Sellers Beware
No more pop tarts! A pop tart is when someone calls to view your home and you or your realtor agrees immediately without qualifying the buyer. You should outline expectations for your listing agent that you want only financially qualified buyers in your home. When you receive a call to show your house, make sure you know who is coming, their company, phone number, and what time. Preparing your home for a showing takes time and effort. What if you pack up, remove the pets, stage the house for someone who KNOWS they can’t buy?
Sellers must protect their personal property when the house is being shown to a buyer. Remove, pack, and secure the items in your house of value to you. Remember, when the buyer arrives at your door, they have probably already "ghost toured" your property from the internet. Point out to your listing agent any concerns you have when showing the property. You should also ask if the agent or broker has errors and omissions insurance to cover any damages.
Sellers should declare their expectations for access to their home. Larger real estate markets have created more seller safety by not hosting the house open. ANYONE can enter your home at an open house making you a target. Safety concerns may be unlocked windows and doors or stolen personal property. Seller’s can also ask their realtor if they will secure their home key with a Supra E-Key lockbox. The Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors provides a lockbox system that can identify the realtor who unlocked the door and when. This is an excellent security system when you are out of town or have a vacant house.
A professional real estate agent will help protect you and your home in a successful sale.
Heather Morris CRS, GRI, ABR, CLHMS
Broker Associate/ Skogman Realty
