Protecting Your Home During an Open House

Your home is officially for sale. Your agent has placed it on your local MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and many other sites for maximum exposure. She has also suggested hosting open houses. In most markets, that is part of a tried-and-true marketing plan. Open houses do come with some risks, not only for the agent hosting, but for your home and it’s contents. If you decide to allow your agent to host open houses, there are precautions you should take to protect your home and your valuables. Here are some tips for protecting your home during an open house.

Use caution and common sense when preparing your home not only for the actual open houses, but for listing photos, too. Here are some tips for protecting your home during an open house.Click To Tweet

Protect Your Technology

If you can’t take it with you, lock it up. iPads, iPhones, iWatches wireless earbuds and laptops are all attractive targets for criminals. They are relatively easy to put in a pocket and walk out of the open house. If you are unable to remove a desktop computer, make sure it is shut off and locked with a passcode.

 

Medicines Go Missing

While you might normally store your prescription medicine in your bathroom cabinet or drawer, during an open house, you need to take them with you or lock them up. Don’t make it tempting for open house guests by giving them access to your medicine.

 

Store Your Valuables

Before your listing agent schedules a professional photographer, consider removing valuable artwork, antiques and family photos from your home. All of these items are an invitation for criminals to attend your open house and leave with something that is not theirs. Sadly, criminals have been known to stake out open houses based on online photos.

Take a look at this infographic from Florida Realtors for more tips on protecting your home during an open house.

Use caution and common sense when preparing your home not only for the actual open houses, but for listing photos, too. For your safety, make sure your agent does a thorough walk-through before she leaves your home. Your agent should be tracking each visitor as they enter, and making sure they all leave. If an open house is expected to have a large turnout, your agent should consider having someone with her to help keep track of everyone that enters your home. Before leaving, she should physically check all doors and windows. Good luck with your open house and selling your home.

Related Content: Protect Yourself From Real Estate Identity Theft

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