Joyce "Joy" Mahaney Brewster

This is an update from the association of Realtors sent out today (2-24-09):

A couple with a 13-year-old boy asked to look at an occupied home for their parents who live in San Diego. They gave the impression they were very interested in the home. In the process, the boy used the bathroom. After further discussion with the Realtor, the sellers determined their medication was missing. The couple was driving a white pick-up truck with no license plate; however, it did have a paper registration. They were possibly of middle-eastern origin. The woman and boy were heavy set.

This report is very similar to the one received by the association in December 2008. There is a male, approximately 40 years old, attending open houses of occupied homes in Sun City. His mission is to acquire prescription drugs from bathrooms. Reportedly, he drives a newer model pickup truck.

Realtors should advise their clients and sellers should be aware to place their medication(s) in secure places and pay attention to the where-a-bouts of open house guests.

If you feel there is risk while showing listings, please call the Sheriff's office or the local police. Any additional information you can share with them will be beneficial in catching them.

From the National Association of Realtors: 7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House

1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.

2. Pay attention to the outdoors. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesn't fill up.

4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. It's impossible to watch everyone all the time.

5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.

6. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that's not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let the salesperson know where to find them.

7. Sellers, when represented by a Realtor, leave. It's awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

When it comes to closing escrow, we all want to ensure that all loose ends are wrapped up and that things run smoothly. There has been some confusion with regards to banks issuing Official Checks instead of Cashier's Checks. Banks have been telling customers that they are one in the same and they are not.

SAME DAY AVAILABILITY

. Cash (Special requirements may need to be met if necessary to accept cash)

. Electronic Transfer

NEXT DAY AVAILABILITY

. Official Checks (Must be in state drawn on FDIC Insured Institution

. Cashier's, Certified and Teller's Checks

. US Treasury Checks

. Postal Money orders (other money orders see below)

. Federal Reserve, Federal Credit Union &

. Federal Home Loan Bank Checks

- State and Local Government Checks - Must be In-State

2ND DAY AVAILABILITY

. Other Checks - Personal/Corporate/Credit Union/Money

. Market/Travelers Checks - Must be local (See below)

5TH DAY AVAILABILITY

. Official Checks - Out of state &/or Not drawn on an FDIC Insured Institution

. Money Orders (Except Postal Money Orders - see above)

. State & Local Government Checks - Non Local

. Other Checks - Personal/corporate/Credit Union/Money

. Market/Travelers Checks - Non Local/Other

NOTE - Because of the length of time it takes to receive notice from the banks on NSF and returned items, regardless of the information shown here, if a personal check was deposited and 10 days have not elapsed since the funds ere deposited, telephone verification from the customer's bank that the check has been paid is required.

ACTUAL GUIDELINES

CASHIER'S CHECKS are the preferred type of check accepted for closing funds to close "next day".

An Official Check drawn from an out-of-state bank cannot be accepted as "Good Funds" for "next day" closings per Arizona law and if issued, could delay the close of your escrow.

If your bank cannot issue a cashier's check, please call the escrow office for wiring instructions.