Fatal Transaction: Gruesome Tales of Real Estate Murders

Buying and selling real estate can make one want to scream bloody murder. Really.

Buyer's remorse, price drop requests, and overworked assistants are among the issues that have led to the untimely demise of Realtors. As the trial for the murder of a broker to the stars gets underway in New York, a spotlight is being cast on the dangers of the real estate profession.

HousingWatch dug up at least eight cases of homeowners killing real estate agents in recent years. Some were bludgeoned to death at open houses, others shot in the head in their offices, or snagged from the street on their way to appointments. Some poor souls have taken their own lives, as was the case the first week of January with the CEO of a Chicago real-estate firm.