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Don't Show Your Home to Strangers Without an Appointment

The other day a seller client told me that she showed her home to strangers off the street who knocked on her door and expressed interest in seeing the place without an appointment. She accommodated them. We don't know who they are, or even if they were qualified to buy. She just hoped they might be the ones. I told her to never do this again. Call me a suspicious New Yorker, but the risks outweigh the opportunity when you show you home to strangers with no appointment.

Prior to scheduling a showing, we verify the credentials of showing agents, their contact information, and their licensure. Nobody gets an appointment without verification. If it is our own buyer, we verify their identity and their financial qualifications. Otherwise, I might as well have a hitchhiker in my car. To not take these measures I expose my firm to severe liability and clients to undue risk.

What can go wrong by letting strangers into your home without a proper appointment? Plenty.

Theft
Violence
Vandalism
"Staking the place out" for future theft
Identity theft

That last point is a new one, but once someone can get a bill or some other personal item off your kitchen table you have the seeds of a far bigger problem than a stolen necklace.

People who can't set up an appointment and insist on dealing directly with the owner of a listed property may not have a screw lose, but they are trying to pursue a fallacious angle, namely that bypassing the agent gives them an advantage. The bottom line is that while they may not hit you over the head, they are almost certainly wasting your time.

J Philip Real Estate

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Posted by J Philip Faranda, Broker-Owner on 01/15/2010 09:45 PM

Comments (105)

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Originally posted at: J. Philip's Westchester Real Estate Blog: Don't Show Your Home to Strangers Without an Appointment

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105 Comments on Don't Show Your Home to Strangers Without an Appointment

JAN

2010

Amen to that!

I'm surprised that any New Yorker would be so trusting as to allow those people in her home. :)

JAN

2010

Otherwise, I might as well have a hitchhiker in my car.

And how many home owners who let strangers without an agent in their home would pick up a hitchhiker????

IMO, any person who enters a property without an agent is tresspassing.

That yard sign has the listing agent's name and phone number for a reason.

When my home in MD was for sale in 2005, someone knocked on my door every day. I never, never let them in. I simply advised them to call the listing agent or their own agent.

J Philip,

Excellent points. That is such a huge red flag I'm surprised they let them in. I'm very strict with my sellers about this issue.

Rich

Can't believe they would let them in! But I have had this happen too. Clients call all excited that someone looked at their home. When they tell me what they did, I am stunned! Especially since I told them not to do this! Next time I will have to stick a note on their forehead.

Phil,

Never, never, never is what I warn my sellers! Although I strongly suggest they not be home for showings, I beg them to make the agent use the lockbox in any case. That electronic record is an added safety.

Sellers are so anxious to sell they forget all common sense rules!!!

This is so timely, thank you! Buyers tend to feel that every home is vacant, and go on the property peeking in the windows. (Knocking on doors to be let in isn't unheard of either) I caution all of my buyers to not do this, as well as telling sellers to always be on guard.

Great advice J! Always better to safe than sorry!

Phil:

Someone who knocks on the door without an appointment could very well have a malicious intent in mind. If only to bypass the listing Realtor. But, more importantly, this is a safety issue. They should be strongly advised to call the phone number on the sign and set up an appointment with the agent.

Well said! Why would anyone do that in this day and age? What FSBO's don't realize is that that is exactly what they are doing with their sign out front. It's always been a great argument for converting FSBOs to clients.

This is extremely critical. I tell my sellers that even if a real estate agent shows up if they have not been notified, don't let them in until the office is contacted!

Couldn't agree more. I tell my sellers to just point to the sign and say, "Give Jim a call". If they really are interested, they will call

Barbara Calwhite Great reminder!! Unfortunately, our sellers don't always do what they are supposed to do. I really like the comparison to picking up a hitchhiker. I will remember to use that one the next time with a seller.

Barbara Calwhite

When I had my home for sale in Tennesee, people knocked on the door. It was awkward. I wanted to sell but I was a little nervous. After reading this, I get it now. They should come back with an agent.

I see this too, and we're in a rural area. I caution sellers NOT to do this, but they feel the buyers could be "the one" as you said, and there's no harm in a quick showing right?

PS--I'm going to re-blog this one. Great advice.

I live in the first house in the subdivision and often have folks knocking on the door. Would never allow one in. Why a stranger?

Tony

Even worse is when an agent who is to busy or to lazy has their client call to set up an appointment without them present. Happened to me and unfornately my sellers let her in. After a warning to them not to do it again, I called the agent's broker to let them know what had transpired.

So much pessimism Phil. What happened to giving somebody the benefit of the doubt, maybe this will be the future owner of the house!

Sometimes seller are so antsy to sell that they will scare buyers off by running out to snag them when they stop to get a flyer.

I always have that conversation with sellers when I take a listing. I say, OK, here's something you should know. Once the sign goes into your yard, lots of people will be stopping their cars in front of your house. Some of those people might even walk up and knock on your door to ask if they can see your home. Do you know what you do if that happens?

And I swear, 9 times out of 10, the seller answers: Let them in?

No, you give them one of my business cards and ask them to call me for an appointment. Never, ever, ever, let a stranger into your home who is not accompanied by a real estate agent. And ask to see that agent's business card.

I warn FISBOs about this. Going through a Realtor listing process and having a Supra lockbox is a control process.

Many great comments here. There are enough reasons that if the house is listed just let your agent do their job, as often the seller forgets to get a phone number or even their name. Why risk having an unidentified person in your home?

I always explain to sellers the importance of not letting strangers in. As you mentioned it could be much bigger than taking a necklace. Great Advice!

Those sellers must not watch the news very often. It's a dangerous world out there sometimes. Everyone should practice self preservation. You gave them good advice, it's a bad idea.

You know, this is such an obvious point you make, but it can often get overlooked in a listing appointment. When I list short sales, I have so much to cover - deficiencies, taxes, the arduous process, getting all of the paperwork, etc....plus the listing side of the appointment. I have to admit, I probably miss this one 1/2 the time. Sometimes my clients ask what they should do if someone knocks on the door, and that reminds me to tell them....but I often forget to bring this up - very crucial stuff here. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront.....I will certainly not forget again!

Great reminder as most people are very trusting souls. Even if an unexpected agent knocks on their door, they're informed to ask if they have their lockbox key with them. If they do, and the house is in showing condition, they gather their personal items and leave...locking the door behind them...making the agent use their lockbox key to get in. If they don't have a lockbox key, they're informed it's an inconvenient time and to please call either me or the number listed on the MLS sheet to make viewing arrangements. NO EXCEPTIONS!

That is one of the first items to review with a seller when I list a home

We live in a crazy world. When it comes to selling homes, I think Realtors are more aware of this than homeowners. Good post!

I've had that happen even after telling the sellers that all appointments must be confirmed in advance. Its amazing how we won't even let the UPS guy in but we'll let a total strange roam through the house when it comes time to selling it!

So true, they may have been real but why in the world would the seller let anybody into the home without an appointment.

Good advice. Worth a re-blog. Thanks

I thought most people would realize the danger. However just 3 weeks ago one of my close friends let 2 complete strangers in her home who just knocked on the door.

In spite of being in the business for many years, I don't always take the time to explain this to sellers. Thanks for the great reminder - I'd like to reblog as well!

Letting in people like that is a problem waiting to happen -- they could be criminals or home invaders -- who knows.

OMG!!! In this day and age, and with the crime rate so high due to our present economy, the mere thought of having someone knock on my door to see my home just gives me the creeps. Crooks are very smart people, (well, some of them are) and they will try anything to enter a home.

I don't think being a suspecious New Yorker has anything to do with it ;-) It's not a good idea anywhere. I have problems with home inspectors or other vendors wandering in to weekend Open Houses to pass out business cards, if that tells you anything. Bottom line, what's their intent? More agents should have this heart-to-heart with their sellers!

Terrific advice, I have met people walking through a seller client's yard and they told me they thought they were entitled to walk through the property at their leisure since it was for sale. They did not believe they were tresspassing.

Phil, great advice. As mentioned, for no other reason keep saftey in mind.

We have to be safe! We can never be too careful!

I would never show someone off the street my home if it was listed. It is a risky move in today's times. I hope they get the idea.

We always tell our sellers never show your home unless you have heard from us personally or our office has contacted you. If someone knocks on the door give them our card (we always give them 10-15) and have them contact us.

That is one of the craziest things that some homesellers do when they are too anxious to sell their home. I always advise them to never let someone in without them being qualified by me or an agent who is working with them. The world is too insane to let total strangers into my home or any of my clients.

I really feel for the sellers - they are so anxious in today's market and fearful that the house won't sell. I give a lecture to every seller during the listing that goes over and over again about not letting anyone in the house. So far it's worked, thank goodness.

You've got to be kidding. Without being rude they must have a screw lose. Just because some-one says they want to look at your home to buy does not make them any different from any other undesirable criminal out there. We as agents have to do a better job of reminding our sellers what this is a no no.

DO NOT show your house to strangers!!!

J. Philip, this is a great reminder to sellers, and it could save a life. Thanks for thinking to post about this. I'm reblogging it to share with consumers in my part of NY.

I was on a listing appointment and the seller had been doing their own open houses when listed prior to talking to me. I advised against it and did not take the listing.

Good advice. We all need to be careful in this day and age. You simply cannot know the motivation of the person on the other side of the door - that's why we have locks! We take enough risks holding Open Houses, but hopefully we are a bit more aware and can react quickly if we notice some warning signs. I am not sure the average homeowner is prepared.

Marc Iafrate, MBA

I consistently make this point to my sellers yet it never fails every once in a while somebody lets a complete stranger walked in off the street. Not too long ago a seller in downtown Atlanta was murdered by somebody who pretended to want a tour of the home

I've had sellers who were holding garage sales have people ask if they can view their home. I always tell them to either let me know if/when they're going to have garage sales or to only hand out my cards so appts can be scheduled and pre-approvals obtained prior to letting strangers in... it never fails that I get a call from a seller letting me know they let strangers in.

This is so true. Sellers anxious to find a buyer sometimes take risks that could be costly. This is something that FSBO's should be aware of as they try to sell their home. Buyers have been pre-screened and are with licensed agents.

Excellent advice for both safety and accountability. I've always told sellers that if anyone shows up without an agent, have them call the number on the sign and we'll be happy to help.

That is a great point that should be spread around to as many people as possible. I suggest that everyone re-blog this one time to get the word out.

Well, while most people are good, honest people that are just interested in looking at the house, there is that bell curve of 12% whom will not be. It is surely a risk to show a person a home even if we have "checked them out". Just because we get their Id's and preapprovial letter doesn't mean...

Regardless, even when it is one of my own rental properties that I list myself, and I am on property working on it...make an appointment with me and we will go from there. If I am at the property doing inspections, etc, I'm in no position to show the property well.

Keeping things formal is much better..it proves you're mean business.

I'm always amazed that people would just let a stranger walk through their house, just because there's a For Sale sign in their yard. They wouldn't let someone in they didn't know any other time. A client recently let a couple into their $1M home. They called me afterward, all excited. Thank goodness they had at least asked for their names. I Googled them and discovered that she had just gotten out of prison for attacking a neighbor. There were several blogs about how she had stalked a neighbor and keyed cars, etc. She was a real psycho!

Sellers should never lets someone off the street come in to see their home without an appointiont. You have many great resons posted above.

JAN

2010

J Phillip, this is great advice. Just because you have your home for sale, you shouldn't let your guard down for strangers.

I once had a seller client answer their door bell to a stranger, who just happened to be in the area on a Sunday and asked if they could walk through the home without their agent who was going to show it to them the next day on Monday. The sellers let them come in. They called me the next day asking what time the showing was and I said "there's no showing scheduled today." I wonder who those people were. We never did find out. I had told the sellers not to let people in without an agent, but they were conned. At least nothing happened...that we know of.

And sometimes sellers think they can do this hoping to sell "on their own" to save commission-doesn't work like that.

Great post. I would like to reblog this. Can you correct the eighth sentence that says identity twice? I think this makes great points and have never thought of the identity theft aspect. This gives you great linguistics for this question.

Safety first. I had this happen to me. They never even asked for their contact info.

Great reminder for discussion points with sellers. Also, more ammunition for working with FSBO's.

Great post and I am happy to see it featured. Many great points in the post and in the comments. Congratulations on the feature Phil!

Good sound advise for all homeowners to listen to. ALWAYS, better safe than sorry!

Funny, if there was no 'For Sale' sign, they probably would not open the door. But I think most sellers think that every knock on the door is THE PERFECT BUYER.

Unfortunately all too often sellers get so anxious to sell their home that they will LET ANYONE off the street in the door in hopes of getting the home sold. As I tell my sellers, don't let anyone in the house unless they are with an agent (ask for the agent's card, and if they forgot them or don't have one, tell them I'm sorry) and even with an agent they MUST have an appointment. If they want to see the home without an agent then I tell them that I will be with the person or someone from my office who does have a card!

This is downright scary. When the For Sale sign goes in the ground, common sense leaves? I've read through all the comments and there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom here. Re-blogging and bookmarking!

Definitely good advice. "I might as well have a hitchhiker in my car." You've taught us a new line; I think our sellers will "get it."

Seller's are getting so desperate that they may not take the necessary precautions. I have had some sellers tell me as well that they have let people into the house who stopped and asked about the sign. I have always explained to them the dangers but they ultimately are their own bosses.

The question to a Seller is: "If your home were not for sale, would you show your home to someone who knocked on the door and asked to see it"? Most Sellers immediately realize the safety issues involved and respond with a hearty "NO!" I try to stress to my Sellers IF someone knocks on your door, tell them to call me. My number is on the sign. Let me do my job,

Before I was in real estate and was looking to buy a home, I used to drive around neighborhoods of interest. The owner of one house was outside working in the yard and when he saw me looking he actually invited me to come inside! I can't imagine why anyone would want a stranger to come into their house without going through their agent.

While we all advise our sellers to squirrel things away during an open house, this takes it one step further. Great reminder.

Jenny- You have an honest face.

Thanks all for your comments.

I actually did that in 1984 and the people bought my house. They loved it, I called my realtor, it sold that day.

Looking back, I was CRAZY! or maybe things have changed a lot in 26 years. At any rate, letting anyone in your home is dangerous. I had 2 men knock on my door once with a clipboard in hand. They said they were from the electric company and were going through the neighborhood checking electric bills. I did not let them in and called the electric company.

Of course, they were casing houses and 2 on my street were subsequently robbed. A robber never looks like a robber. Sometimes they even look like a respectible couple.

John was it covered in your expectation during your listing appointment. This is something I cover more than once during the presentation because it is very important. You don't want stuff like this to happen. Like you stated many things could happen. Good Luck in 2010!

Here in BC, Canada, it seems that even a lot of Realtors don't take the time to qualify their buyers. I have arrived at a listing to have the buyers agent looking around for a client that they have never met in person before. I would like to see a mandatory buyers agreement here, so that agents are forced to take some time with their buyers.

Good reminder! We ,as Agents, need to take the same precautions when showing property and during open houses.

This is Good Advice! I also have to agree with Kathy, that we as agents need to be more cautious when showing buyers properties. Last month, I watched an episode of "I survived" where a Realtor was attacked and left for dead while showing property to a guy that called her off one of her listings. It's a crazy world out there and as the saying goes "it's better to be safe than sorry"!

This is a good reminder foe Sellers Phillip. Selling your house is not worth sacrificing your security.

This is getting another re-blog from me. The warnings with explanation will become part of my listing appointments. When I list, I attach a name-rider that includes my number. There is NO reason for anyone to approach the owner. I also would not give cards to the owner and tell them to hand a card to anyone who knocks on their door wanting to see the home. That's what the name-rider signage is for.

J Philip, That is great advice for any homeowner who has a sign in the yard. Thank you for passing along this very important message!

Absolutely....it's very dangerous! I've had some thoughts about having signs in yards anymore. Any serious buyer and agent will find the home, and it prevents this type of problem.

Never never is what I caution my clients long with other safety issues - I.E. personal photos on display, bills and statements, visible valuables. We live in a fairly safe area but they should not be taking any chances on my watch.

I've never had this come up. Great post. I'm adding it as part of my listing presentation.

That is so scary. In New Hampshire we had a FSBO rapist a few years back...very scary!

You stated it perfectly, "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE OPPORTUNITY".

It is part of our listing presentation. If someone sees a sign or a lockbox on your home, they MIGHT Knock on your door. We do not recommend you accommodate their request to preview. Here are some of our business cards. Ask them to call us and we'll make sure they are qualified to purchase your home.

Trust me - If they are serious, they will call us. Joy

On of my Sellers did allow a prospect to view their home who later made an offer, then withdrew when we asked a few questions, then stalked my Seller. It's a great story that makes an impression when I use it to illustrate the risk of letting someone into your home who has not been properly screened.

I never thought of it that way. I work in rural Maine and find the people so nice and accomidating. My first sale was actually someone that drove by my listing and knocked on the door. Yes he was let in. He called his agent the next day and came up and put an offer in.

I tell my high end listings to never let someone in, I will make it a point to tell everyone that.

JAN

2010

I too live in Maine which is considered a safe state. Considered-I warn all my clients to never do this. Being married to a detective, I know the risks and always warn my clients. Safety first.

Good post! This is good advice to follow. I cover these very concerns with all of my Clients.

This reminds me of conversations that I have with my boys telling them not to take candy from strangers. It looks very tempting and possibly rewarding, but the risk is way too high. The other similarity is that we have to keep repeating the message until our children/clients "get it".

Even with conversations and warning about this, I have had clients permit prospective buyers tour their home without an appointment or an agent. This is a scary situation.

Very good advise. There is a sign out front for a reason. People should call.

You can not cure dumb but you can cure ignorance. We probably all have some of both types of clients and we owe it to both types to to try to educate them. I fear however, that the 'this might be the one" idea is to strong for most people to resist.

JAN

2010

There is another "twist" on this. At open houses, ask your sellers to remove all prescription drugs from the medicine cabinets and other places where people can find them. There are two primary reasons for doing so: a) possible identity theft - they know your name and could "hijack" your prescription to another pharmacy and b) teenagers now stage "prescription parties". This is where they all get together and throw prescription drugs into a hat and pop them to see who gets the best high. So, if you see unaccompanied teenagers at your open house - keep your eye on them (for their safety too).

JAN

2010

Very risky. This something I have never thought of to warn sellers about. I always tell them to remove valuables during open houses and showings. Who does that, just walks up to a house and asks to for a tour?

I tell my buyers never to do this. Still sometimes they can't help themselves.

I am always amazed when someone lets a stranger in their house.

JAN

2010

Wow! As an ex-New Yorker, I thought that I was suspicious. Reading your description of how you pre-clear agents made me feel like a total slacker. I guess I assume that if they've jumped through Sentrilcock's hoops and can get the door open, they are probably OK.

Still, I don't want my buyers letting total strangers into their homes. It give me the hives!

JAN

2010

Hi,

You are so right on with this message. I tell my sellers before I put the lock box do not let anyone in who knocks at the door. If they don't have an agent call the number on the sign and someone will schedule an appointment! The lockbox is on for a reason..only Realtors with their dues paid current can enter. Our feedback system automatically emails the agents for feedback. It needs the information from the register from the lockbox to complete this task.

Well layed out info and such a good reminder. Thanks for sharing - and would love to reblog it!

Great advice, Phillip - saw this first as Liz Moras reblogged it. As a buyer's agent, just in case anything happens, my team makes a photocopy of the driver's license of anyone we're showing property to. The office keeps a copy for insurance purposes.

FEB

2010

What comes to my mind on " things that can go wrong " list is DEATH. In this state there have been Realtors murdered and a case where a woman selling her home herself ( FSBO ) was murdered. Now that is very SERIOUS. I always tell FSBO's to be very careful and be sure you know who your letting into your home.

FEB

2010

Outstanding post. Safety is and always should be first and formost on our minds.

FEB

2010

Bad, bad idea! and very good advice!

It's amazing we haven't had more security problems in our business but we can't tempt fate, either.

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Briarcliff Manor, NY

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J. Philip Faranda is based in Briarcliff Manor, NY. His market covers Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, & Dutchess counties. Almost 100 clients and customers had closed transaction in 2009-2010 from his efforts. Ever the high-producing listing agent, he counts among his specialities hard to sell properties & short sales. You can reach him at (914) 723-8900.

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