unoccupied Homes

Before Going

• Inform a colleague, friend, or family member of the property address and expected time you will spend there. If possible, bring another agent or colleague with you.
• Verify the listing and note if the home has been vacant for a while.
• Always keep your phone charged and accessible. If you are using a safety app, have it open and/or emergency numbers ready to be dialed.

On Arrival

• Drive around the perimeter noting activity (foot traffic in and out of or around the house).
• Park on the street, not the driveway, to avoid being blocked in.
• Scan the property for broken windows, an already unlocked door, forced entry, or suspicious activity. If something feels off, do not enter.

Upon Entry and While Inside

• Open the door and step to the side allowing for any initial strong odors or feral animals to escape.
• Announce yourself (e.g., 'Hello, REALTOR® here!') before moving through the home. Secure the door behind you.
• Turn on lights and check each room before entering. Look for signs of trespassers i.e., makeshift beds, backpacks, random clothing and other items, drug paraphernalia, trash from food and drinks, clogged toilets and showers.
• Stay near exits and avoid being cornered in tight spaces like walk-in closets, basements, or attics.
• Use a flashlight for dark areas rather than walking in blindly.

General Safety Practices

• Trust your instincts and be ready to leave immediately if anything does not “feel right”.
• Carry and have readily available personal safety tools such as alarms, pepper spray, force multipliers, etc., (check your state’s laws).
• Use a safety or GPS app to share your location with a trusted contact.
• Wear clothes and footwear that allows you to move freely and rapidly.

Note: Keith trains professional and amateur combat fighters as well as personal defense, self-offense, and the use of improvised weapons. Individual and group training is available upon request.