Home Security Tips When Showing House for Sale
How can you protect your house when showing house for sale? You have done all you could to wow potential buyers for your home. You have spotlighted the best assets, made sure you have created the best first impressions and repaired all broken, damaged stuff. It is now time to show your house.
But did you know that your ‘ready to sell’ house could be an easy target for thieves and crooks. It can get even more risky during an open house, when there are strangers walking and there is too much hustle and bustle to keep a track on things and activities. So, what can you do? We have organized a few useful tips for you.
Stash away your valuables somewhere safe: Don’t keep expensive items, such as jewellery, artwork and collectibles, in plain view. Make sure all your ID cards, credit card bills and important documents related to property, bank or insurance are properly locked. Don’t forget to hide prescription drugs and medications. However, in case you find someone stealing, don’t object or try to stop them. If they have a weapon on them, things could take ugly, dangerous turn. Leave your house and inform the police.
Remove personal photographs: It could be dangerous to have personal pictures of your family and kids. This could arm visitors, criminally intended ones, with unwanted information. Avoid sharing the name of your kids, which school they go to and school timings.
Make sure outsiders can see inside your house: It may not be a great tip for everyday home security but when you are showing your house, you invariably have to allow people in to have a look. And sale signs outside your house could very well attract scammers and thieves too. So, keep it well-lit and open all curtains and blinds to allow natural light to enter.
Install a security system and advertise: No one likes to be caught red handed. Display signs that your house has appropriate security systems in place, whether it is a security camera or CCTV surveillance system. Signages like these deter criminals. Installing a security system also adds market value to your house.
Screen your visitors and watch out for anything suspicious: Ask people to show their IDs and driver’s license number. If possible, note down all their information such as their phone number and address. Politely explain why you are doing this. It also helps to have a friend or another family member around when you are showing your house. Another important advice would be not to allow anyone inside the house without an appointment. You can ask them to contact your real estate agent and fix an appointment for some other day.
Steer clear from isolated areas: Basements and garages are best left for your guests to visit alone. And even when you are showing other rooms, make sure you enter after your visitors.
Be vigilant: Watch out for any suspicious activity and don’t reveal too much about your personal life and routine or any upcoming travel plans. This would give them ideas when your house could be empty.
Keeping these tips in mind when showing house for sale could go a long way in protecting your valuables and even your life in some drastic situations. After all, you can’t every time keep a track of who is visiting you in the guise of looking at your house, especially if it an open house.