10 Safety Tips for todays Sellers

As if selling your home in today’s market did not pose enough challenges on you, scams targeting the Real Estate market are growing.

Selling For Sale by Owner? You better be vigilant!

The summer started off with a local couple robbing Rent Rolls from Real Estate offices. In some cases they also took laptops and ID's right out from the Real Estate office. Then we saw an uptick in scams. People pretending to be NYS Licensed Real Estate Agents trying to book showings for homes. In some cases they were successful.. n old Rental scam reemerged where a person pretends to be the owner of a home, rents it out to an unknowing person. The scamer makes off with the Security Deposit and at least, the first months rent. Some of these targeted homes were never even for rent, but rather For Sale. Now we have "overseas buyers" that will want to put money down on the house, but first they need some info to wire you the funds. Most of this is very personal info. In the end, they are fake and were just stealing your identity.

Not all of these scams targeted FSBO's. Just as many targeted unsuspecting Agents and Offices. So what's a seller to do? First and foremost is to Be on Guard. Yes, times are tough, but you can not let your guard down...ever.

These 10 Safety Tips not only apply to For Sale by Owners, but those homes listed with Realtors as well.

1. SCREEN CALLERS: Before giving them an appointment to see your home ask them for their legal name, existing address, and telephone number (land-line, not a cell number).

2. GET THEM PRE APPROVE: Most agents will get their buyers Pre Approved before driving them all over town. The agents will typically have a knowledge of the person pre approving the buyer. However, it is very easy for a buyer to forge a Pre Approval letter. When a buyer wants to see your home, ask them to send you their Pre Approval letter and then check it out. Is the company legit. Have they heard of the buyer? Did they run a credit check on the buyer. You can''t see the report, but if they did, you know that a Social Security number is on file with the company. If it looks fishy, it probably is. Simply request that they get pre approved by your bank or mortgage broker. Once you are comfortable that the buyer is legit, its time to set up the appointment, but your Guard can not be let down yet!

3. SHOWING TIME: Do not let unannounced visitors into your home EVER! Unless you have pre screened the buyer and have their information on file, they d not come through that door. If you are alone in the house. Make sure there is more than one person in your home when showing your property. Remember, safety in numbers.

4. BE PREPARED: Keep all doors unlocked so you can get out quick if you need to. Keep a cell phone with you and have 911 programed into Speed dial.  Call a friend and stay on the phone with them while the person views your home or turn on the speaker phone so they can listen in. Park your car on the street so it can not be blocked in. Keep your car doors opened.

5. THE ESCAPE PLAN: If you are in danger call 911 for help via the speed dial and get out. Get away by running out of the house into your vehicle or neighbors house. Remember, your life is more important than property. Most criminals interviewed say they do not want to harm anyone when taking property, but if a person puts up a fight, so do they. Property and things in your home can be replaced, your life cannot!

Other things to remember

1. Tell your children, even if they are older to not let anyone in the house unless you are there. Even teenage children should not let anyone into the house. More assaults are committed on young people from the ages of 15- 25 years of age than any other age group.

2. Be very aware of virtual tours and on line pictures. Make sure there are no expensive objects in the room(s). Criminals look for opportunities such as these to target homes to burglarize.

3. Remove all medication from the house and secure in a safe until after the showing. Do the same with jewelry, cash and legal documents.

4. Let neighbors know you are selling your home. Check with them on a regular basis to see if anyone has been around the house when you are not there. Criminals often use an open houses to pose as a potential buyer to scope out properties to be burglarize later.

5. Keeping the curb appeal not only adds value when you are selling a home, but adds to the safety of your home as well. Criminals say they look for high bushes near windows, not well-lit areas of a home, and concealed entrances to gain access to a home. Keep bushes trimmed low, repair or add higher wattage light bulbs to existing lights, and keep entrances well lit for prevention.

As I mentioned earlier, these rules apply to both Realtors and For Sale by Owners. When you are getting ready to select an Agent to represent you, ask them how they will protect you too. A great agent will be able to tell you immediately what their Safety Plan is.

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