When checking out potential home buyers, sellers should keep their own safety, and the safety of their home, in mind as they work through the process. Here are some ways they can go about adding security to the home selling process.
Home sellers should not let any visitor into their house unless they have an appointment, and you have their personal information first. If you are the only one in the home at the time, you should have them reschedule their visit when other people are at home. This way, you have the security of knowing that if anything goes wrong, you have the knowledge that you aren't alone.
On the chance that you have to show the home while you are alone, be sure to have a cell phone with you. Any time you feel like you're in danger from a buyer who may have a shift in attitude where you feel threatened, you are only three digits away from dialing 911. Be sure to get out of the house to protect yourself, because your life is more valuable than anything in your house.
Bringing all these together, beforehand, be sure to screen all callers before setting up an appointment with them. Ask them basic biography questions such as their name, address, and telephone number. Also, you can ask them "getting to know them" questions, like if they have family in the area, have children, etc. You don't have to ask these like you're reading off a list. Just make sure you ask enough to feel comfortable with the person on the other end, like you would any other time someone was coming over your house.
Be sure to tell your kids not to let anyone in the house unless you are present, even older kids. The history of assaults are done on young people more than any other age groups during burglaries, so don't put them at risk. Educate them on the why to have them see why it's not such a great idea to do so.
If you set up a virtual tour to sell your house, make sure that you do not show expensive objects in the house during the recording process. This is an easy way for potential criminals to check out your house without even being there to see what they can get their hands on.
Talk to your neighbors and let them know that you are selling your home. You should keep a good rapport with them, and check in to see if anyone has checked out the house while they're not there. Some potential burglars will check out open houses, or participate in walk-throughs to pose as a potential buyer to check out the properties they want to rob later on.
Be sure to clear all entries into the house, including trimming high hedges and bushes near windows. Burglars use low-lit areas and high hedges to gain unseen access so that they are covered by these items. So replace all outdoor lights with higher wattage bulbs, and keep everything else trim and proper.
Following these steps while selling your own house will allow you greater safety and security throughout the whole process, and won't allow you to be the next victim on a burglar's hit list.
