Home Seller Safety Tips

April 23, 2015

Home Seller Safety Tips

Selling a home is quite easy especially when looking for potential buyers. Your home can be posted online in order to reach more audience and eventually, close the sale. However, you can never be too sure about the safety and security of your home as well as your life. Sometimes we tend to neglect our safety and personal security as sellers can be quite overwhelmed or excited during home visits to view the property. This makes us and our home vulnerable to criminals.

Theft is not just a concern, but there are also other untoward incidents that could happen. There has been a couple of reported compromise of personal safety such as a real estate professional being attacked while showing a home and unfortunately, 2 real estate agents have been killed showing properties. It is indeed scary and what we can do is to be vigilant and make sure that our safety and security are in place. Another issue is identity theft.

Here are some important factors to consider to ensure safety and security for yourself and your home:

1. Remove weapons such as knives, firearms and other sharp objects. Keep them locked away and out of sight. This could be potentially used against you in case this supposed “homebuyer’s” real motive is otherwise.

2. Schedule appointments. As mentioned earlier, since houses for sale can be easily posted online and information provided can be used as a lure for preys. Don’t just let anybody ring your doorbell and ask you to show your home for viewing. Instead, it is advisable to have them schedule an appointment and provide their name and phone number. Ring them back for the schedule to make sure that you are reaching them with a legitimate phone number.

3. Give your contact list to people whom you trust. Provide a copy of your contact list and schedule of each showing and who will you be having it with to your friend or family to ensure your safety. Keep them updated after each showing to ensure your safety.

4. Bring someone to the showing. It would be best to have someone with you during a home showing. This will enable them to subtly keep an eye on the potential buyers at all times.

5. Conduct home showings when the sun is up. This is the best time to show the house, not only that it will allow potential buyers to have a great view of the entire property, but it will also provide you with added security and safety. In cases that you would have to show after dark, make sure that all lights are turned on beforehand and all blinds, curtains and shades are open at all times.

6. Let them walk in front of you. Don’t lead them because it will give them the advantage to attack you in case they are not a genuine buyer. Instead, direct them from a position slightly behind them.

7. Plan your escape routes. Stand near the exit whenever possible. This will allow you to escape and have easy access outside. Also, park your car in front of the property and not in the driveway to allow you to escape in your vehicle. Don’t park your car in the garage or driveway as you might get blocked in.

8. Carry an alarm or a cellphone. If your home has a security alarm and you have a remote key fob, make sure you carry them with you at all times so you can easily set off the alarm and attract attention of your neighbors in case of any untoward incident. You can also use your car keys’ panic button to do the same. In cases that you don’t have both, you can use your cellphone. New smartphone apps can be downloaded and use to ensure protection and security.

9. Limit personal information you release out in the public. The more personal information you send out in the public, the higher you can fall trap to identity theft. This also applies with personal phone calls, mails, voice mail messages and other information that can easily identify you, etc.

10. Valuable items should be kept away or locked to prevent theft.

Crimes and accidents are things that you can’t foresee. It is always best to be on top of everything because personal safety is always important.

It is best to direct walk-in buyers to your agent as showings should be officially done through the Realtor, their office or another Realtor who represents the buyer.