Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland
LOVELAND – When selling a home, there’s so much to think about that we often forget one very important matter – security. Listing your home for sale can be a security issue since your property is being openly marketed for sale with pictures of the interior as well as information re: its location. To keep your home safe, and your valuables secure, here are a few home listing safety tips to keep in mind.
Hide your valuables
Whether you are staging your home for the photo shoot or any of the showings, it’s best to avoid having any valuables visible. Secure jewelry and keep any collectibles or antiques out of view. Safeguard your cherished items by simply removing them from display.
Avoid photos of children’s rooms
Unfortunately, we live in a digital age where child predators are trolling online. You may want to avoid taking pictures of your children’s rooms or remove any obvious signs before taking pictures.
Unannounced visitors
There may be a time where a stranger knocks on your door and asks if they can see your home. Perhaps they saw the information online or just happened to drive by. As a motivated seller, you may be tempted to let them in, but it’s best to kindly ask them to contact your Realtor to set up a showing.
Keep windows and doors locked
Even if you typically leave doors and windows open, it’s advisable to keep everything locked while your property is on the market. This is especially true at night and when you are not home. Homes for sale are a common target and you shouldn’t take any chances – lock up!
Keep it well lit
Keep the lights on! Ensure that your home is well lit during the evening – especially all entryways, driveways, and access routes. Don’t allow an intruder the guise of darkness at night to gain undetected access. Keeping it light and bright is a great deterrent and preventative safety measure.
Putting your home on the market is stressful enough – you might as well enjoy some peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken steps to avoid any potential risk
Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
