FSBO: The risk factor

Recently I wrote an article about for sale by owner basics that I include in an easy-to-read booklet that I have designed over the years to present to homeowners who are trying to sell their home as Unrepresented Sellers (also known as FSBO).  Non-threatening and informative, the idea of this 25 page bound handout is to present advice and different aspects to homeowners that they may not have previously considered concerning the choice that they have made to list their own home.

One of my biggest concerns that I have for Unrepresented Sellers is the safety factor – letting strangers into your home when you have no idea what their ultimate purpose might be.  Here is a copy of the verbiage that I include on one of the pages of my FSBO handout:

The Risk Factor

It is hard for perspective Buyers to look at your home objectively and to share thoughts as they please if you follow them from room to room.  People might come through your home not to buy, but to relieve you of valuable items.  There have been recent instances where ‘prospective Buyers’ have raided medicine cabinets for drugs, and where Sellers have been attacked in their home.  Ads and signs by Unrepresented Sellers are an open invitation for anyone to see your house.  With casual questions, they can find out when you will be gone, and if there is a security system.  But do you really want to leave them alone to wander through your home? 

When a Buyer is working with a Licensed Real Estate Agent, they view houses with their Agent.  The Agent makes an appointment with YOUR Agent, and the lockbox is specially coded with the Agent’s key and number.  Information can be easily obtained from the lockbox about who has shown your home.