Preparing Your FSBO Open House
For A "Safe" Real Estate Sale
Whether selling through a real estate agent or selling FSBO (for sale by owner), open houses need careful planning. Your home is your castle so be wary when opening the door to strangers. They may not be the buyer you think they are. You want a “speedy” real estate sale, but you also want a “safe” real estate sale. You don’t know these people. You don’t know their intentions. Be careful! When holding an open house always have a safety plan. Your home is supposed to be your safe haven, so decide in advance how you might react in a given situation. Think of how you might answer these questions:
Open House Question 1.
Who in the family must be present before anyone is allowed to inspect your home? Mom... Dad...just the kids????
Open House Question 2.
What will you do if a buyer seems to be “taking inventory” or showing unusual interest in your personal possessions? They might be “casing the joint” with the view to robbing you later.
Open House Question 3.
If someone comes in off the street after seeing your fsbo advertising sign and seems to act suspiciously – will you let them in? Or will you say something like “it’s not convenient right now. If you give me your name and number, I call you with a time”?
Open House Question 4.
Will you let anyone in to make a phone call or use the bathroom? Open House Question 5. Will you let someone with a pet come in?
Open House Question 6.
Should you ask for identification? I don't mean to sound paranoid, but protect yourself - because when selling your house fsbo, or holding an open house “it is better to be safe than sorry.” Here are three valuable open house tips worth remembering:
Important Open House Tip 1.
If you feel you are in danger – get out of the house immediately.
Important Open House Tip 2.
Never leave money, jewellery or other valuables where they can be seen during an open house inspection. One real estate agent told me that men are the worst at just tossing their money on the table beside the bed. Also, be careful what you leave in bedside drawers. It does not take much for an opportunist thief to discretely slide open a drawer or cupboard.
Important Open House Tip 3.
DO NOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES allow a stranger to tour your home BY THEMSELVES! Stay alongside them at all times. Keep a watchful eye on how they act and what they touch. You don’t want any of your possessions damaged or walking out the door.
For Sale By Owner
RESOURCES
Please feel free to browse through this site to explore Silicon Valley's finest developments. This comprehensive tool offers direct access to the latest properties for sale in the Greater Silicon valley. Featuring extensive community information, consumer links, rentals, school information, free reports, answers to commonly asked real estate questions, and more, you will find everything about real estate within one easy source.
Contacting the Boyenga Team is the best way to learn more about the real estate market. Feel free to call us at 408.373.1660, or send us an email by clicking here.