When you put your home on the market, you open the door to more than serious buyers. You may also hear from aggressive agents, opportunistic vendors, scammers, and buyers who show up unannounced. Like any business transaction, selling a home comes with a clear protocol for how sellers, buyers, and agents interact. If you feel uncomfortable, tell your agent right away so they can handle it.
1. The Aggressive Agent
Your listing names your agent as the primary contact. Still, another agent may reach out to you directly, either to win your business or to work around your agent on a deal. That isn’t professional behavior. Agents are generally expected to communicate through your agent, not directly with you. If another agent contacts you, don’t negotiate or share details. Get their name and pass it to your agent.
2. The Flood of Calls, Texts, and Mail
Once your home is listed, expect to hear from people who know you’re about to make big decisions: movers, lenders, contractors, and “we buy houses” investors offering a fast cash sale. Some marketers pull information from public records and listing sites to build contact lists.
A few steps can cut down the noise:
- Register your number at donotcall.gov
- Opt out of prescreened credit and insurance offers at optoutprescreen.com
- Reduce marketing mail through DMAchoice.org
- Send any purchase offer you receive straight to your agent, rather than responding yourself
3. The Unexpected Visitor
Yard signs and online listings create buzz, and some buyers get excited enough to knock on your door. However friendly they are, don’t discuss your home or give an impromptu tour. Politely tell them that your agent schedules all showings, and give them your agent’s contact information.
This protects you in two ways. A casual conversation can reveal information that weakens your position later, such as why you’re moving, how quickly you need to sell, or what price you’d accept. And a stranger in your home without a scheduled, verified showing is a safety risk.
4. The Scammer
Listed homes attract scams. Watch for these two in particular:
- Fake rental listings: Scammers sometimes copy your listing photos and advertise your home for rent to collect deposits from unsuspecting renters. If someone asks about “renting” your home, tell your agent.
- Wire fraud: Before closing, criminals may send emails that look like they come from your title company or agent, with “updated” wiring instructions. Never send or redirect funds based on an email alone. Call your title company at a number you’ve verified independently.
5. The Camera Question
Many sellers have doorbell cameras or indoor security cameras. If yours will be on during showings, ask your agent how to disclose it. Recording audio of conversations you aren’t part of can create legal issues, and a buyer who feels watched may not stay long. When in doubt, disclose it or turn it off.
Let Your Agent Handle It
Your agent’s job is to stand between you and the noise, so you can focus on your move while they manage buyers, agents, and offers. At PorchLight Realty, we screen showings, handle every inquiry, and protect your position from listing to closing. If something about your sale doesn’t feel right, contact us.
