Mistake #12- Trying to Sell Your Home…. Alone! - 8 Steps to FSBO Safety

Selling your home without an agent can easily turn into a nightmare. You are taking a huge risk by inviting strangers into your home. Before you open the front door to someone you don’t know, read over the (8) safety tips below and take the necessary safety precautions.

1. Never ever show your home alone. Recruit a family member or a friend to accompany you.
2. Put all prescription medicines, jewelry, credit cards, keys and all other valuables in a safe place, or remove them from the home during showings.
3. If someone stops by unexpectedly, get their driver’s license number and a few references. Then, schedule an appointment for them to see the home at a later date. You will need the time to do some research and validate the prospective buyer. If they refuse to supply the information, refuse to show your home.
4. Always let a friend or neighbor know the dates and times you are going to show your home and give them the information you gathered earlier. If something were to happen, at least the police would have a lead on a suspect.
5. Do not park your car in the driveway. Park on the street so that the possibility of someone pulling in behind you and blocking you in is eliminated.
6. Have all visitors sign a guest book when they come to tour your home. Explain that it is a safety precaution and jot down a license plate number if possible.
7. When showing your home, pay close attention to what the visitors are asking. Questions like “Do you have a safe?” and “Do you have a security system?” should raise a red flag. Inform them that you are expecting another prospective buyer soon and escort them to the door.
8. Follow, never lead, your visitors through your home. You need to be able to see them at all times. Do not enter bedrooms, bathrooms, or other rooms that do not provide an exit to outside because you could be locked in. Always be prepared to make a speedy exit.

I know it seems overwhelming to think that someone might take advantage of you, but unfortunately, that is reality. If you choose to list your house on your own, be careful! Know the risks and be cautions.