From Haunted Houses to Disappearing Clients
What real estate agents don’t always tell you
The Scariest Part of Being a Realtor
Late-night showings, bad buyers, and strange encounters (that are surprisingly real)
If you ask ten realtors to tell you their scariest moment on the job, you’ll get ten wildly different stories: some eerie, some dangerous, and many just plain unbelievable. The truth is, the life of a realtor isn’t always glamorous — and sometimes, it’s downright scary.
Below are a handful of chilling true stories shared publicly by agents and news outlets — stories that highlight why experience, caution, and gut instinct are so important.
1. When the night showing goes wrong
Showing a house late in the evening can feel convenient for clients — until it isn’t. One realtor recalled previewing an investment property and locking the door behind her, only to realize she had to exit through a back door. As she rushed through the house, she felt someone push her shoulder — a shove, not a tap. She later said it was the most terrifying moment in her career. Reddit
Another agent reported entering a property that felt like a maze, disorienting and dark, and later acknowledged she always brings a flashlight now for that reason. Reddit
2. Creepy clients, bad vibes, and suspicious “buyers”
Sometimes the danger isn’t in the property — it’s in the person. One real estate professional in Michigan sounded the alarm after a prospective buyer gave a fishy backstory, couldn’t validate their credentials, and ultimately turned out to be a convicted felon with a history of real estate theft. WXYZ 7 News Detroit
From another realtor’s perspective:
“I walked into several properties over the years with weapons out, easily accessible, including guns… crossbows and more drugs than you can shake a stick at.” Times Union
Add to that the risk when showing remote land or rural properties — minimal visibility, difficult escape routes, and sometimes no cell service.
3. When “weird” isn’t even the half of it
Some properties bring more than dusty walls and peeling paint. Real estate agents have walked into homes with:
Naked tenants smoking in bedrooms during a showing, who didn’t bat an eye about the surprise guests. Times Union
A powerful smell of Bleach, Pinesol, and Fabuloso so strong it made eyes water; this was presumably to ward off evil or drive buyers away. Times Union
A haunted piano: one agent showed a house where she and her clients heard a piano playing and voices, though no one was inside. When they shouted “REALTOR!” the sounds stopped — and on inspection, the basement was empty. Inman
Haunted houses might sound like a gimmick, but agents swear by these experiences. Realtor+1
4. Animals, hazards, and physical threats
It’s not always ghosts or weird clients — sometimes the danger is very physical. In one case, a realtor showing a farm and barn was charged by a horse, shoved, and partially dragged before the animal retreated. Times Union
Another agent opened Bilco doors in a home only to find a collapsed foundation wall with thousands of dollars in structural damage. Times Union
And who could forget: showing a supposed vacant home and finding kids in boxers wandering around — the listing had claimed the house was empty. Reddit
5. Late-night showings + remote properties = amplified risk
When dealing with land, ranches, or rural commercial tracts (as you likely do in your territory), the stakes rise. Imagine showing a remote parcel at dusk — stray dogs, hidden ditches, no fencing, uneven terrain, maybe no neighbors for miles. You’re alone, mobile, and responsible for navigating both the geography and the people.
It’s in those stretches — after dark, far from the highway, with sketchy cell coverage — that even seasoned agents may feel their heart pound a little harder.
What Experience & Preparation Can Do for You
At Preferred Properties of Texas, we bring over 30 years of experience serving clients across the region. Whether it’s acreage, commercial parcels, farm & ranch tracts, or residential neighborhoods, we’ve guided clients through every type of property. Because of that experience:
We know what the terrain looks like (especially in rural or ranch settings), and we plan showings accordingly.
We assess risks — for example, avoiding late showings in remote areas unless necessary.
We vet clients carefully — verifying identity, purpose, and credentials, especially for high-dollar or rural listings.
We maintain safety protocols — never going alone when possible, leaving a check-in time, carrying emergency tools, and trusting gut instincts.
We have walked thousands of acres, visited countless barns and outbuildings, and helped clients find their preferred property through every curve, hill, and fence line.
Because we’ve handled nearly every kind of property — from subdivided neighborhoods to large tracts of land — our local insight and experience help minimize surprises. We don’t promise there’ll never be shadows, but we promise to guide safely.
Final Takeaways & Tips for Real Estate Agents (or Clients)
Never ignore your gut. If a showing or client feels off, cancel or proceed with caution.
Bring backup. Whenever feasible, bring another agent or colleague to show, especially in isolated or late-night settings.
Carry safety tools. Flashlight, phone with signal booster, first aid kit, pepper spray (where legal), and a car in good condition.
Pre-screen and verify. Run IDs, pre-approval checks, references — especially for large deals or remote property clients.
Plan route and check in. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to check back.
Know the land & hazards. In rural or ranch settings, study maps, fencing, water sources, dangerous terrain, and livestock behavior.
Be respectful, but firm with boundaries. You’re there to serve your client — not to be coerced into unsafe situations.
Real estate is a rewarding profession, but the stories above remind us: even the most skilled agent can be caught off guard. The key is to prepare, stay alert, and let experience guide each showing.
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