When selling your home, it’s important to think about your safety. You are, after-all, putting your home “on the market” and therefore, people will start to hear about your home and its location. It will, essentially, be marketed to the public. As we bring this to your attention, it is not meant to alarm you, but rather, help you take the right precautions to ensure safety throughout the selling process.
1.) Prescription Drugs: Remove or lock them up before showings. A growing number of real estate professionals have reported a theft of prescription drugs from sellers’ homes during open houses.
2.) Stow Away Valuables: It’s important to remember that the agents who show your home, are not responsible for thefts. So, what constitutes valuables? Everything from mail left on countertops (which may contain personal information and bank statements) to items such as jewelry, artwork, cellphones, and gaming systems. Also, keep in mind, that we must take photos of the interior of your home in order to market your property, so it’s important to make sure these items are put away so they are not photographed.
3.) Remove Family Photos: You don’t know who is walking through the house. If you have photos of your wife, children, and/or teenage daughter around the house to view, you are providing very personal information inherently to someone who is a stranger. So, be sure to keep your family life private and remove anything that may make suggestions about your personal life.
4.) Make the House Safe for the Buyers and Agent: Turn on the lights prior to showings, whether it’s daytime or evening. This will ensure safety as buyers and agents move through the home. Also, you should make sure there are not potential hazards in your home such as loose floorboards or carpets. You do not want to risk someone tripping and falling in your home to open up liability. It’s important to remove obvious weapons like guns, as well as not-so-obvious weapons like knives on the kitchen countertops.
5.) Keep the House Locked and Consider Extra Monitoring: Doors need to be locked at all times. Your home is being presented to the public and it may attract intruders. Deadbolt locks are highly suggested because they are safer and can also be used on sliding glass doors. Motion sensor lights are a good option for added security at night.
6.) Beware of Unexpected Visitors Coming to Your Doorstep: Since your home is for sale, you might notice some unexpected visitors who may knock at your door from interest to see the home. Remember, only real estate professionals using the lockbox should gain access to your home. You should never let passers-by inside.
Our sellers’ safety is important to us and these tips should be taken seriously. Please keep yourself and loved ones safe during the selling process by following these guidelines and taking special care. We are here to guide you along the way.
