A Mississippi man was arrested for assaulting a realtor at an open house.
WJTV reports Jerry Glynn Dennis, 64, was apprehended for an incident taking place on July in the town of Pearl. The victim, who was not identified, told investigators that she was preparing the residence for an open house when Dennis came inside and pulled a handgun. Dennis and the realtor struggled over the weapon – the victim bit Dennis’ arm and he pistol whipped her. The victim said she was then sexually assaulted, with Dennis stealing her car keys and cell phone before fleeing.
Dennis was charged with two counts of sexual battery, kidnapping and armed robbery. He is being held in the Rankin County Detention Center on a $950,000 bond.
Photo: Mug shot of Jerry Glynn Dennis, courtesy of the Rankin County Detention Center
This is why I don’t do open houses. I had a friend murdered on a brokers open, on a Tuesday at 11am. They never found the killer. I dint think in my 27 years in real estate have I ever sold a house on an open.
Open Houses have never been about selling a house. It’s farming for new buyer clients, and appeasing sellers who think it’s helpful. I have sold new construction from hosting a model home open, but never an existing home.
As a new Realtor back in the 80’s I was holding an open house at my new listing. It was snowing heavily and the house was a little remote but I went anyway. There was a cheery fire in the fireplace and the house was beautiful. I sat by the fire and promptly dozed off. An hour later I heard footsteps and the doorbell ring. A nice couple came in, very cheerful. After a long tour and looking at the trees and landscape disappearing beneath a carpet of snow they turned to me and said they wanted to make an offer. The house smoothly closed and everyone was happy. Never happened again but what a sweet sale!
That sounds like a good foundation for a Hallmark Christmas movie. Ahhh, the sweet ones!
What is not to say that, the couple would have not bought it anyway from MLS . I do think open houses are a danger to agents. Why take a chance when the mls has so many pictures and tours. Yes people have sold homes from open houses, I am not one of them. No more open houses for me. Hope agents who have open houses take someone with them if that is what they and their sellers want.
That is a good reason why for sale by owner is dangerous. At lease we agents can check out our potential buyers before showing to them. Not so on open houses.
I hope that agent has a lot of support by her friends and office. I know she will be in my prayers.