Consider The Safety Of Your Family When Preparing For An Open House
I personally happen to be a big proponent of open houses. You can't do it in all cases but some areas are very conducive to an open house. I have one listing close to time shares and the traffic and type of potential buyer or client is perfect. So it really depends. There are a lot of vacant homes for sale because many are second homes. As an agent, we also need to be cognizant of our surroundings. I live and work in one of the safest cities in Arizona, but I still guard against security and personal risks.
- Phone ready to go
- Constant communication with office and husband
- Pepper spray within reach
- Escape route pre-planned
Read the excellent advice and personal observation that Sharon Tara provides clients.
If you are planning on listing your house for sale in the near future, I would like to once again stress the importance of protecting your family's privacy.
Home Stagers, as a general rule, advise sellers to remove all personal documents, photos, awards, medications, valuables, etc. while their house is listed.
This advice is for good reason.
Whether it's an open house or a private showing, you will be allowing strangers to enter your home while you are not there.
Most people you allow in are entering with good intentions, but there are people out there who look for ways to take advantage of the situation.
Sellers must protect themselves and their loved ones.
I've been to a few open houses the last couple of weekends and I'm really surprised at just how much information some sellers leave visable to complete strangers touring their home.
One house in particular was especially disturbing to me...
There was a huge family portrait over the fireplace. Mom, Dad and two beautiful little girls.
The girl's backpacks were hanging by the door....one clearly identified as belonging to Emily and one belonging to Amanda.
Hanging in the kitchen was a schedule for the month....dance class, family vacation, birthday party (including locations).
In the girls' bedroom were 11x14 framed newborn photos with each of their birth dates and their full names.
I left that house knowing far more information about those two little girls than I should have.
Honestly, I shouldn't have even known there were two girls who lived there, nevermind what they look like. I shouldn't know their names, ages, birthdays, and where they go to school. I certainly have no business knowing where and when they will be at dance class.
Disturbing Open House No. 2:
The sellers left their small dog in a crate during the Open.
They had a blanket partially covering the crate. It was located in the foyer, so everyone attending had to pass by it. That little dog was losing it's mind. We heard it barking when we got out of our car and it never stopped the whole time we (and a lot of other people) were in the house. Uncomfortable, to say the least, for all involved.
When preparing for your Open House it's better to be safe than sorry.
Remove anything that identifies your family members and don't leave pets in the house.
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