An agent will do everything she can to protect your assets, but if you have a new agent and a thief that has been a thief for 20 years - who has more experience? Remove the temptation - put it away. After all, they aren't buying your jewelry - they are supposed to be buying your house. You are moving anyway... pack some of your special things a bit early to play it safe. You'll appreciate them more when you unpack at your new house ... and you'll still have them. Well priced homes are selling these days so your security efforts won't mean that you will be without the pleasure of your valuables for very long.
Theft during a home showing is a rare event, but it is not unusual for us to show a home and see rings, watches, cameras and cash carelessly left in full view. This always causes us to pause and creates great consternation when there are several people in the viewing party, i.e.- a family with kids running around, two couples looking together, etc. It places an unfair burden on your agent to protect those assets when in fact they should be focused on presenting your home and qualifying the potential Buyers as to how it will fulfill their wants and needs. The distraction to the agent actually works against you.
Marketing your home is a very safe endeavor and experienced agents have learned to be aware to protect your assets. The MLS Lockbox systems are now technical marvels that not only record the entry of the agent showing the house, they actually give your agents the showing date, time and agent identity immediately when they enter the home.
Buyers and their agents should also be aware of other modern technology when viewing a home. It is very easy to install audio and video equipment throughout a house to record Buyers' comments and actions while they are looking at the home. It can even be set up so the Seller can watch real time via the internet on their remote computer. They can actually watch you view their home. That doesn't mean you shouldn't open closets and drawers - you have to look the home over closely - rather it means you should be cautious about what you say. If you really, really like the home you don't want to tip your hand by verbalizing your excitement about the home while you are in the house - it could adversely affect your negotiating position.
Our Advice: Don't leave your watch, rings, wallet ... any pocket sized valuable... in plain view. You will be having strangers through your house and it is a distraction to their purpose - the purchase of your house- to be tantalized by vulnerable valuables. You don't put your watch on the dash of your car when you are selling it and you don't give home tours to somebody looking to buy your camera. Put your small precious things out of sight. While you're at it ... consider what else might be visible that you wouldn't want publicized. We've seen some very private items left in full display - some legal, some not - that the Buyers were uncomfortable viewing. This, too, is detrimental to the sale of your home.
Your agent can help you arrange your home and personal affects to maximize your home's presentation and the protection of all your assets. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com
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