as the minimum procedure to see the house.
Beware of a rental fraud scam
This type of sophisticated fraud is alarmingly on the rise these days. Some scammers remove listings of homes for sale and then list them on the rental section of Craigslist. You should paste a sticker on the front of the door stating that the property is not for rent. This will also give viewers an indication that it is for sale. The sticker can display the phone number of the listing agent, the district attorney’s office, and a link to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Secure the viewings
It is a good idea to know who is coming and going at your vacant house. Allow only real estate agent-accompanied visits. Have your agent inform you of the scheduling and timing of showings and personally check to ensure that doors have been relocked and the security system is activated.
Check the status of smoke detectors
Ensure smoke alarms are correctly positioned throughout the house and that their batteries are fresh and functioning properly. Some security systems send automatic signals to local authorities.
Check the weather stripping
Inspect the condition of your weather stripping for cracks or tears and replace it if necessary. This can help prevent the entrance of “critters” while keeping the interiors free of moisture-producing elements. Make sure the gutters are clean.
60
Powered by FlippingBook