FSBO Security Tips

Profile picture for Charlie Sparks
If you intend to sell your home For Sale By Owner ("FSBO") there are some security factors to take into consideration.

First, understand that you are opening up your home to complete strangers.  How will you know they are who they say they are?  The easiest way is to align yourself with a reputable mortgage banker.
Your mortgage 'partner' should be willing to screen your potential buyers for no charge to you.  At a minimum they should verify income, assets and credit scores.  This gives you the added benefit of spending time with only those who can truly follow through with a solid offer.  Why waste your time showing your home to people who aren't creditworthy?
A good mortgage 'partner' can also provide you with marketing materials to help you sell your home, i.e. fliers listing finance options.

If you prefer to work alone, there are some precautions that should be taken without fail:
1. Never leave any message on your answering machine saying that you are not at home. It will be better to say that you are unavailable to answer at that time.
2. Always get the name and phone number of a person before making an  appointment to show your house. Never forget to cross verify the given number.
3. Remove all keys, money and other valuables from the house before you show it or conduct an open house.
4. Have a guest book available and make the visitor sign it with their address and phone number. Note that there is no guaranty that their info is truthful.
5. Ensure all visitors enter and exit through the same door.
6. Always follow the visitor through your home rather than leading them.
7. Never enter a bedroom or other room with a visitor, as there is a possibility of getting you trapped inside.
8. Never be alone with a visitor.

I hope these tips help you sell your home and keep you safe!  Good luck ~
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
June 05 2009 - Albuquerque

Replies (9)

Profile picture for girouard property RE
Charlie, VERY good advice!  I always have a mortgage person at an open house.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
June 05 2009
Profile picture for rockinblu
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
June 05 2009
Profile picture for tenaciouscharm1
Great advice!  Thank you!
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
June 09 2009
Profile picture for 35Knoll
Thanks for the tips... Very useful
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
June 10 2009
Profile picture for freeltor
you should take precaution. 

But in all my years of real estate the worst thing i've heard of happening is a missing braclet during an open house in brooklyn. Rough Neighbohood.



you know your area.

Selling fsbo is very easy and safe.

[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
August 06 2009
Those are good tips, but they apply whether you are selling FSBO or using an agent.  When I've "house hunted" over the years and I've never had the agent I was working with check me out in any way.  Having a buyer come by with an agent is no guarantee that they have no ill intent. 
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
August 21 2009
There are dangers and potential problems no matter if you are selling alone, with and agent, or buying alone or with an agent. How many times has the owner or listing agent verified who you and your buyer were before setting up a showing appointment? As always stay safe. Good tips.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
August 21 2009

Good Advise.

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
September 08 2010
Profile picture for broker_GRI
2-0-0-9
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
September 08 2010
 
  • Be a Good Neighbor. Be respectful and on-topic. No spam or self-promotion! See our Good Neighbor Policy.

Have a question? Ask it here.

What's this?
Close

By starting a discussion, you can expect more of an interactive, back-and-forth experience where the conversation can go in many different directions.

Or start a discussion

E-mail successfully sent!Submission failed!

Related Discussions
Profile picture for Bridget Hazen
Discussionpartial disclosure state
  • Posted by Bridget Hazen
  • March 28 2011
  • In FSBO
  • No Replies - 316 Views
Profile picture for Jaryd Ruffner
DiscussionI wish to sell this home immediately by owner @$216,310.00 or first Very Best Offer: 7023262346
  • Last reply by Jaryd Ruffner
  • October 28 2010
  • In FSBO
  • 3 Replies - 472 Views
Profile picture for broker_GRI
DiscussionFSBO Security Tips
  • Last reply by broker_GRI
  • September 08 2010
  • In FSBO
  • 9 Replies - 2659 Views
Related Articles about FSBO
GuideTry Selling FSBO for FREE before Paying
  • In FSBO
  • Edited November 14 2008
GuideShould I Go FSBO?
  • In FSBO
  • Edited November 11 2008
GuideIt's a Buyer's Market- Tips for Sellers
  • In FSBO
  • Edited November 05 2008
GuideFSBO Discount or Traditional Agent?
  • In FSBO
  • Edited October 23 2008
Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy