The question on safety of selling properties online or For Sale by Owner real estate transactions continue to be raised time and again. Some agents continue to discourage (to the point of scaring) homeowners to marketing their properties online, claiming that such practice is unsafe. Whether it is true or the agents are only protecting their livelihood, it should never be a reason for homeowners NOT to consider private property sales. In fact, selling your home yourself without a real estate agent should be safer. Because real estate information is very accessible today, there is virtually nothing a realtor can do that a FSBO homeowner cannot do.
We must remember that the role of real-estate agents is to draw in many prospective buyers to visit your property to increase chances of sale. True enough, because they have been in the business for a while, they can help sell homes fast. However, this is assuming that you find yourself a reliable, reputable agent – and we know how costly they can charge in terms of commission. But have you even considered that it is NOT standard procedure to conduct criminal record or theft checks on agents?
In any case, selling your home without an agent should not be any less safe than selling it with one – it may even be safer, if you take the necessary precautions. Here are tips to safely sell your property online without needing a agent or realtor:
1. Do not reveal all your personal information in the advertisement. To be on the safe side, include only your full name, phone number, e-mail address, and most convenient time for contact. As a rule of thumb, do not include enough information that may be sufficient for tricksters to forge crucial documents like passport. Remember that a potential buyer will only need to know your name and contact information.
2. Choose a website that protects your identity. Reputable property listing websites like sellnoagents.com.au offers online messaging systems that allow Australian property sellers and buyers to communicate while keeping details like e-mail addresses and other personal information private.
3. While an open house is a good idea to help sell your property quick, they can be excellent opportunities for thieves to check out security systems in place and to strike when left unsupervised. On an initial visit, do not reveal too much too soon and do not trust just yet. Better to be safe than sorry.
4. When selling your property, make sure your common sense rules:
* Make sure you are accompanied during house inspections.
* Make sure there are no valuables left lying around the property
* Keep the blinds and curtains open
* Be doubtful about impromptu viewings after dark
* When you sense something uncomfortable, listen to your instinct
Selling your home without an agent is fairly easy and safe, but only with the right precautionary measures.
