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ABoR has recently received reports of suspicious behavior affecting our REALTOR® community
ABoR has recently received reports of suspicious behavior affecting our REALTOR® community. One member filed a police report after receiving suspicious calls from a local hotel about a lease listing. The REALTOR® involved says that the caller insisted on being picked up at the hotel. When she didn’t comply, our member received a threatening voice mail message. We also received reports that two Georgetown agents have encountered strange behavior when showing properties to a prospective client.
Your safety is important to us. We urge all members to take the following safety precautions when conducting business:
- Hold initial meetings at your office
- Obtain copies of your prospective client’s driver’s license and record their vehicle’s license plate number
- Attend open houses with a partner
- Call law enforcement when you encounter suspicious activity
- Be aware of your surroundings
For more safety tips, visit: http://www.abor.com/pdf/SafetyFlyer.pdf To participate in an ongoing discussion about safety in the REALTOR® community, visit: http://communities.abor.com/COP/SafetyAlerts.
Be an HGTV Star!
“Bang for Your Buck,” a popular HGTV program focusing on home design, is looking for an Austin REALTOR® to participate in an upcoming episode to be filmed on July 22-23. Compensation will be provided. For more information, click here
Your Energy Efficiency Ordinance Questions Answered
Many agents have contacted ABoR with the same inquiry: Is my client’s property exempt because it was under contract before June 1? The answer is no. Because the ordinance applies to properties that are sold after June 1, your client is obligated to conduct an energy audit on his or her property. The Energy Efficiency Ordinance defines “time of sale” as the day the deed transfer is recorded. If you have further questions about the city’s ordinance, please visit our Green Real Estate page or contact the Government Affairs Department.
Mortgage Summit Aims to End Financing Fraud
The Office of the Texas Attorney General will hold a mortgage fraud summit on Monday, June 15 at the AT&T Conference Center, located at 1900 University Ave. on the University of Texas campus. Topics for this all-day panel include a recap of mortgage fraud trends, foreclosure rescue fraud and attorney liability, identifying fraudulent transactions and potential legislative solutions. Real estate professionals are encouraged to join the dialogue by attending this event. The summit will last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $30. For more information and to register online, click here.
Austin Police Charge Woman for Stealing Medication on House Tours
Austin police arrested Janet Hilton on April 23 and charged her with burglary of a habitation. Police say Hilton gained access to prescription medications when visiting homes during open houses and escorted on private home tours with unknowing real estate agents.
According to one detective, open houses and private showings are a prime target for drug abusers seeking prescription drugs. The Austin Board of REALTORS® and Austin Police Department urge all REALTORS® to request identification before showing properties. Be particularly cautious of individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide proof of identity. If you have information concerning Hilton and a theft, please contact Det. M. Woodfin at 512-974-8692. Visit our online Learning Communities to discuss safety tips with your fellow REALTORS®.
For more REALTOR® safety tips, visit the Texas Association of REALTORS® Web site.
