Over the years I have interviewed many homeowners that have attempted to sell their home on their own without using a Realtor.They place a sign on the lawn, place an ad with their phone number, time when they can be reached as well as including their address for an open house. It has surprised me to find out that most FSBO's just rely on caller ID as way to prescreen buyers & many have allowed potential buyers that randomly knocked on their door from the sign or an open house to enter their home without even gathering any information.
One of the greatest issues they overlook is safety
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of con artists, & thieves that masquerade as prospective buyers in an attempt to gain access to a property,or worse, its occupants.
As Realtors we take the time to probe, ask questions & carefully prescreen buyers to insure that they are sincere in their inquiry & financially qualified to purchase the home in question before we even show any homes.
In order to prevent you from falling victim to an unsafe situation when selling your home by owner I have compiled a For Sale By Owner Safety Checklist :
Do screen prospective buyers over the phone. Ask as many questions as possible unitl you feel comfortable before making an appointment.
Don't make an appointment before getting their name & phone number & have verified all the information. Let them know that they will need to show you some type of ID before entering your home.Either make a copy of their license or write down the information.
Do leave the prospective buyer's name & information with a friend, family member or neighbor before showing the home.
Don't provide information about your home's security features.
Don't say anything that will reveal your schedule.
Do keep a detailed log of names , addresses, IDs of all buyers that enter your home from appointments or from an open house.
Don't be alone when showing your home; try to have another adult present with you.
Do carry your cell phone with you when showing your home.
Don't let buyers walk through your home unattended. .
Do hide from sight all valuables & prescription drugs.
If at any time you begin to feel overwhelmed with scheduling, screening and showing your home & would like to hire a Realtor to represent you help is just a phone call away.
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