For Sale by Owner Safety

Showing your home yourself is quite different thanbe sure that there are at least 2 adults in the home.
having a Realtor do it for you. FSBO's can be a reallyAlso, don't allow the showing to "split up." Interested
rewarding experience, however there are not thebuyers should be respectful of your home and your
usual screening processes built into the selling situationrules for showing it. If viewers start making insistences
that there typically are when dealing with an agent.or excuses to break up the viewing group then you
These processes are designed to screen out thosemay have something to be concerned about.
individuals that do not have a genuine interest inDuring a show of your own home you must remain
purchasing the home. Or those who have more sinistervigilant of what your guests are doing and the way
motives. It is unfortunate that there are those whothat they reply to your questions. Also, be mindful of
prey on FSBO homes, but this is something that canthe information that you give them. Telling someone
be easily prevented by a bit of planning andthat you will not be at home during a certain period is a
forethought.bad start. Also beware of questions that seem to be
There are some definite principles that you shouldtrying to assess the level of security or the comings
operate on when selling your home yourself. One ofand goings of your family. Essentially there are two
the best things to adhere to is to never show thenecessary steps that you can observe to ensure a
house without an appointment. This is a great way tohigh quality of viewers; ask for an appointment and
separate those who just want a "look inside" withrequire a pre-qualification or approval letter from their
those who are genuinely interested in buying. The nextmortgage lender. This will ensure that you are dealing
things to remember are basic personal and familywith interested buyers.
safety concerns. Don't show your home alone. Always