When Safety Concerns Affect Listing Your Home
I was recently contacted by a homeowner who is preparing to sell their house but has a unique concern. They want to list their property, but they do not want their address displayed online. They are comfortable with the photos and description being visible, but their concern lies in safety. They worry about people driving by, the risk of criminal activity, and possible threats tied to a history of stalking involving a family member.
The Challenge With Hiding An Address
While the concern is valid, not displaying the property address makes it very difficult to sell a home. Most major websites rely on an address to properly display a listing. Without it, the property often fails to show up in searches or on maps. Even if a consumer does come across the listing, they may assume it is not legitimate. This makes the home far less appealing.
The multiple listing service faces the same issue. Many real estate agents search by area, address, or map. If the address is hidden, the property is unlikely to appear in their searches. In addition, buyer agents often set up automatic notifications for clients based on search criteria. A hidden address means the property would not appear in those notifications, resulting in fewer buyers seeing the home.
Why Visibility Matters
When selling a property, exposure is critical. If the address is not visible, many buyers may believe the listing is fraudulent or a ghost property. Agents may not take it seriously, and buyers may overlook it altogether. This reduces interest and can cost the seller both time and money.
A Practical Solution
After discussing the situation at length, the solution we reached was not perfect, but it balances safety and marketability. The homeowner will move into a temporary rental before listing their property. This allows them to fully advertise the home with its address visible online, while still protecting their family. Since they are financially able to rent a furnished place for a few months, they will relocate until the house sells and they are ready to move into their new home out of state.
Final Thoughts
In this case, moving out was the best option to ensure both safety and a successful sale. While it is understandable to want to protect your family, hiding the property address can hinder the process and may prevent the home from selling altogether. If you are in a similar situation, weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider temporary alternatives that protect both your privacy and your ability to sell.
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate, I have trusted contacts across the country and would be happy to make an introduction.
