Crime Prevention Tips for an Open House in Arizona

With online floor plans, virtual tours and high resolution photos, some question whether an open house is actually necessary during the selling process. The convenience of clicking through the internet generally trumps the seller actually getting up and requesting a tour. Additionally, as a seller in Arizona, you run the risk of several things when you decide to host an open house. Stolen items or property damage of your home are unfortunately common. In fact, over $13 billion of property is stolen each year and only 21% of stolen property is actually recovered.  Additionally, Phoenix criminal lawyer Craig Orent says criminals can use an open house as an opportunity to actually case your home. Those who have had an eye on potentially robbing the house are free to roam and essentially create a game plan on how to break in.

While these risks will definitely make anyone wary about an open house, the benefits of having an open house during the selling process should not be overshadowed. An Arizona open house gives the seller the opportunity to really show off the house. Scheduling conflicts are diminished, which are often a problem when a seller will only offer private tours. Additionally, serious buyers throughout Arizona are willing to come to an open house, and as a seller, these are the people you want to be targeting and working with.

Still worried about robbery or theft in Phoenix during an open house? There are ways to benefit from an open house while keeping your property safe. Below are 5 essential steps to take to prevent an open house robbery:

1. Ask your realtor if the open house plan includes multiple associates. Not only will this come off as more helpful to a potential buyer, but there are multiple eyes watching over your house.
2. Now is not the time to flaunt your most prized household items. Although extravagant household items may attract a promising buyer, they will also attract a visitor with a wandering hand.  
3. If you decide to leave your home during an open house, you may want to talk to a few trusted neighbors to have them stop by and check in. They can look for any suspicious buyers that may be at the open house for the wrong reasons
4. If you stay, take inventory of your visitors throughout the day.
5. Look into a security system. Not only can you track when a household item goes missing, but you can also review any suspicious activity. If a robbery wasn’t actually committed at the time of the open house, it is still wise to sift back through any footage to look for wary visitors.