Often when Staging a home for a single woman/mom, I suggest that they add some men's clothing to the Master bedroom closet. Either borrow some slightly off season items from a friend or family member, or buy some inexpensive items at a thrift store. When only women's clothing is in the Master closet it can signal that either the husband has already relocated or the husband has left the home due to death or divorce - all of those situations infer to a buyer that the seller could be in a stressful situation and NEED to sell. Even more worrisome, it potentially advertises that the single woman is easy prey for a robbery or burgulary or worse.
This week I was Staging a would-be FSBO (For Sale By Owner) for a single mom. I went over my suggestion for adding men's clothing to the closet and a thought struck me. If she were listing with an agent, would she have more security?
Think about the process - a FSBO takes all calls from potential buyers him/herself and also handles all showings. Who knows who could be calling? If the home were listed with an agent, the agent would handle all phone calls and showings. Therefore the agent would add a layer of security since they often pre-qualify buyers or the showing agent has. Either way the agent would have personal data on all potential buyers therefore making them less likely to commit a crime since they could more easily be found?
As a former single mom I am often aware of the need to protect these families. I am curious what other agents and Stagers think about this?
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52 Comments on Safety For The Single Mom - Another Reason Not To Go FSBO?
Something crazy just happened with my comments? It just auto-duplicated them about 6 times?
Everyone - thank you for reading and commenting! If you have read through the other comments you may have noticed a couple of negative remarks that are borderline attacking my thoughts. Seems like the only negative comments have been received from companies that offer FSBO services.
My suggestion here that perhaps a single mother/woman might have a little more security in listing with an agent as opposed to self representation was not to insinuate that a single woman could not sell a home herself or that she would face certain peril if she did. My thoughts were shared only to potentially help someone, raise awareness of safety issues and open a dilaogue.
David -- Featured post?????? That's FABULOUS!!!!
Your comment was not posted 6 times, only once.
I am meeting with other staff members at Charleston Homes next week; I will discuss the possibiliy of having her on the show. Great idea!
GREAT IDEA!!!
I love your advise about the men's clothing. I will use that idea if you do not mind.
This is excellent advice. I had not thought of it. I do like the idea of single women having an enclosed garage if buying so that no one can tell when she at home or gone. And I so know that when we tour homes as Realtors we have a tendency to wonder why the house is for sale and may get the answer if we inspect the closet and fine clothing for only a male or female. Closets tell a lot.
Congrats on the Featured Post!!!!
You totally deserve it.
~Michelle
I had never thought about this. I think your idea to add male clothing are teriffic.
Tori,
I never thought about this either, so thank you for writing it. No matter others opinion of what works or doesn't work, what's safe or not, your tip is a great one. I'm glad to see you're looking out for others. It's better to increase safety as best as you can regardless of the process.
Here are my top 10 ideas for a FSBO showing a home:
10. Put a large dog bowl at the entrance of your front door.
9. Place large worn men boots next to the dog bowl.
8. Place fake security stickers on your front door.ie, if you don't have security.
7. Place a fake security camera over the front door..
6. Place "By appointment only" on the FSBO sign.
5. Let them enter and leave a room first.
4. Carry a key change with mace.
3. Do not be at home alone.... NEVER
2. Get someone to ease outside and gather information on their auto,ie, make model, license #
And the #1 idea
Replace the deer head with a fake human head with the inscription: UNKNOWN INTRUDER (just kidding on this one)
David
Michelle -- glad to see you made it back home safely! Did your home suffer much storm damage?
Barbara, Christine, Kevin and David -- thanks for your coments. Happy and successful selling to everyone!
Having a murder in Austin by a FSBO a few years back, this is an easy sell here. In addition, I tell my female clients to never, never, never let a person in the door to see your home; agent or no agent.
Some don't listen, and we hear sad consequences.
i have been frustrated to see how many model homes at new construction communities have only 1 on-site sales rep walking/touring many model homes for walk-in clients -
Tori - Great points for safety, you should repspond to Liz!
Liz - You have allot of valid points also, seems like everyone is ignoring your feedback.
Such a smart idea!
Tori, thought provoking and we hope she'd have more safeguards with an agent. Thanks for thinking to share this.
You hit the nail on the head. When listing with a Realtor only preapproved clients get in. Also The buyers agent is there with the buyer during the showing. Plus the sellers are not present. they leave the door is locked and key into the lock box not under the door mat or elsewhere. this is just so much safer.
Really really good points. I typically advise clients about the home looking like a potential divorce situation, but hadn't even thought of the safety issues. Thanks for bringing this to our thought processes!!!
Tori,
Great advise, I hope you don't mind that I borrow it for my single female clients! ;)
Michelle - feel free to use this info however you like!
Never thought of this...great idea. Of course people will notice if a man doesn't live there. I would not want strangers to know that I was living there alone if I were selling my house. Thanks for sharing. I will pass this info on to my clients and realtors in my area.