When hosting an open house, it’s important that you secure your belongings. Although the last thing on your mind when showing your home and the probability of it happening is low, you will likely still want to safeguard your valuables. Below are some tips to secure your belongings when you are showing your home.
Lock Up Small Valuables
Small valuables are easy targets for theft. Hide or lock your small valuables like:
- Laptops, smartphones, tablets and other small electronic devices
- Jewelry
- Keys
- Prescriptions
- Bills, checkbooks, ID cards, bank statements and other personal information
- Irreplaceable possessions and heirlooms
Don’t leave these items in view which can temp wandering fingers. You can even buy a lock box so you have a place to put your possessions during your open house.
Prevent Identity Theft
Don’t overlook the possibility of identity theft. Leaving your bills, mail or bank statements out for people to access them can target you for identity theft. They are also not safe tucked away in a drawer since people could still rifle through them. Always lock this type of personal information up.
Don’t Show Your Home Alone
Whether you are a realtor or the homeowner, have an associate or friend come over while you are showing the home. This way, while you are showing the home, they can stand guard and watch the visitors.
Have Your Visitors Sign in
Have your visitors jot down their name and number during your open home. This way, if you suspect theft, you at least have a log of who came to your home. Although you might not be able to get everyone’s name during a large showing, you can for smaller ones.
Install Security Alarms and Cameras
You can install alarms and cameras and view your buyers from your smartphone. You can be notified when someone walks in your home and keep an eye on things during the showing. This will enable you to know exactly what everyone is doing during their visit.
Talk to your realtor or agent about how you can secure your valuable possessions. Have them sign everyone in that shows up to the showing and if you have more than one floor in your home, make sure they have an assistant come with them so that all floors are being watched at all times.
Talk to us here at bolt insurance Agency about being protected from theft with homeowners insurance by calling 1-800-216-4171.
