Tips for selling safely
Selling your house should not be a hazardous event, however these days it pays to be aware and prepared, so we suggest you adopt the following guidelines. We must stress that the incidence of problems is extremely low and most buyers are obviously genuine and trustworthy. However, we hope these guidelines will help you with a trouble free sale.
Do not let casual callers in even if they have sales particulars. Ask them to make an appointment with the agent. Serious buyers will set aside time to view likely properties and will not rely on spur of the moment appointments.
Most reputable agents will offer to accompany viewers around and will do their best to verify that the buyers are genuine. If you will be on your own, ask your agent to do the viewings either with you, or in place of you.
If someone knocks on the door without an appointment, or at an open viewing remember to ask for their name, telephone number and address when they arrive. A genuine viewer will happily pass on this information, which will help your agent to follow up the viewing promptly. If a viewer will not divulge his/her personal details, simply refuse to admit them – you are the property owner after all.
If you have any doubt about a viewer leave them on the doorstep and check with your agent. Any genuine buyer will appreciate your concerns.
Do not tell prospective buyers who ask to return for another look that you are going to be out or away. Tell them it is not convenient at that time and ask them to make another appointment through your agent.
If you are showing people around your property without your agent it is a good rule of thumb to keep the party together. Try to avoid leaving the room (to answer the phone for example) and leaving buyers unsupervised.
