Safety & Security Considerations When Selling Your Home

The “sell it yourself” crowd make it seem easy to sell your Tampa home but the facts and stats don’t support the claim. Listing a home in Tampa might be easy but actually selling it is another thing entirely…especially when it comes to safety and security. Here is what you need to know about safety and security when selling a home…and why working with a reputable Tampa Realtor when listing your Tampa real estate makes more sense than ever.

1. Vandalism. An empty house is an easy target; vacation homes, those who have already relocated and even rentals or other investment properties are increasingly subject to vandalism that may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. Thieves are targeting empty homes to steal everything from air conditioning units to copper pipes. Reduce your risk by listing your home via the Tampa MLS and working with an agent who is able to show your home to pre-qualified buyers even if you are no longer in the area.

2. Theft. Tough economic times mean more people than ever are turning to illegal activities including theft. Would be thieves pretend to be interested in purchasing your home only to learn your personal schedule. Touring the home becomes a prime opportunity to discover security systems and the location of valuables. Working with an agent allows your home to be shown without the need to disclose your schedule or other information.

3. Central Point of Contact. Selling a home often means many people will be in/out of the area; other real estate agents, inspectors, potential buyers, appraisers, repair persons and a host of others. Not only does a real estate agent act as a central point of contact for each of these persons but saves you valuable time and money when it comes to assuring everything runs smoothly.

4. Independent & Objective. One of the most important aspects of working with a reputable Tampa real estate agent is the ability to have an experienced, independent and objective professional help with pricing, staging and showcasing the home. Especially in a buyer’s market, the ability to position the property properly is more important than ever. The ability to negotiate terms, conditions and other contract essentials also helps reduce the risk of falling prey to predatory practices or other unscrupulous individuals.

5. Maximum Exposure = Maximum Price. One of the biggest threats owners facing when attempting to sell their own property is the risk of losing a sale or pricing below market value. The MLS, internet advertising and other resources assure the property will receive maximum exposure while the agent itself assure the property is shown at the buyers convenience. Research indicates Tampa properties listed for sale by agents tend to bring higher prices than those sold by-owner alone.

Lance Mohr is a full time professional Tampa Realtor specializing in New Tampa homes for sale and Tampa real estate.