Open House Security Tips
Hosting an open house is an exciting step in selling your home, but it also means inviting strangers into your personal space. While most visitors are genuine buyers, it’s still important to take precautions to protect your belongings. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your peace of mind.
Secure Valuables
Before your open house, remove or lock away any valuable items. Jewelry, cash, small electronics, and important documents should be stored in a safe, lockbox, or even offsite. If you have sentimental items that can’t be replaced, it’s best to keep them out of sight as well.
Limit Access to Personal Areas
Consider restricting access to certain parts of your home, like bedrooms or storage areas, where you might keep personal belongings. You can use temporary locks, remove handles, or clearly mark these areas as off-limits. A real estate professional can also help monitor foot traffic and ensure visitors respect your boundaries.
Remove Prescription Medications
Medicine cabinets can be a target during open houses. To protect yourself, remove prescription medications and store them in a secure location. This not only safeguards your health but also prevents any potential misuse of your personal items.
Hide Personal Information As You Clean For The Open House
Documents with personal information, such as bills, bank statements, or anything with your name and address, should be securely stored. Identity theft is a rare but serious risk, and keeping this information out of sight helps protect your privacy.
Cameras and Home Security
Installing a home security system or using cameras can give you added peace of mind during an open house. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent, and you’ll have a record of who entered your home.
Be Mindful of Electronics
Laptops, tablets, and other portable electronics should be stowed away or locked up. These items are not only valuable but can also contain sensitive information. Keeping them out of sight reduces the temptation for anyone to tamper with them.
Your TREG Real Estate Associate can help
While it’s not always possible to watch everyone all the time having a real estate professional present can help. They can guide visitors, answer questions, and keep an eye on things, ensuring a more controlled environment.
Take Inventory Before and After
Create a list of important belongings and check it before and after the open house. This ensures you’ll notice if anything is missing or out of place. Taking photos of rooms and valuable items can also help provide documentation, just in case.
An open house is a great opportunity to showcase your home, but it’s essential to take steps to protect your belongings. With some preparation and the help of a knowledgeable real estate professional, you can focus on making the best impression while keeping your personal items safe. A little effort now will give you confidence and peace of mind throughout the selling process.
