Safety Tips When Your Home Is On the Market

Moving on Monday

When your home is on the market, you will have strangers walking through your rooms.  Some will be real estate brokers, and some will be potential buyers.  While most visitors are safe, you should take precautions to protect you and your family during this time.

·         Never leave valuables, like jewelry or money, on the counter or in plain sight.

·         Don't leave any papers out that contain personal information like Social Security numbers and birthdates.

·         Don't leave credit cards, statements or bills on the counter. 

·         Lock up your prescription medications.

·         Lock up pets.  As friendly as they are, strangers can spook them and they may bite.

·         Don't let anyone into your home without an appointment.  Refer them to your agent.

If you are selling your home without a realtor, in addition to the above:

·         Ask for identification from the potential buyers.  Write down their name, phone number and license plate number. 

·         When buyers call to make an appointment, take their phone number and call them back to verify.

·         Never leave visitors in a room alone.

·         Never show your home when you are alone.

Make a list of everything you need to put away before a showing so you don't forget anything.