F.S.B.O. Home Showing Safety
When showing properties to strangers it generally doesn’t cause problems for people if you take some basic steps. By exercising the tips below you can greatly reduce the risks of having items stolen or getting hurt.
SAFETY TIPS:
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Prior to showing, scan the person's driver license and get the license plate number of the buyer's vehicle so that in case something goes wrong or ends up missing you'll be able to track down the "buyer".
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Open houses don’t work well when a house is occupied, as several groups can walk in at one time and can be hard to keep an eye everyone especially if a group breaks up and goes separate ways. If someone starts to stray, immediately ask them to come back so that "everyone can view the property together".
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Always let someone you trust know when you’re showing the property so that they’re aware of it. If something happens, they'll be alerted later on.
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Don’t allow strangers to use the bathroom. Sometimes guests will look for medications there or open the latch to the window behind closed doors.
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Always walk behind the group you are showing the house to so that you can see what they are doing.
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Trust your gut, and don’t show your house to anyone you don’t feel comfortable with.
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Keep valuables out of sight. (Don't leave wallets, laptops, prescription drugs, purses, or cash out.) If the property is tenant occupied, tell your tenants to do the same.
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Try not to take pictures of your house with your 52 inch flat screen television in full view.
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When taking pictures, online advertisements shouldn't show your valuables in sight.
· Most real estate agents usually know their buyers prior to showing houses, which can take risks out of the situation. It isn't a bad idea to ask the buyer questions to ensure the buyer is serious about buying. You may want to have the buyer show you a prequalification, preapproval, or proof of funds prior to showing. This can greatly reduce your risks. If a buyer is unwilling to getting a prequalification then they are really not serious about purchasing and you shouldn't waste you or their time by showing you the property.
Having a real estate agent represent you in the sale of your property has its benefits. For instance, Engle Realty real estate agents have special electronic lockboxes that other agents use to access a property. These lockboxes are virtually indestructible, practically impossible to break into, and even have the ability to keep a record of which agent shows the property as well as what time. So, if something were to happen to your personal property, the agent can pinpoint which agent and/or their clients are responsible.
In addition to personal safety as well as the safety of your valuables, agents also serve other purposes. Could you imagine going to a clothing store to shop and having the store owner following behind you as you view the clothes? How would you feel? If you were with a friend, would you be inclined to tell the truth of what you thought about the clothes, or would you refrain from telling your friend about how ugly the colors are and how the sizes are too big. Selling real estate is no different. Many times when buyers go into properties they like to tell their real estate agent their likes and dislikes about the property. However, with an owner present, buyers tend to refrain from doing so, as well as rush the showing as not to impose on the seller.
