
6 Important Safety Tips for Home Sellers
Working with a trusted real estate agent to sell your home will hopefully
attract wonderful people who'll admire your décor, swoon at your landscaping
and vie to purchase your property for a handsome price. Unfortunately, it may
also attract less desirable visitors. I will take
precautions on your behalf, as will other agents who bring their clients to
tour your home.
Here are some ways you can help ensure your safety and others' while your
home is on the market:
1. Schedule showings ahead of time
A “For Sale” sign in the yard doesn’t mean “24/7 Open House.” I insist potential
buyers make an appointment ahead of time through myself or their own agent.
Frankly, it's standard procedure to schedule listings, and no one should be
pressuring you to open your home to them without some advanced notice or
verification from your agent that the individual is a serious shopper.
2. Take your family out of the picture
Yes, you're proud of your beautiful family, but you never know exactly the
motivation of the people who will be touring your home. To help keep your
family life private, remove photos from walls and shelves. Don’t forget the
ones on the fridge!
3. Protect your identity
Make sure to store away any bills, invoices or other documents that may contain
your personal info.
4. Hide sharp objects and weapons
Remove your knife rack from view. Your knives may confirm your image as a
gourmet chef, but no one needs to see or use them during a showing. The same is
true for any firearms you may have on display in your home – even if they're in
a locked display cabinet. It's best to keep these things out of sight.
5. Secure your jewels and other valuables
Diamonds, antiques, first edition Edgar Allen Poe? Lock them away. Remove and
secure any valuables and heirlooms that may be easily picked up and carried
off.
6. Follow up for safety
After a showing, the real estate agents who show your home should close and
lock all doors. Be sure to double check, though, or ask a trusted
neighbor to be your eyes and ears when you're not around. Be especially careful
to lock your home as you come and go during the time it’s on the market.
For additional safety tips, contact me today!
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