What you need to know before you open your front door

By Ward Lowe | Consumer columnist

Solicitors canvass my neighborhood once or twice a year, asking me to buy magazine subscriptions or donate to a charity. I’m sure most solicitors, even if they’re lying, are harmless. But I don’t like letting strangers into my house.

If you’re selling your home, you, too, should be leery of opening your door to strangers. You don’t have to invite someone in just because he’s standing on your front porch. Sure, a person who knocks on your door because he saw the “for sale” sign in your yard probably is a legitimate buyer, but you can’t know for sure.

Ask for his name and contact information and pass them along to your Texas REALTOR®. She’ll make sure the person is legitimate and arrange an appointment when it’s convenient for you not to be there.

If you’re selling your home without a real estate agent, always have another person with you when you show your property, and request an ID from all prospective buyers. Carry your cell phone in your hand, and do not lead visitors into rooms where they can block you from exiting.

Whenever buyers are viewing your home, lock up jewelry, small electronics, and other valuable, portable items. Also, consider putting prescription drugs somewhere other than your medicine cabinet. Criminals have been known to visit open houses and view homes for the sole purpose of stealing common but expensive prescription medications.

Crimes at properties for sale are rare, but they do happen. Be wary of anyone who shows up unannounced at your front door, whether they want to buy your house or sell you something.