How to Protect Your Home During Open Houses and Showings
Selling a home can be an exciting process, but it also comes with security risks. During open houses or property showings, unfamiliar people are walking through your space, and you want to make sure your home stays safe. In this article, we’ll share simple, effective strategies to help protect your home while showing it to potential buyers.
Install Smart Locks for Easy Access Control
One of the easiest ways to manage access to your home during showings is with smart locks. These locks allow you to grant and revoke access remotely, so you don’t have to worry about providing physical keys to strangers. Many smart locks also come with features that let you track who enters and exits your home, adding an extra layer of security.
If you’re looking for peace of mind, a local 24-hour locksmith near me on call can help you install or upgrade to a smart lock system. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access your property during scheduled showings.
A recent client, John Thompson, shared his experience with FindLocksmith: “I was selling my home and was worried about security during the showings. I contacted Find Locksmith, and they installed a smart lock for me. I could control access from my phone, and it gave me peace of mind knowing I didn’t have to give out physical keys. It was the perfect solution for my open houses.”
Quick tip: Choose a lock with temporary access codes so that you can control access for each showing.
Secure Your Valuables
One of the first steps in securing your home for a showing is to remove or lock away valuable items. Expensive jewelry, electronics, important documents, and cash should be stored in a safe or locked away in a secure place. Even if you trust your real estate agent, it’s better to be cautious and safeguard your valuables. Consider setting up a temporary safe during the showing if you don’t have one already.
Tip: If you don’t have a safe, a hidden drawer or an inconspicuous box can help protect smaller items.
Use Surveillance Cameras to Monitor Activity
Installing surveillance cameras is an excellent way to monitor what happens during an open house or showing. Smart cameras can be placed near the entrances or in common areas. They allow you to monitor activity in real time and review the footage later if necessary. Be sure to inform potential buyers that surveillance cameras are in place, as this can deter any unwanted behavior.
Many camera systems also come with motion sensors and alerts, so you’ll be notified of any unusual activity during the showing. If you’re using outdoor cameras, ensure they’re weatherproof and can provide clear footage.
Fact: Studies show that properties with visible security systems, like cameras, are less likely to be targeted by thieves.
Limit Access to Certain Areas of Your Home
You don’t have to give potential buyers access to every part of your home. In fact, limiting access to certain rooms can help keep your belongings safe. For example, you may want to lock up personal spaces such as bedrooms, home offices, and closets where valuables may be stored.
You can clearly label these rooms as “Private” and restrict access during the showing. A 24-hour locksmith near me on call can assist you with installing secure door locks that make it easy to restrict access.
Tip: Use signs or gentle reminders for your agent to ensure these areas are kept off-limits during showings.
Work With a Trusted Real Estate Agent
A professional, reliable real estate agent is crucial for ensuring your home is shown to potential buyers in a safe and organized way. Choose an agent who has a proven track record and good references. They should be comfortable with the idea of ensuring home security during showings. Your agent can also help monitor the number of people allowed into your home at once, which helps reduce the chance of potential security risks.
Quick fact: Agents should be aware of your security preferences, from where to position guests to areas of the home that are off-limits. Be aware, and protect yourself against real estate fraud!
Conclusion
Protecting your home during open houses and showings requires a little preparation, but the effort is well worth it to ensure the safety of your property. By securing valuables, installing smart locks, using cameras, limiting access to private spaces, and working with a trusted agent, you can create a secure environment for both your belongings and your potential buyers. If you’re unsure about your security measures, consider contacting a local 24-hour locksmith near me on call to help you take your home security to the next level. Taking these steps can help protect your home and give you peace of mind as you go through the selling process.
