Estate Agent recalls 'Stalker' client

Heightened security for female realtors is vital, says a Masterton agent 'stalked' through a string of private viewings in the town.
Harcourts sales manager Sarah Brooking, 25, was speaking in the wake of the alleged kidnapping of a Carterton agent during a rural home viewing on Saturday, and said the incident is a warning for real estate firms to ensure the safety of female realtors during open home tours. "We may need to ask more questions before a private viewing, especially rural properties, but it's not until something like this happens that we realise there may be a need to reconsider safety practices."
Ms Brooking, who has worked as a real estate agent for seven years, said she was caught in a situation several years ago with a man whom she believed was a prospective buyer.
"I thought he was a genuine buyer and he kept coming to open homes I was holding fortunately never alone and it wasn't until I was told he didn't have the finances to buy that I realised he was stalking me," she said.
"I did pass on my concerns at the office and he eventually stopped calling and coming along to my open homes.
"I guess the decision to increase security is up to the agent involved, whether that's a male alone or even at a residential property. If they're not comfortable then steps should be taken."
Ms Brooking said police had sent a flyer to the Harcourts office about the incident on Saturday, asking for any information relating to any similar requests for private viewings.