5 Ways to Keep Your Home Secure While Showing It
Many people choose to try and sell their homes by showing it themselves, and while this can be a highly effective way to do it, there are some inherit dangers that homeowners should be aware of.
With this in mind, here are 5 tips for keeping you and your home secure, while you show it:
- Never show your home alone
Whether a friend or real estate agent helps you, it’s vital that you never show your home alone, and anyone who does accompany you, must be trustworthy; if it’s an agent, check their credentials to make sure they’re the real deal.
2. Have an appointment system
This is absolutely essential for anyone showing their home, as an appointment system can help you know exactly who you are expecting, and when, and each person can be screened beforehand by your real estate agent. You can even have each viewer provide you with a form of photographic identification, to make the whole process even safer.
Also, never schedule any viewings after the hours of darkness, as this can elevate the risk for you. Your home is also best seen in daylight, making daytime viewings even more appropriate.
3. Withhold personal details
Even if you’re getting along famously with a potential buyer, and perhaps even feel as if you’ve been friends for years, never forget that at the end of the day, they’re strangers and you know nothing about them other than what they’ve told – which of course, may not be the truth. Don’t tell them anything personal about your life or schedule, and certainly not about any plans to go on vacation.
4. Keep your valuables in a high security safe
Anything that might be of value or sentimental importance should be stored in a safe during all home viewings, and larger items of value should never be left in plain sight.
5. Invest in a home security system
To give your home an extra layer of protection while you’re showing it, you might want to consider investing in a home security system, that can include smart video doorbells, electronic door locks and CCTV surveillance. You might also want to have a locksmith check all of your doors and locks, just for peace of mind and to ensure that your home is safe and secure until the point of sale.
Security should always be at the forefront of your mind when showing your house, and while selling your home is important, it’s not as important as your safety and that of your belongings.
