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?

 

 

Ross Designs Is Omaha's Full Service Home Staging Company, Dedicated To Supporting The Real Estate Industry!

 Omaha Area Board of Realtors (OABR) and Women's Council Of Realtors (WCR) Affiliate Member. 

Incorporated in 2004, Ross Designs stages 150-200 homes every year. Owner Occupied and Vacant Staging Programs, Color Consultations for Existing and New Construction, Holiday Decor Design and Implementation, and Odor Removal Services.

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Post is included in group: FOR SALE BY OWNER - MARKETING(FSBO)
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52 Comments on Safety For The Single Mom - Another Reason Not To Go FSBO?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
05
2008
278,564 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Something crazy just happened with my comments?  It just auto-duplicated them about 6 times?

8:55pm • #41
1 Featured Post

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. 

 

9:06pm • #42
1 Featured Post

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!

9:08pm • #43

GREAT IDEA!!!

I love your advise about the men's clothing.  I will use that idea if you do not mind.

9:40pm • #44
648,780 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

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.

9:56pm • #45
SEP
06
2008
1,363,859 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I had never thought about this. I think your idea to add male clothing are teriffic.

1:48am • #47

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.

7:05am • #48

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

David Mauldin - Century 21 Winnersville, Valdosta Ga
10:38am • #49
1 Featured Post

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!

10:43am • #50
422,645 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

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.

2:43pm • #51
SEP
14
2008
207,923 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

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 -

11:04am • #52
SEP
30
2008

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.

3:15pm • #53

Such a smart idea!

 

3:20pm • #54
206,063 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Tori, thought provoking and we hope she'd have more safeguards with an agent.  Thanks for thinking to share this. 

6:16pm • #55
OCT
03
2008
1 Featured Post

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.

3:59pm • #56
OCT
04
2008
411,530 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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!!!

10:02pm • #57
OCT
09
2008
143,373 Points Hit Router

Tori,

Great advise, I hope you don't mind that I borrow it for my single female clients! ;)

11:19am • #58
1 Featured Post

Michelle - feel free to use this info however you like!

 

 

4:56pm • #59
795,062 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.

5:16pm • #60

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Tori Lynn Wallitsch (Prudential Ambassador / Ross Designs, LLC)

Tori Lynn Wallitsch

Omaha, NE

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