I would say close to 90% of my sellers are going to be buyers after they sell, and I would say they all need a loan in order to get that new home. But, did you know that you may be putting yourself at risk of identity theft during this process of selling your home and getting the new loan?
I know it doesn't seem possible, but it is the little things that sellers don't think about when they are selling their home that put them at the most risk. I went over to one of my listings to show it, and what did I see on the counter? All their taxes from the past 3 years, pay stubs, and everything I could have possibly needed to steal their identity.
Now, had a buyer walking through with another agent seen this, they easily could have picked it up, slide it into their jacket, and no one would have ever known it was gone until it was too late!
So, if you have your home for sale, please lock up your financial information, it maybe even more valuable to a thief than jewelry.
For more information on selling your home in Washington County, Oregon, please contact me anytime, I would love to sit down and talk with you.
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Photo courtesy of brokenarts
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Helping buyers and sellers come together in a win-win situation for both. Visit my website at www.IFoundYourNewHome.com or you can call me directly at 503-524-9494.
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Great hint. Something I am sure most people dont consider doing.
I have this conversation with all of my sellers. Put your stuff away. Not only are you tidying up, but you are protecting yourself in the process. I can't tell you how many times I have shown houses and people just leave money and credit cards laying on their dressers and counter tops in plain sight!!
You can never be too careful these days!!
TC: I just checked that fingerprint...I believe it belongs to Bill Gates!!! LOL Thanks, Fran
Todd - This is an excellent point! I have shown homes that had a lot of vital info sitting out in the open - contract on the next home, loan docs, etc.
Yes But so many dont do this. I recommend a storage building to all of my occupied property's if it is being shown. Clutter ,heirlooms and records should be places there for safety.
Great post! For their safety and privacy we always tell our sellers to put it all away.
When we have taken our buyers into homes there have been bills, bank statements, loan docs, fine jewelry, police records and more just sitting out there for anyone to see.
Todd- Very good tip! Most people think about cash, jewelery, credit cards....but paper work could be overlooked. Thanks!
Todd, a lot of agents need a reminder to keep their sellers' information under lock and key. And you're so right to advise people to be carerul with personal papers.
Todd
What a horrible thought; glad you were on top of it.
Regards
Tom Braatz
Todd, this is excellent advice! I don't know how many times I've had to tell my sellers to put their jewelry away.
People for the most part are very trusting. I would second guess someone that was too tight in personal security. You know the type that double lock the doors behind them with double dead bolt locks?
We can never be too assured when it come to our documents and valuables.
People generally trust people...
Todd, a very good reminder for all of us to safeguard sensitive information about our personal and financial lives.
Good advice Todd. I am constantly amazed at what I find lying around when I look at homes. I've even seen credit cards sitting out on the counter. I don't know about you -but I generally don't leave those kinds of things just lying around.
We remind our sellers to hide, pain pills, check books and anything else that is expensive or cannot be replaced. Not to long ago there was a woman posing as a buyer going to houses with buyers agents and stealing pain pills.