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never be too prudent. And anyone who finds this request unreasonable is probably not someone you want to invite into your home anyway.

• Identify unknown agents too.

It’s easy for someone to print up fake business cards, so call the agent’s office to make sure that the person is who he says he is. Never let an agent directly into your house. Instead, make that person open the lockbox your agent placed on your door to gain access. Non-agents won’t be able to.

• Don’t make an appointment with potential buyers unless they provide their names and phone numbers and you have called them back to verify the number.

• Beware of callers who knock on your door at strange hours, either late at night or early in the morning. No matter who they say they are, ask them to make an appointment at a more reasonable time. If someone says he can view your house only at this particular moment, don’t believe him.