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When you open your house to the public. Staging in Burlington

By
Home Stager

Selling your home is a very 'public' process. 

You are opening your home to the public for all to see in hopes of finding the perfect buyer. There will be MLS photos on the Internet accompanied by your address. Realtors will be bringing clients through for viewings. Your Realtor may hold a public open house to attract buyers. 

Keep this in mind as you prepare your home for sale. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some tips to keep your possessions secure:

  1. Put all medications out of sight. That box on the counter may be convenient for you but it also leaves them open to tampering.
  2. Store alcohol out of sight. They say tastings have happened. 
  3. Video games, DVDs and CDs are pocketable. Box them up while on the market.
  4. Jewelry is also pocketable. If it has monetary or sentimental value place it in a safety deposit box or at a relative's home.
  5. If you have a valuable piece of art store it. 
  6. Keep extra keys out of sight. They are also easy to pocket.
  7. Is your child's name or photo up on their bedroom wall? Remember their room will be in the MLS photos showing their approximate age, sex and name. 
  8. Don't forget about i pads or i pods. They should also be kept out of sight. 
  9. Appointments on your calendar can be read by all. 
  10. Anything special to you should be packed away. There is always the chance of accidental damage.
  11. Store the gun cabinet. Locked or not, do you really want buyers seeing that you have guns in your home?

Selling is a 'public' affair. Just how public is up to you.

 

Posted by

Retired Home Stager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments(74)

Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

So true Rosie. We hope for the best but should prepare for the worst.

Sep 17, 2013 01:29 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Thank you Praful.

Sep 17, 2013 01:29 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Shanna that is one of the things taught in Staging school ;).

Sep 17, 2013 01:30 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Well said Micheal!

Sep 17, 2013 01:31 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Travis, I'm amazed at how many clients don't think about the public aspect of the process.

Sep 17, 2013 01:32 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Roger, you are not alone in that. I have met agents who only do an open house for fellow agents.

Sep 17, 2013 01:33 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Dana, we had a mother & son team in my area taking games.

Sep 17, 2013 01:34 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Thanks Sharon.

Sep 17, 2013 01:34 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Yes they do Lyn. It's our job to bring it to their attention.

Sep 17, 2013 01:35 AM
Robert Hicks
United Country River City Realty - Savannah, TN

Good Post.Thanks for the reminder, it is easy to get comfortable and off track.. Must stay focused on business and safty at all times..

Sep 17, 2013 01:55 AM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Janice, great post and great list.  Some we have never thought about!

Sep 17, 2013 02:09 AM
Nora Sims
Northern Shadows Realty, Inc. - Sedona, AZ
helping folks like you since 1978!

 

While I found your post to be a bit extreme (I live in a small town where fortunately crime is low), Janice, I do realize the value of the message you wanted to convey.

Many people become victims without realizing that they left an open invitation sitting on the counter or pasted on the wall.

No one needs that much access of information when it comes to someone else's life.

Sep 17, 2013 02:40 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I love the post, but I want to clarify up front this is basically something I have been writing up on my own.  So know I did not copy of steal it without credit.  Bills and documents that could lead to ID theft should be put away too.

Sep 17, 2013 02:58 AM
Karen Steed
Tallapoosa, Bremen, Waco, Buchanan, Temple, Carrollton - Tallapoosa, GA
Associate Broker Haralson Realty

Great reminders to everyone who has their property for sale.  When showing your home, an agent can't watch everyone at all times, and things can disappear.

Sep 17, 2013 05:06 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

That's very true Robert.

Sep 17, 2013 09:05 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Bob, thanks, it's our job to educate our clients.

Sep 17, 2013 09:06 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Nora, I was shocked to hear that a mother/son team were stealing video games from open houses. I couldn't imagine teaching a young child to steal like that.

Sep 17, 2013 09:08 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Duely noted Gene ;). Yes, clients do leave their bills out sometimes and it's not a good idea.

Sep 17, 2013 09:10 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

That's right Karen, especially at a public open house. Agents are busy greeting and answering questions and may miss something going on in another part of the house.

Sep 17, 2013 09:12 AM
Linda D. Pufford
Stage with Divine Style - Home Staging - Novato, CA
ASPM, Marin/Sonoma Home Stager

Hi Janice,

What a great post...  with so much valuable information.  Your list is very complete and I'm sure there are many sellers out there that would never think of all these things to do before their home is put on the MLS and buyers start coming by to preview their home. 

Congratulations on the feature too!!!

Sep 24, 2013 10:24 AM