7 Critical Home Seller Safety Tips You Need To Know

Listing your home for sale means opening it to the public for scheduled showings. You’ll likely have dozens of friendly strangers touring your home, but it’s important to keep in mind that your listing may attract some sketchier visitors as well. Following these extra precautions from The Rhoades Team can help sellers avoid trouble and have a safer transaction.

1. Lock your doors and windows. It doesn’t matter how safe you think your neighborhood is—crime happens everywhere. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, crooks enter the home through an unlocked window or door in nearly one third of all burglaries.
2. Get to know your neighbors. You may have only ever exchanged friendly greetings with each other over the years, but now is the time to make introductions. Invite neighbors to see your home, introduce them to your agent, let them know about upcoming inspections or appraisals. This will help them have a better idea about who should or shouldn’t be coming and going at your property. Also make sure they have your cell phone numbers so they contact you if something looks suspicious.
3. Lighten up. Crooks don’t want witnesses or attention, and a well-lit home is a far less attractive target. Turn on exterior lights (front and back) and use automated lighting systems when you’re not at home.
4. Invest in cameras and security signage. You don’t have to own an alarm system to purchase security signs and post them around your doors. Doorbell cameras that detect and record activity are increasingly affordable. They’re also a safer option for answering the door than simply opening it to any stranger (even one who claims to be an agent) that “saw the sign and wants to see the home.” DO NOT let those people in. Predators come in all shapes and sizes. Tell them to make an appointment with your Realtor.
5. Hide valuables, prescription drugs, jewelry, firearms, and cash–for obvious reasons. This is especially important if you’re opting to do an Open House, as you run the risk of multiple visitors showing up at once and wandering through your house unescorted by an agent.
6. Remove all family photos, diplomas, or other identifying information. While it’s true that “neutralizing” your house has staging value and helps buyers envision themselves living in the home, this one is also about the home seller’s safety. Your kids’ names painted on their bedroom walls may be cute decor, but you could have a stalker or pedophile touring your house. Play it safe and remove those items.
7. Keep your property tidy. Curb appeal is important anyway when your home is on the market, but it sometimes falls to the wayside if the home is vacant. Criminals may think a neglected yard means the house is abandoned and, thus, an easy hit. Mow the grass, pick up mail/door-to-door solicitations, and sweep sidewalks to keep the place presentable to potential buyers and an unattractive target for burglars.

Helping our sellers prepare safely open their home to the public is a responsibility we take very seriously. If you need help getting started, give The Rhoades Team a call at (713) 515-3463.