Today, during COVID-19 more than ever, we are, as a society, more safety mindful in a real estate market than in any other time.
It was not too long ago, that lots of people did not lock their doors, and in some cases, left their keys in their cars and trucks overnight. Kids might roam neighborhoods, or uninhabited land, or forests, or just around nearby townships. The only rule, was that kids had to come in before dark, or when the front porch light would come on. There was a good deal of trust in the world, and risk was something that existed in another nation or in big cities, like New York, Chicago etc., but even there the dangers were more along the line of car mishaps, commercial accidents and so forth.
Now, we live in a really contrasting world and are very mindful at all times for the unknown danger that may be hiding around any corner. Neighborhoods have actually been developed around safety, like gated communities, homeowner associations, neighborhood parks and swimming pools, etc. Organized sports have taken the place of roaming their surroundings for kids. Parents are ever-vigil and accompany most kids everywhere. Not too long ago, news reported that a group of moms and dads were issued summons for letting their children to wander around the neighborhood and walk to school without supervision.
Majority of the houses have been installing security systems, that in the past, would have been done in the places of business in a bad neighborhoods.
Tips for Sellers and Buyers in Today’s Real Estate Market
At each showing, individuals whom you do not know are entering your house. You have no concept what objectives, if any, they might have for your valuables.
If you are marketing your home in today’s real estate market, make sure that your Realtor belongs to the local board, sets up an electronic lock box on the door, and keep your alarm in working condition. Make that your security cameras are working if you have security any. You always need to know who tours your house, what they are doing and that your Realtor is in excellent standing with the local board. All MLS boards have background checks and fingerprinting of their members.
If you feel that you can sell your home by yourself, you must be sure that you, too, know who is being available in your home and if they are really looking for a home or simply “tire-kickers” or nosy. Never ever show your home to a stranger alone. Constantly have somebody there with you in case there is a genuine problem.
This advice is for Realtors, as well as sellers: When showing your house, never stroll in front of a potential Buyers – you actually do not know the genuine intent up until you learn more about them. Always walk behind them, enabling them to see the spaces, keeping an escape option, simply in case you require it. This might appear paranoiac, but all it takes is one time to convince you that your security is an utmost importance.
Secure Your Belongings in Today’s Real Estate Market
As a Realtor, I have seen pricey watches laying on dressers, prescription drugs left out on counters, and in one case, a diamond ring sitting on the cooking area counter. We wish to believe that everyone has good intentions and is just there to see our house, however it takes simply a blink of an eye for items such as that to be slipped into a pocket. A good practice is to put all your fashion jewelry, despite its value and medications of any kind out of sight at all times. It may be a pain, but in the long run, you will still own your jewelry and necessary medications when your house is sold.
Safeguard Your Kids
In a society that a bit of alerting for moms and dads of young kids. We teach our kids that there are those in the cyber space that could do a lot of damage.
When I am ready to market the property for sale I ask Moms and Dads to take down plaques with kids names in them. MLS is public and anyone can see the pictures, worldwide – they have your address, and you most certainly do not want that.
Facebook or any other social media, does not make any difference. Pictures of kids in their spaces with their names on the wall, noticeable to all, can be harmful. It is really easy to take a look at a Facebook name, place, look up address in tax record, and armed with a kid’s name is jut simply asking for trouble.
I love kid’s photos too but when they are paired with their names, it could be, like I mentioned before asking for trouble.
Although Internet is an extremely powerful tool, unfortunately nowadays it serves a category of people who are up to all sorts of malicious intentions.
Just use a simple common sense when hanging and/or displaying your kids photos and/or awards and achievements.
Protect Yourself in Today’s Real Estate Market
Purchasers like to wander brand-new subdivisions and pop into homes that might be in the last stages of building and construction. Be careful from going into vacant buildings of any kind, especially in the evening. New subdivisions, with few brand-new occupants , can be a haven for those who are up to no good and you would certainly do not wish to remain in the position of unexpected someone that might harm you.
My advise, without exception, look at the properties with your Realtor! If you wish to take a look at a FSBO, take your Realtor! Not only can they do a great negotiation job, an extra person creates a safe environment.
Security First and Always in Today’s Real Estate Market
Whether you are an Investor, Seller, retired individual, or Buyer try to think outside the box and use common sense.
Stay alert and be safe – ALWAYS!