Sales
people are always looking to add more bang for the buck, but a Texas real estate
agent might have taken that idea too far. Julie Upton, who covers the Houston
area, decided to throw in a free Glock pistol for any law enforcement officers
who bought a house from her for more than $190,000. So far the tactic has
been a winner with a couple of the $693 guns already finding new homes. There
have also been numerous serious inquiries about buying houses since she put an
advertisement in the police department magazine Badge & Gun. Upton
came up with the unique marketing spin with her husband, who is a police officer. "We
thought it would be a good way to entice other police officers," Upton told
Reuters. "And whether people want the gun or not, it has stirred up a lot
of attention." So far Upton has not attracted any protests from anti-gun
lobbyists, probably because only law enforcement officials can get the deal. Gun
licenses are not needed in Texas for owning a rifle, shotgun or handgun, but a
permit is needed to carry a concealed weapon. | 
