One approach to attract potential buyers, can be your Realtor hosting an open house. An open house can be an opportunity for anyone to come to the house to include neighbors, people who enjoy visiting open houses as a “hobby”, potential buyers and anyone else who would like to see the home. With an open house there can be the risk of theft or damage to personal belongings as well as the house itself. Regardless, if the home is vacant or occupied, with an open house there is the potential of visitors going through the house who may not be actual buyers or just people not taking care as they go through your home.
If you are willing to allow an open house, there are some steps you can take to help safeguard your personal belonging as well as the house.
Consider Surveillance and Security Measures
If you already have a security system, you already have the ability to monitor and record visually. You will need to ask your Realtor to disclose there is a security system in place. If you do not have, you might consider installing a temporary security system. Do be sure the security system you currently have or a temporary one you might install, does comply with local privacy laws.
Remove Valuables, Small Electronics and Sentimental Items
As you would with any showing of your home, one of the easiest ways to prevent loss is to remove your valuables and sentimental items from the house. As examples, consider removing from the house – jewelry, electronics, collectibles, items of significant value either personally or has monetary value and heirlooms.
Secure Larger Electronics and Important Documents
Unfortunately, items like phones, tablets and laptops can be easy items for someone to pick up. Lock or hide electronics as well as important documents that provide private or sensitive information. Some examples are as financial records, tax returns, driver’s licenses and passports need to be secured. Perhaps a safe, file cabinet or a drawer you have that locks could provide a location to secure.
Use Staging Furniture and Decor
There is a cost to having a home staged but this might be an option to consider. Many real estate agents work with companies that stage homes. If the home is vacant, it can make a home more visually appealing and increase a potentially buyer’s interest. Also, the photographs of the home will look attractive and potentially showcase some of the features and function of the home. One of the advantages of using staging décor, art work and furnishings is these are not your personal items. It can assist in increasing the appeal of the home which reduces the stress of potential damage or theft.
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