DANGER - Protect Yourself

Safety, Safety, Safety.  Whether you are a Realtor, a homeowner, or a homeowner that is selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), please be careful!  I am not writing this post to scare anyone but you do need to be aware of what has been happening and seems to be happening more.

Several times a year across the nation we hear reports of Realtors having near misses and worse when showing homes to people they believe are buyers.  Realtors should show homes with a partner, call someone and have them on the phone while showing or as a minimum make sure someone knows where they are going and how long they will be there.  Realtors should make a copy of the drivers license.  People are less likely to try something if they know someone has their information.  What about homeowners and FSBO sellers?

Homeowners should not show their home on their own but call your agent or have the person call the agent to make an appointment.  Recently a condo owner was killed when she allowed someone in to see the home she was selling without the agent present.  Never place yourself in a position of danger by allowing the person to talk their way in because they may have something else in mind besides buying your home.  They may need to get into your home to see what you have and come back later and break in.  Do not let strangers into your home, even if they look nice.

FSBO's are in a special situation.  In order to sell the home you must let strangers in to see the home.  There are things you can do to protect yourself also.  Try not to show the home alone.  A spouse, an adult or older teenage child, next door neighbor, a co-worker would all work well.  If you cannot have someone there call a neighbor so they can be watching when the potential buyer is there.  Call a spouse, co-worker or anyone you trust to let them know you are showing the home and ask them to stay on the phone while you show the home.  Have an exterior door somewhere else in the home unlocked and open for an easy escape if you need to.  If your car has an alarm, carry the car alarm remote with you so you can hit the panic button if you need to.  If your neighbor is watching and the car alarm goes off they should call 911.  You may even ask for the drivers license and record the information before you allow them in.  Try never to show the home without an appointment so you can make arrangements to protect yourself during the showing.

These are only a few of the steps you can take to protect yourself, whether you are a Realtor, a homeowner or a FSBO homeowner.  Realtors you may talk to your Broker, your local board, and the Police Dept for information.  Homeowners and FSBO owners you may always call a Realtor to get information on protecting yourself and your home or your local Police.  The point is, try not to expose yourself to danger and take steps to protect yourself!