Safety tips when holding an open house
In response to a reader who related an incident that happened during an open house, I thought I would review some safety tips for sellers when they list their home.
First, put away all personal information. Keep your credit cards, bank statements and other items that might have your personal information, account numbers, etc., in a secure place such as a locked file drawer or file cabinet.
As we all know, identity theft is a growing problem. Taking steps to prevent it is important. Shred important documents. Do not simply throw them in the wastebasket.
Shut down all computers. Do not leave unopened mail lying around. Hide and/or lock checkbooks, wallets and purses. Ditto for small electronics, such as iPods and cell phones.
Another safety tip is to limit the number of family photographs exhibited in your home, especially those of children. Of course, you want your home to remain your home, even while it is on the market. But it is simply prudent to remove photos and names of children from view.
While you are removing family pictures, remove antiques and other valuables that could be damaged during a showing. Lock up jewelry, money, fur coats, expensive artwork or other items, or store them in a secure place until your home is sold. Never leave spare keys for your home, auto, or safety deposit box lying around.
Remember that when people look at houses, they usually open drawers, cupboards and closets. Remove any valuables from drawers and closets. This goes for medicine cabinets as well. Remove any prescription medicines, especially painkillers.
When planning an open house, be sure your home is well lit, inside and out. Keep a register of who comes. Never leave your home unlocked or a key under the mat or outside where someone can see an agent retrieving it.
If several people show up at the same time, ask some to wait outside or in a separate room, until the agent can take them through and keep a better eye on what is happening in the home.
Never let a stranger into your home. If someone knocks and says they noticed the sign out front or the home in the newspaper, and would love to see the house, refer them to your agent.
Give them your agent’s name and number, or ask them to wait outside while you lock the door and call your agent. The same advice applies if the person knocking says he/she is a realtor with a client. They should not be at your home without an appointment.
Most people would not take anything from your home or do you harm. But in this day and age, and with your home opened to so many strangers, it is best to take precautions.
