Strangers in Your Home When it is For Sale! Watch Out!

Who’s in your Home and What are they really doing there?

Our local Realtor’s association posts warnings time and time again about people who have been stealing medicine in cabinets, staking out homes, or are just up to no good.

3 Ways in keeping your home safe from these types of predators.

1. Utilization of a REALTOR Keybox. (Dont use a code keybox.) Most REALTORS utilize a keypad that they have to update through their computer weekly. If they dont update the keypad they cant gain access to homes. They also are given their own pin number to use the keypad. Whenever someone accesses your home via a REALTOR Risco Keypad system, it is logged for the listing agent and the board to know who gained access. This way you will only have authorized people in your home.

2. Only allow Agents to use the keypad…even if they knock on your door. Recently there was someone claiming to be an agent who entered a home by a for sale by owner. They used a business card of another agent and went inside the house. Whenever an agent knocks, make sure that they call your agent or use the REALTOR keypad to gain access.

3. Have the agents ensure the people are qualified. If someone has gone through the preapproval process you know that they are serious about buying a home. I had a friend once list his home on craigslist.com and ksl.com He received many calls from an interested buyer in his home. He would run home from work just to show the buyer. The buyer would ask to come back later with his wife. This friend would change his schedule to meet the potential buyer. Than the buyer was negotiating with him getting him to come down on his price. Than after all is said and done the buyer really couldnt buy a home. This doesnt only waste people’s time, but it also allows people in your home that you really know nothing about.

Following these three tips will ensure safety of your home, your possessions, and your family. Use a REALTOR keybox, only allow agents into your home via the keybox, and have a REALTOR ensure the potential buyers are preapproved.