Why You Shouldn't Put Your Home Address
This topic has been discussed and people wonder why you should have to get a PO Box. Well lemme break it down for you.
I sent out several letters to homeowners about to be forclosed on. One pretty close to where I live. I was reading the paper the other day under "legal notices" and noticed that one of the addresses I sent a letter to has a reported sex offender at that residence. Well I don't know about you but I have children at home and I am sooooo glad I got a PO Box. Never know what kinda nut is out there.
Kelly
That is why you use a PO Box or office address to CYA!!!
Exactly what I said. I don't want just anyone having my address. I have never used my home address. I thought I would get a PO Box and I am glad I did, only $24 for the entire year.
I did the same thing for the same reason.. I live in a rural area and I dont want to put my family in harms way ... I got a big box in another town for 60 dollars a year.. far cheaper than any problems would be.
Hey why not put your address? That way the home owners can come talk to you, saves you the trip. But if they come looking for trubble Im not too worried
Good luck,
James
Another thing to seriously consider is that when you purchase a house, that
alone generates 30-40 pieces of junk mail from all sorts of vendors. You should use a PO box to avoid this problem.
Best Riches,
Jeffrey Adam
[addsig]
Good point Jeff, I'll keep that in mind.
wow thanks for the tip. I also have 2 kids as well i am only 22 so im still a kid. dont want a perv coming to my house and mistaken me for a little kid. Then ill have to wip his ass! lol Thanks though very good tip
First, yes I do have a PO Box. I dont use it much though. I think if someone is a psycho or a stalker or whatever he will probably find you anyway. I dont mean to scare anyone, but this day and age most anyone can be found with a few clicks on the internet.
When I am looking for vacant homes, I can track down the homeowner with almost a perfect record. I think the hype of using a PO Box is just that, HYPE.
Maybe I just live life dangerously. Actually, I do drive 10 or 20mph over the limit on the highway, I sometimes run with scissors in my hand, I swim right after eating, and YES I do have my home address on my business cards. SORRY GUYS.
To each their own I guess. I was just giving a for instance that was very close to home.
There is no right or wrong way, it is preference and I prefer to not give out my home address.
I have a PO Box for the same reasons you all have stated, but for 1 more:
or in several instances, the mailbox at my residence was opened and mail taken by some teenagers that attend the nearby school.
In order to avoid a late fee, I require that I have the rent in my hand or POSTMARKED not later than midnight on the 5th of the month (even if it takes a few days to retrieve it). I have had situations arise 'cause the renter's dropped off the check at the front door and the check mysteriously disappeared ("Well, I put it on your door...it's not my fault it's gone!"
Having a PO Box sure reduced the problems for me.
One other thing: If you are a full-time REI, then you may want to think about renting an "office" (not your home) and keeping office hours, for some of the same reasons. Tenants need to know that this is a business, not a hobby of yours.
If follows that office plaque I used to see: Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part."
[ Edited by glieberman on Date 04/29/2004 ]
Hi Guys,
Living in S. Florida (scam-land) I understand the reasons for NOT using a home address...
But, if you put a phone number (even a cell phone) it can be traced back to the physical address by virtually anyone with internet access... granted, cell phones and un-listed numbers are alot more difficult, but it can be done.
--- On The Flip Side ___
If even if you're using a ligitimate business name and are using an un-listed phone number because you (like myself) operate from home... how ligitimate do you really look?
Like everything else in this biz, it's a judgement call.
just my .02
Mike
Another reason to use a cell instead of a land-line.
Hi,
I like the PO Box idea.
As far a crime is concerned. I think most people who do crimes do them because of convience. I don't think most harden criminals are going to come to your home because of a business card. Unless it is on their way to a buddy's home and they need money for a fix.
I am in law enforcement and my number is in the white pages. If someone has a problem with me because I did my job then they have a right to question me about it. I deal with people with violent history almost everyday and in the 6 years I've had only one person showed up at my house. It was a 16 year old boy wanting me to drop a ticket for 76 in a 55.
Most people doing crimes are looking for a "easy way out". So driving out of their way and making a effort is unlikely. But, those who are disturbed mentally may show up.
So do protect your family. You have only some many loved ones.
Do what you feel is best for you and your family. Not what I say. But what you think is best for your family. Because in hte end its your protection not mine.
I like getting ideas from others to make a decision. Keep it up.
Marty
Following the murder of a woman Agent who was stalked and killed by a nut, Wa State Realtors and RE Commission is urging ALL licensees to use 3d party (USPO, UPS Store, etc.) address...and NEVER to give out their home addresses.
Likely that other states are doing the same, and if it's a good idea for Agents, it's obviously good advice for all REI folk.
I thave a ups mailbox because it has an actual address not a po box. I found that somepeople feel more comfortable with and actual address for mailer, but with a name and net service you can almost find anybody.
Jimbezy,
Let's pretend I'm a tenant of yours and that you have urinated me off. Let's also pretend I'm no mental giant and have a hard time with reason and understanding consequences & impulsivity.
I show up, knock on your door, you answer, I ask if you're you, you say yes, and I paste you.
If you had a PO Box, the worst I could do is pee in it
Thanks,
OTW
the p.o. box is a good idea if you feel the need. i have used them . it's just more conv. to recieve mail at home.....it is a individual judgement call........kenmax