Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance
LOVELAND – When your property is for sale, you have a lot of strangers entering your home. In most cases, you are not there to watch them as your presence may negatively impact the showing. It is important to take steps to secure your belongings during the time that your home is listed. Here are a few tips.
Activate security cameras
Security cameras are a great way to monitor visitor activity in your home. They capture activity, but unfortunately do not always help prevent crimes from occurring in the first place. If you already have cameras, by all means, use them. However, there is no need to spend money on a new system for the sole purpose of selling your home. Instead, consider some of the other tips:
Remove valuables from the home
If you have any extremely valuable belongings such as antiques or jewelry, your best bet is to remove them from the home entirely. Consider placing these items in a secure storage location, or give them to a friend or family member for safe keeping.
Relocate fragile items
Any fragile items should be packed away, or at the very least, placed in a high location such as a shelf. Children commonly accompany their parents on showings. They are always curious when entering a new space and may accidentally damage any fragile items within their reach. It is best to place these items out of reach.
Hide easily-pocketed items
You may need some items on a daily basis and may not want to store them while your home is listed. These may include laptops, iPads, universal remotes, and other electronics. These valuable items can be easily pocketed/concealed and stolen. If you cannot take these items with you when leaving the house, be sure to at least hide them from plain view during showings.
A home for sale is an easy target for thieves as they can pretend to be interested buyers to gain access to your home. Accidental damage is also likely to occur. Protect your belongings from both risks by removing or properly securing items when you prepare your home for showings.
Suzanne Plewes is a Broker Associate at RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland. If you have questions regarding real estate, please write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
