Seller Safety Tips

Seller Safety Tip #1

Please remember that strangers will be walking through your house during showings or open houses. Be sure to hide all valuables in a safe place. For security's sake, remember to remove keys, credit cards, jewelry, crystal, furs and other valuables from the home or lock them away during showings. Also remove prescription drugs. Some seemingly honest people wouldn't mind getting their hands on a bottle of uppers or downers.

Seller Safety Tip #2

Don't leave personal information like mail or bills out in the open where anyone can see it. Be sure to lock down your computer and lock up your laptop and other expensive, easy-to-pocket electronics, like iPods, before your showing.

Seller Safety Tip #3

Sellers should not show their home by themselves. Not all agents, buyers, and sellers are who they say they are. Predators come in all shapes and sizes. We tell our children not to talk to strangers and sellers should not talk to other agents, buyers and should refer all inquiries to your agent.

Seller Safety Tip #4

Sellers should be responsible for their pets. If possible, animals should be removed during showings. Buyers and agents are sometimes attacked, and the owner will be held liable.

Seller Safety Tip #5

When you return home after a showing or open house, immediately verify that all doors and windows are locked and all valuables accounted for.        

Seller Surveillance

Technology makes it easy for many homeowner activities around the home, but there are legal considerations for devices that can record audio or video during showings.

Please take a moment to read this article from the Texas Association of Realtors magazine to learn more.

• "Is Surveillance Putting Sellers at Risk?"  >>