6 Simple Seller Safety Tips
May 26th, 2011
One basic truth about selling a home is that it usually involves letting complete strangers walk through it. The vast majority of home buyers are safe, honest people. However, due to the rare person that isn't, safety considerations should not be overlooked. Here are 6 simple tips to keep yourself and others safe when your home is on the market.
- Trust your instincts – if something or someone makes you uncomfortable, it is better to err on the side of caution. If you're ever unsure about whether someone should be allowed in your home, call your agent to confirm.
- Don't open your door to strangers – Even if you are home, insist that they use the lockbox for access. Anybody can print up fake business cards and pretend that they are a Realtor, but they won't be able to open the lockbox unless they really are a Realtor or have been given an access code. The electronic lockboxes we use today have advanced security features and options that enable you and your agent to control access to your home and generate access logs. If someone is having trouble with the lockbox, ask them to call your agent for help or to reschedule their appointment.
- NEVER let unaccompanied buyers into your home – no exceptions. If anyone (a neighbor, a friend of a friend, or a complete stranger) shows up at your door without a buyers' agent, ask them to call your agent for an appointment. If someone insists that they can only view your house at this particular moment, don't believe them.
- Remove or secure valuables – If possible, pack up any valuable artwork, jewelry, electronic equipment, etc before putting your home on the market. Also, never leave money, mail, bank statements, credit cards, keys, or prescription drugs lying around. Keep them on your person, in a locked drawer, or in another safe place. Be sure to secure or remove any guns or other weapons as well.
- Keep conversations to a minimum – If you do happen to be home during a showing, be polite and welcoming, but try to limit any discussions with the buyer or their agent. You could inadvertently give the buyer information that they may be able to use to their advantage in negotiations. Especially avoid answering questions that could put your safety at risk, such as whether you live alone, where you work, and questions about your schedule. While these questions are usually innocent, they could be an attempt to determine when you will be home alone or when the house will be empty.
- Check doors and windows after showings – Most buyers agents will make a concerted effort to leave the house exactly the way they found it. However, sometimes a door or window is accidentally left unlocked. Make it a point to check all your doors and windows each day, even if there were no showings scheduled, just in case.
For more information about selling a home, please visit our Sellers page
This information is not intended as legal advice, nor is it an exhaustive guide regarding this subject. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein and the same is presented subject to errors and omissions.
