12 things that you can do when you want to sell your own house that may save your life…
1.
Never let strangers who walk up to your door into your house and advise your children not to let anyone in the house, no matter what they say- Make them schedule an appointment in advance.
2.Always screen prospective buyers before they step foot into your home- Ask for employment information and get a phone number to call them at work. Ask for a home phone number, do Internet research and confirm they are the actual property owners or call their landlord. Talk to their lender and confirm that they are legitimate buyers.
3.Never give your home phone number to buyers- Would-be criminals will know when you are not home if they call and don't get an answer.
4.Never give your work or home schedule to buyers- Telling would-be buyers that no one is home at a certain time of the day let's them know the perfect time to come back and victimize you.
5.Never show your home alone- There is safety in numbers. Have another adult with you. Avoid exposing your children to strangers in the house.
6.Always accompany buyers throughout your house at all times- This allows you to prevent theft and the unlocking of windows and doors for later re-entry when you aren't home.
7.Hide all valuables: jewelry, bank info, prescription medication, etc. Hide them where thieves don't think to look. If necessary, put valuables in storage.
8.Always have your escape route preplanned just in case of emergency
9.Never let buyers get between you and your escape route (the front or back door). You should never enter a room or space in front of the buyer.
10.Always let someone; relative, friend or better yet, a neighbor, know who’s coming to see your house and at what time. Have a check in time, if they don't hear from you at a pre-determined time, they need to call or get to your house immediately.
11.Keep your cordless home phone in hand at all times in case you need to call for help, this is better that a cell phone because with 911- your address will pop up on the dispatch operators screen even if you can’t talk.
12.If you are uncomfortable taking these extra precautionary steps, call a real estate agent who is trained to protect not only themselves, but to advise you on protecting your valuables as well.
