This is one of the areas of society that I would rather not talk about...but as we know it touches many lives some of whom we know and many we never hear about. Not talking about it does not make it go away!
I recently learned of a registered sex offender in the neighborhood of one of my listings. Do you know the legal rights of a buyer and seller concerning discussion of a sex offender? Do you bring this information up to your seller or buyer....or do you let them find out for themselves?
Have you listed a home and checked to see if a sex offender lived in the neighborhood?
If you are representing a buyer do you offer the website so they can look? What do you think your legal position is when it comes to discussing or exposing the existence of a sex offender, if you know one lives in the area?
Myself I have personal feelings concerning this subject and some of it stems from legal issues, some of my feeling are from human issues and some is empathy for the victims.
I personally can not think of a bigger crime other than killing someone, breaching the confidence and trust of a child by molesting them.
I offer a link on my website to the National Sex Offender Registry. I do not look up when I list a home...I send anyone who inquires about it to the link on my website.
When I was a corporate businesss owner outside of real estate I had several convicted murders and felons working in my company through a halfway house work release program. They were never late, worked hard and were very appreciative of their freedom and the opportunity I offered them. That said I never accepted a sex offended or chid molester.
I could not feel comfortable exposing my female employees or their children, that might come visit during lunch periods, to this type of person and possibly breach the terms of their parole.
I believe people should be given second chances, time served as handed down by the courts is what it is...but social caution is natural when it comes to situations like these and when children are in neighborhoods.
How do you handle the issue of sex offenders when asked?
Here is the link the the National Sex Offender Registry. http://www.familywatchdog.us/
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You know this is such a problem today. This population just seems to grow and grow. I don't think we are coming down hard enough on these violators or something in the upbringing has gone array. It is so out of hand. good blog and good wake up call!!
Hi Suzanne, I have no clue how to deal with issue like these in law enforcement terms. I agree it is a growing issue. Thanks for the comments Suzanne
Gary, I think you are handling such inquiries very well. You might have liability if you volunteered the information, since that would be against the interests of your seller client. On the other hand, you show buyers exactly where they can get the information.
We have a website posted on our contracts that lists sex offenders. You can avoid neighborhoods where these offenders live but who's to say that 2 years down the road there won't be one that has moved into your area? Check the website frequently and be safe.
Gary, I think it is important for everyone to be aware. I think the registries are great - but they are also very flawed. I tell my buyers that they never want to believe it to the extend they forget about personal safety rules. Just because there isn't a registered offender near doesn't mean there isn't a registered offender near - kwim? :) I bought a house where a sex offender lived for years - of course back when it happened there were no rules and he was never even arrested - lot has changed since the 1960's.
Hi Brian, it depends on who I represent in the transaction...but if the question comes up....I always send them to the site to make up their own mind. I do not want to interject my feelings into a buyers decision. We do not have any obligation as a sellers agent to inform buyers that a sex offender lives in the neighborhood. It is a matter of public record. That being said I would feel terrible if something happened to one of the buyers children. So it is a tightrope we walk. Thanks for the comments Brian.
Hi Nancy, I have to agree...I am surprised you have the site listed on your contracts. Thanks for you valuable insight.
Hi Jo, I do think these registries are flawed as well...but they are the best we have at this point. I agree on the disclosure issue completely. It is public record. If we disclosed it would stigmatize the property and hurt the sale. Thanks for your comments Jo.
Hi Michael, I do not have an issue in any direction other than safety...I have seen the media as everyone has...where people that have served their legal sentences have been run out of their homes. The fear and safety of our children is foremost in everyone's minds. Right or wrong the acceptance of that behavior is going to be very limited in our social setting. I do not offer personal opinions other that my personal empathy for the victims. I must honestly say we have many areas of concern and growth in our society. We could list a litany of topics and none would be resolved.
As Realtors we have to maintain the privacy and respect of our clients. I hope you understand I can only speak for myself. We also have to remain human in our actions. Michael, I have seen many horrors in my life....as a former Vietnam veteran....none can compare to the loss of a child's trust and innocence at the hands of an adult. Thanks for your comments...I hope you noticed I have looked at our world with open eyes, employed people that most others would not have given a second look, tolerance for some issues can not be given, in my personal view. Someone after World War II commented they had seen the "in humanity to man" Yet it continues. People should be given an opportunity if they are truly rehabilitate or reformed...not my field of study. The registry does slant that opportunity against them, in my opinion.