Special offer

Advertising and Security

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions"

Many people are selling off possessions to raise cash.  Some use traditional advertising while others are turning to the internet as their advertising option.

The statistics are stacking over internet advertising and selling items from homes.  It is very easy for criminals to target homeowners who advertise items for sale.  

Cash for your possessions

I was on my way to a showing appointment listening to a news broadcast on satellite radio.  It was surprising the number of robberies that have happened to people selling furniture, jewelry, cars, motorcycles and other personal belongings.

Most real estate agents know about personal security but few homeowners think about advertising and security for themselves and their families.  Being anxious to convert a seldom used item into cash is exciting.  You get a call, make an appointment and show the buyer your items and they hand you money.  What's better than that?  One other part of the transaction, many times the advertising is free!

Police are starting to take a look at internet crimes with a closer eye.  This has not been a focus because of resources and training.  This is less likely to happen with E-bay because you never meet the buyer, normally. 

Consider selling your goods but control the location.  For example a public place, not inside your home.  Maybe on a weekend and have the items in your garage.  Look at a consignment shop as an option, if you don't have a garage.  You can still advertise but have them go to wherever you have the item.

The number of crimes related to the internet is going to go higher as it's use increases.  Giving some thought to security before you set a selling appointment for your goods may be one of the smartest things you can do other than call a real estate professional if you are going to sell your home.

Advertising and Security issues have changed because of using the internet for your advertising option. 

Tanja Cisliek
Future Home Realty - Seminole, FL
Real estate with passion and professionalism!

Gary, I think Craigslist is one of the prime examples of where criminals can easily find hundrets of willing Sellers of goods to rob! People don't even think that if they advertise valuables for sale, the potential buyer could be a criminal, who now knows that you have that item at your house!!! Post your phone number - and they can use a reverse lookup tool and know where you live!!! Scary....

Mar 25, 2012 11:34 AM
Dawn Crawley
Dawn Crawley Realty - Pinehurst, NC
Find Pinehurst Homes

Great advise for the individuals trying to sell their personal items. I just read a story in our newspaper about a man who was attacked at his own garage sale. Such a sad state of affairs for our country to have to worry about these things.

Mar 30, 2012 05:44 AM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Hi Tanja, it makes you think twice about how you are going to sell your personal possessions.  Safety has to be one of your considerations.  Thanks for your comments Tanja.

Hi Dawn, we have had bottom feeders for a long time.  It seems the desperation or what some elements of our society think is "easy pickin's".  They may run into a little old lady with a gun.  We are turning into a very violent world.

Mar 30, 2012 10:01 PM