Protecting Privacy When Selling

You might think your secrets are safe when you put your home on the market, but you also may be surprised to learn why you need to make an extra effort to protect privacy when selling.

While your house is on the market, it's open to foot traffic. Whether occupied or vacant, you can't really control the actions of buyers coming through to inspect your house. You probably know that it's good practice to lock up or remove valuables, but do you know that everyday household items can give away oodles of information you'd probably rather not disclose? Little is confidential if prying eyes search for it. And some of what can be discovered about you could mean that you'll end up with a lower-than-list-price offer.

Just last week I showed a townhome to a couple. The home was very modern, with a built-in waterfall in the living room and a step-up dining room. Lots of slate and steel. A perfect home for a professional couple. However, the walls were adorned with photographs of a newborn. It was not a home suitable for a couple with children. It was also apparent to my buyers that these home owners were being forced to move.

If only the seller had removed those photographs. That small piece of information would absolutely be reflected in the offering price . . . read more about Privacy When Selling.

More Articles by Elizabeth Weintraub, click below:

• How to Price Your House
  
• How to Prepare Your House for Sale
  
• 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent

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