There are many reasons for people to sell their homes. It’s possible that they need more money, or they are required to go to another place, or they may have to let go of something traumatic. It’s part of the process to let complete strangers in so that they could see and decide to buy the house or not. However, there are also some people who will take advantage of such an event to take items without your permission or put you in danger. Here are some reasonable safety points for you to remember.
Install and Secure Locks
One of the simplest ways for you to keep your house and belongings safe when you’re staging it is to increase security. This is mostly achieved by securing any possible entrances and exits that can be used. For example, you can go for a new garage door installation service if it’s unable to close and lock properly anymore. You can also install locks for the other doors as well as the windows. Not only will you be safe, but the future owner and resident will be, too.
Keep Valuable Items Away
Since you’re letting people in to view your house, there’s always a chance that you’re going to have someone who will want to take something from it. So while you may want to make your home look presentable, avoid showing any valuables in plain sight. And it’s not just jewelry and precious items, too. Even prescription medicines should be out of any stranger’s reach. Also, take your real estate agent’s advice and depersonalize your home, getting rid of anything that shows you and your family members’ faces and names.
Set Protocols for Viewing
Keep in mind that before you sell your home, it’s still yours, so you can still take control. Don’t just settle for protecting your items in the usual way, but also set some rules on how viewings will go. Talk with your agent regarding your protocol, including which parts you’re going to show, how long you’re going to stay in each part of the house, and who keeps the keys for safety. Keeping the viewing organized will make it easier for you to know if there’s something wrong happening.
Limit People Who View
Open houses can be a fast way of finding buyers for your home. However, it can also put you at risk of a burglary incident. Some clever individuals use open house events to get a feel for the layout of the place as well as get an idea of what items they can take. So if you want to be safer about it, a good alternative is to simply accommodate one person at a time. At least, if something does happen, you have a good list of possible suspects.
There’s always a risk in everything we do, including selling houses. However, with the right preparation, you can minimize the likelihood of endangering your belongings. You’ll also have a smoother sale experience and be able to properly let go of your property.
