When you’re selling your home, pay special attention to security and safety. Listing a property for sale already comes with it’s own set of obstacles. Limit the safety and security items by addressing these items up front. Are there trip hazards? While you may be used to the step down into your bedroom, a potential buyer or previewing agent may not see it and risk injury. You, the homeowner is responsible for anything that happens in your property. Be sure your insurance is in force when you’re selling. You may want to consider highlighting any potential hazardous spots with a sign and caution tape, or fix the problem up front. Secure your valuables. This includes any medications that you may keep in the bathroom. People may ask to use a restroom (it’s hard to say no) and then have free reign in your cabinets. Even with more than one agent in the property, it’s nearly impossible to watch everyone, since many times people arrive in groups. One tactic when people are up to no good, is for one to distract the agent, while an accomplice looks through the drawers. If you’re selling, think of your home as a product, and remove any and all items of value. This will greatly reduce the stress of potential theft. Once a for sale sign goes up, homeowners may have to deal with people who knock on their door for information or to see the house. Do not ever let anyone in who has not gone through your agent. Even if someone says they’re an agent, do not let them enter. A very important tool we use now to sell your home is photos and even floor plan on the web, basically giving the world access to viewing your entire house interior. If you’re concerned about that, you may withhold your property from being online, but you’ll give up reaching the masses. www.GarySteinberg.com
