FSBO Tip - How to Stay Safe When You Sell Your Own Home

Author: Deane Alban

Author: Deane Alban

There is a misconception that when selling your house for sale by owner you are risking your personal security and that you are safer having agents bring their clients to your house.From my personal experience, I would say nothing could be further from the truth.As a buyer, I've looked at properties in many parts of the country. It's not unusual for me, while on vacation, to call an agent and ask to see some houses. I have NEVER once had an agent ask for so much as my driver's license before they've taken me around. I've never had an agent ask me for a prequalification letter let alone preapproval. I guess I have an honest face, but frankly, I've been surprised at this. I think most agents are so excited to have a warm body to take around they haven't thought far enough ahead to see that they could be totally wasting their time.Conversely, when I've sold houses, I've been amazed that agents are showing my houses to clients who haven't qualified for a loan. What a waste of time for all concerned - the agent,the "buyer" and me.Here are some basic safety precautions everyone selling their house should take whether selling FSBO or using an agent.HIDE ALL VALUABLES - When getting your house ready to sell, this would be a good time to pack up any antiques, collections, family heirlooms, valuable artwork or electronics. Even if buyers have no malicious intent, accidents can happen. So anything you treasure should be packed away.Make sure you have well hidden your personal valuables such as jewelry, checkbook, purse, and wallet.Turn off your computer when anyone might be looking at your house to prevent snooping. I would go as far as hiding your laptop. I don't know about you, but if someone walked off with my laptop that it would be a truly bad day.NO WALK-INS - Whether you are selling FSBO or have an agent, expect that buyers will ring your bell and want to come in right then. For many reasons, not just security, I would say no. You don't need that kind of stress and you don't want to show the house when you are in the middle of dinner. If they are really interested they will understand and make an appointment to come back. Letting them in makes you seem desperate which is never a good position for negotiating a deal.APPOINTMENTS - If you list with an agent, they should be keeping track of what agents are showing your house and who they have brought through. If you are selling for sale by owner, you have someone else with you if it would make you more comfortable when you are showing the house. Have your cell phone on and nearby, and have the potential buyers sign in and show you their driver's license before you show them around.SET UP YOUR COMMUNICATIONS FOR PRIVACY - You can retain your privacy and security by not giving out your personal email or phone number.Set up a free email account just for the same of your house. Use Google, Hot mail, or Yahoo. You can even use your address as your email address, such as 123MainStreet@gmail.com. Once you start advertising online you will surely get junk emails. After you have sold your house you can simply delete that email address.If you have a spare phone line designated this line for the sale of your house. Better yet, get an inexpensive or even free separate line with Vonage or Skype. Use this line temporarily for the sale of your house and disconnect it after you've sold it.Use this line to promote your house. Record a message describing your house in glowing detail, tell them where they can find the online listing, give directions, and tell them to drive by. When they've done all these things, then you can talk to them.This will let you talk only to people who are truly interested in your house and eliminates wasting time with listing agents and "tire-kickers".Real estate investors have a saying that "people that buy are people that drive by".Follow these few simple precautions and use common sense and there is no reason that selling your home yourself needs to compromise your privacy or security.
About the Author:

Deane Alban is a real estate investor and creator of the first "FSBO 2.0" home selling system. Today's technology lets frustrated homeowners bypass their realtor and even do a better job. Learn how with The Truth About FSBO , a "total realtor replacement" system. It's the only home selling info product that offers vital personalized support. Get free daily "FSBO 2.0" Selling Tips. Harness the power of 2.0 today!

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