Yes, that's exactly what I said to the ex-felon who had squatted in one of my REOs, set to close in a week. He was one of the Wall Street Occupiers planted in Reno.
I received a tip from a property preservation company's plumber that there was someone living in this upscale property. This guy had taken down my real estate sign, my postings, and had the door locks changed on the house. He had a phoney rental agreement, and as it turned out he was indeed an ex-felon who did prison time in California.
As I was on my way to the house, I called my field staff and asked them to meet me at the location. They weren't there when I arrived, and after getting the police on the phone I pranched up to the front door. Remember, I was an undercover cop years ago. My adrenaline was ramped up and I was ready for the encounter...and, of course, with the police on the phone.
Three hours later the squatter and his belongings were removed, he was cited, and my locksmith was re-keying the door. Curiously, I found a couple of fliers at the property: one was advertising "Bank Transfer Day" (sponsored by "Occupyreno") urging people to transfer money out of the big banks, and into local banks and credit unions. Another flyer was an AFL-CIO flyer "America Wants to Work" promoting a "Good Jobs and Safe Bridges" Rally.
There are a lot of things people are entitled to in America, and we support so many causes and charities, but illegally re-keying a home that's not yours, creating a false rental agreement, and squatting in a property owned by another (to which you have no legal right) IS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT...and is offensive!
P.S. The house was also full of furniture, spray painted with "Reno Occupy" -- that I wil have to pay to be removed...also offensive!
Terry,
Glad it worked out well, probably should have waited for the police! No house is worth the risk, be safe.
steve
Terry - you did good. Good thinking. I guess, being in law enforcement before helped you in this situation
I'm so happy you were safe and successful. Frightening things happen in the day in the life of a Realtor!
Hi Jon -- my husband, John, thought the same thing -- but he also knows I'm nearly fearless (but mice bug me)! By the time it all went down there were eight policemen and several squad cars.
Hi Susan -- It was truly a wild morning; yes, a day in the life of REO! Thanks...
Glad you are safe and all those creeps should be locked up and never let out. This is not their country to loot and destroy in the name of a fake cause.
Terry ... Great Story! I can't believe it but I guess it's just a sign of the times!
Keep us posted with your next adventure!
It's the Wild West, the name says it al, but this sort of thing is expected when the society breaks down and you have so many relying on the Government for free hand-outs. We are nearly at 50% of some type of dependency. Be looking for this kind of thing to continue.
Hi Marnie -- you rock, Girl; obviously we are marching to the same drummer! Thanks...
Hi Lisa -- yikes, a sign of the times! It's true; I think they want me to appear on "Dectective Diary" with my next story. (lol) Thanks...
Hi Winston -- you hit it on the head:"...this sort of thing is expected when the society breaks down and you have so many relying on the Government for free hand-outs." That's a shocking reality we all must live with, regardless of political party, faith, or level of sanity. Thanks...
I'm glad you have a background to deal with this because your story alone freaks me out.
With all the vacant houses around town it's going to happen. I went to a house that was supposed to be vacant and there was a guy living in it. The Notices and stickers were still posted in the window. I also was PD back in the day and you get good at dealing with situations. Hope it closes on time for the new buyers.
Hi Francine -- yes, my background helps me to put threats in perspective, at the same time to know I need some muscle behind me. You should have seen the expression on this guy's face when I told him his rental agreement was fake! Timed, of course, to the policemen walking up the path to the front door! Thanks...
Hi Robert -- another former cop; I love it. Sounds like you've seen it all out there...it really is "OUT THERE!" Thanks...
Terry, there is more out there than most people realize. Maybe we'll cross paths and talk Cop.
Hi Robert -- perhaps we will cross paths; remind me about the Cop talk.