A prominent Atlanta researcher was found fatally beaten in her midtown penthouse condo several days ago. The suspect, who was later apprehended and is now jailed, was invited into her home under the guise of being a potential buyer. She was attacked as she showed the gentleman around her home. Unfortunately, situations like this one are not uncommon in the Real Estate industry. Realtor safety is always promoted throughout brokerage agencies, at trade shows, and even online forums. However, what about those individuals who are trying to sell their homes themselves?
I know that we market to FSBO's quite often in order to get their business. However, how often do we forward useful information that will help them protect themselves and their personal property from those whose main desire is to use an opportunity to commit a horrific crime? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an article today offering Safety Tips when Showing A Home. Some interesting tips for FSBO's include:
1) Secure a photocopy of a person's driver's license or passport PRIOR to showing your home.
2) Write down a description of the potential buyer's vehicle.
3) Allow the potential buyer to enter your home first. Allow them to walk ahead of you and always remain at the doorway of any room.
4) Leave the front door open
5) Don't wear flashy jewelry
6) Lock away all valuable items and never leave your purse/wallet in plain view.
7) Obtain a relationship with a direct lender and ALWAYS have your buyers pre-approved PRIOR to showing your home. If they're not willing to be pre-approved first, then deny them the opportunity to tour your home.
As crime increases during economically difficult times, we have to ensure the we protect ourselves and our communities.
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