PROPERTY NEWS - It is a tough economy right now, which means that criminals are getting more and more opportunistic in their attempts to hit their next pay day. To avoid becoming victims of crime, sellers will need to proceed with caution before allowing strangers into their home.
It is all too easy for a criminal to pose as an estate agent by using a fake business card to gain entry into your home. For this reason, Susan Watts of RE/MAX Living has offered additional training to her agents to ensure that they can assist in protecting clients who may not be aware of recent criminal trends.
Agents and buyers
Watts advises that sellers should ask to see an FFC (Fidelity Fund Certificate) and a form of identification when dealing with any estate agent. "Make sure your family, household staff and tenants all know the name and identity of your mandated agent and do not deal with anyone else unless your mandated agent is present, or the agent can provide proof that he belongs to the profession.
This can become complicated if you have mandated lots of agents to work on the sale of your home, which could pose possible security risks. It is often safer to give a sole mandate and to deal with just one agent rather than many," Watts advises.
She also recommends that sellers don't accept walk-in buyers but work through their agent only. This way the potential buyers can be vetted beforehand. Sellers should also ask an estate agent if their company offers armed response at show days.
If you do have an alarm system, and this is accidentally set off while you have viewers in your property, Watts warns never to state your alarm password out loud when you receive the call from the armed response company. When answering the call, make a plan so that the viewers cannot hear your conversation. It may seem so simple, but in the moment, homeowners often forget this very important safety measure.
Cyber reality
However, sellers are reminded that criminal activity extends into cyber reality as well. Watts therefore advises that sellers never share their Wi-Fi password with potential buyers. Sellers should also be mindful that while virtual tours can be a valuable marketing tool, viewers will also be able to see the layout of the property (and everything inside it), placing sellers at higher risk than if photos were used instead.
"Allow your agent to guide you here. They are experienced in managing both your security and the correct marketing of your home. It might be better that your agent only shares this virtual tour with buyers who have been checked and vetted rather than leaving it on the internet for all to view," says Watts.
Financial safety
Lastly, she warns sellers not to rely on banking details sent over text message or e-mail. "When it comes time to transfer any money, I would recommend verifying the banking details either in person or telephonically with your mandated estate agent to ensure you have not received a scam e-mail or text, or that you have not erroneously entered any banking details. Similarly, never allow a tenant or buyer occupation of your property until all monies have reflected correctly, or in the case of a sale, until all conditions have been met and the sale is 100% secure.
"Do not rely on a proof of payment, as these can be easily faked. If a tenant or buyer has moved in and then defaults, you could sit with a nasty eviction process on your hands."
Regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, gives a final piece of advice. He warns sellers that the risks involved in selling a property only increase if a seller chooses to sell privately. "Professional real estate companies are aware of the various risks involved in property transactions and will have measures in place that minimise the chance of criminal activity. Working through a professional brand is therefore the safest way to sell a home."
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