Statistically, 5 % of all homeowners decide to sell their homes privately. This was the statistic 25 years ago, and this is still the national average today. The only thing that has changed over the years is society itself. Realtors are salespeople with houses as inventory. There are many times that we don't know the people who's home we're visiting nor do we know the people who we're showing the houses to. Sometimes I think that Pavlov could have done his experiments on Real Estate Salespeople....when the phone rings...we jump...when someone calls, we go racing...that is exactly what the public expects of a "Realtor".  Now we're faced with a problem that seems to be growing....risking our lives and taking the necessary precautions as not to jeopardize our business.

Homeowners selling privately should be concerned with these issues as well as every single Realtor out there. How do you know that the person on the other end of the line...or on the other end of the e-mail is exactly who they say they are? How do you know that the person you're showing your home to...or your clients home to...is there for the right reason? Exactly how many times in your life would you just pull any person in off of the street and show them every nook and cranny that your home has to offer?

Realtors are on the alert. My office was just advised that a fellow male Realtor went to inspect a house...and when he opened a closet a man jumped out and proceeded to chase him around with a knife! Just a few weeks ago a Realtor from British Columbia was found murdered in a house she was showing a prospective client. There's the story about the brave Realtor from the Toronto board who was slashed and left for dead....and the Realtor who was brutally attacked and robbed of his wallet...and car....there are many more stories...and they're not funny at all. It's because of these incidents that Realtors right across the Country are starting to ask for a lot more information from the people they're dealing with. They are starting to take a lot more precautions...and I personally think that if you are so inclined to sell your home privately, that you should take the necessary precautions as well. Sometimes people get so caught up with saving money that they forget the risks that they may be taking....and when one considers that a home that sells privately usually sells for 10% less than if it was on the open market....well...I personally don't think it's worth it. But, then again, that's my opinion.

Another problem that's faced when you're selling privately is saying way too much! I know this to be the case because over the years, I've had to sell my own homes....and it's been tough. There's a big difference between Donna the Salesperson...and Donna the homeowner...so much so, that I retained the services of another Realtor the last time I sold!  Salespeople are under contract to say only what you want them to say....lol...however as a homeowner...we talk and talk and talk! We may even feel compelled to explain to them how simple our alarm is to use....the quirky little trick to opening the back door....or...how safe the neighborhood is...so safe that we never have to lock our doors! It's simple human nature...and it happens!

Realtors are now under strict rules with Fintrac to report suspicious transactions. Grow Ops have popped up in the most prestigious of neighborhoods. Realtors...both female and male are starting to ask a lot more questions and doing a lot more background checking on prospective clients. The buddy system is being used when vacant properties are being inspected and we're just not letting anyone walk through our clients homes. Confirmed telephone numbers and addresses, places of employment etc.etc. Soon it will be necessary for us to be provided with photo ID. It's just a sign of the times!

Please everyone....be careful...don't be insulted or disgruntled when a Realtor asks you for your home phone number or address....don't fret about signing in at an open house and perhaps showing ID.....and if you're selling your home privately...please be cautious....it's not only about saving money!

Your Realtor with a Heart!

Donna