A friend of mine is selling their family home.  She asked me, “With so many strangers and realtors coming through our home, what security measures should I take to make my home safe during the process?” 

It was a great question!  I turned to a real estate broker for some ideas.

Here Are My Security Tips for Selling Your Home:

• Know who is entering your home.  The new electronic lock boxes provide a digital record of every agent who enters the home.  While these boxes contain a key to your home, they are very secure lock boxes.
• Show your home by appointment only.  It is not a good idea if someone sees your For Sale sign in the yard and rings your door bell wanting to see the house.  You do not want to show the house if you are alone. Ask the visitor to schedule an appointment for a showing.
• Don’t leave mail in plain sight.  Your mail may have personal information about you that could easily be used for a future crime.  Put it away.
• Safeguard your computers.  It’s a good idea to password protect your computer.  Your personal information is only a couple of clicks away.  Turning off your computer is another safeguard.
• Remove the calendars on your refrigerator.  It may have information about appointments or family outings.  Put the calendar away for security reasons as well as a better showing of your kitchen.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.  This would include electronic gadgets, jewelry, phones, spare keys, etc.  Put them away in a drawer or cabinet that visitors will not access.
• Put weapons away.  Some people have guns in their home.  They should be hidden away.  Children may be part of home showing.
• Put away and out of sight any prescription drugs you may have in your medicine cabinet.
• Check your home once the visitors have left.  Make a sweep of the home to make sure your possessions are intact.  Make sure all windows and doors are locked.

Conclusion

Selling your home can be a stressful experience.  By following the above tips, you will significantly increase your home’s security during the process of selling it.