When it comes to selling your home, there are many things to consider: what buyers want to see, updates you want to make to your home and putting it on the market for the right price, just to name a few. However, one thing that homeowners don’t always think about is safety. The process of selling a home entails strangers walking through your home and evaluating whether they can see their future living there. It can also sometimes attract individuals with ill-intentions. Walking through someone’s home can be the opportune time to steal personal information or valuables.
Whether your home was recently listed or you are thinking about selling, we want you and your family to keep your home safe. Here are a few ways you can help ensure security while your house is on the market.
Discuss Showing Procedures
One of the first things to discuss with your selling agent are showing procedures. Who will schedule showings? Who is responsible for locking your home once the showing is over? How will the home alarm system be handled (if you have one)? While your agent may already have a plan in mind, it’s always helpful to communicate procedures and expectations. This way, everyone will be on the same page and there will be a plan in place for how showings will be handled.
Secure Entries to Your Home
One of the best ways to enhance safety for showings is by utilizing tools that will grant access to local realtors and keep your home secure. Lock boxes have traditionally been used by selling realtors, and there are a variety of options available. There are now digital lock boxes, such as SentriKey, where agents can download an app used to gain access to your home, while still giving your selling agent complete control and transparency as to who enters.
Additionally, it’s worth discussing with your realtor who will know about the security measures you’re taking. Just other realtors? Or will that information be listed on websites? Coming up with a clear plan for secure your entries into your home will ensure that all your bases are covered.
Appointment Only
Another way to safeguard your home while selling is to only let those who have made an appointment enter your home. While there may be some well-meaning strangers who happen to drive by, see a “for sale” sign, and want to take a look around, letting people come into your home unannounced can put you at risk.
Encourage interested buyers to reach out to a selling agent to set up an appointment. This will ensure that anyone interested has gone through the proper channels to view your home.
Keep Valuables Locked Away
It always a good idea to lock away valuables for showings and open houses. Many people rush to get their house clean and ready that they sometimes forget to check for anything that might be sitting out. Items to lock away include:
- Jewelry
- Cash
- Car and house keys
- Credit cards
It is best practice to purchase a safe and store all valuable items in it, guaranteeing that your items will be there waiting for you when you get back. If you are unable to purchase a safe, it is recommended that you take these items with you while the house is being shown.
Put Away Personal Items
One thing to keep in mind when listing your home is storing personal items. While it’s okay to make your home feel welcoming, you should put away items that could potentially lead to identity theft. Items such as credit card bills, pieces of mail, or even calendars can be enough information for someone to take and start opening up accounts in your name.
If you have prescriptions, make sure to store them in a safe and secure spot. Even if you store them in a medicine cabinet, you should remove all medication from easy-to-access areas and safely store them, as this will help protect your medical information.
In addition, remove all personal photos. This added precaution can help protect you and your family’s privacy.
Here at Blackhawk Bank, we want you and your family to stay safe while you’re making the big move. If you want to learn more about Blackhawk Bank, contact us today!
Author:
Tammy Zurfluh, SVP Mortgage Banking