Homeowners urged to be vigilant during property viewings

Thabazimbi -The surge in crime rates has become a concerning issue for many, particularly for homeowners and property sellers. An unsettling incident earlier this year highlights the need for increased caution.

An elderly woman was approached by a group consisting of two women and a man, claiming to be prospective buyers of her home. They told her they had scheduled a viewing through her estate agent and assured her that the agent would join them shortly. Trusting their words, the homeowner agreed to show them around, focusing especially on the property’s borehole, a feature they expressed interest in.

However, while she was engaged with two of the supposed buyers, the third took advantage of her trust, sifting through her house and stealing valuable jewellery. The trio then hastily exited the property, assuring the woman they would call later to discuss the sale—only they never did.
On Wednesday 30 August 2023, Dunamis Properties agent Nickey Cronje commented on this concerning episode, stating, “It’s an agent’s responsibility to inform clients not to give anyone access to the property for viewing unless the agent is present. If buyers approach you, you need to refer them to your agent so they can make an appointment.”

So, homeowners and sellers, please heed this advice. Always ensure that your estate agent is present during any property viewing, and never allow unscheduled visits, however convincing the potential buyers may seem.