Neighborhood Watch on Vacant Homes

Leanne, Neighbors always seem interested in what's happening to homes for sale in their neighborhoods.  I think it's a great idea to meet both next door neighbors as well as the ones across the street, and introduce yourself as the home stager for that property and leave them your card.  I might make it more comical so as not to scare them into thinking that perhaps staging has brought an opportunity for theft into their neighborhood, perhaps smile and say, "so if you see a big truck backing up into this home for sale, and I'm not driving it, please give me a call" or something similar.  Introducing yourself to the neighbors also gives you an opportunity for a referral to someone they know!

Hi Leanne ~ I like your kindness and goodness but let me play devil's advocate: What if that sweet neighbor you take a basket to has a crack addict son, and he learns the house is VACANT and FURNISHED....addicts will sell anything to get their drug, so be careful announcing it!

Leanne, how frightening to be robbed and on your first vacant.  My first thought was install a cheapie alarm system at the front door but that wouldn't allow agents in, would it.  Also thought about one of those barking dog contraptions from years ago.  I like Maureen's idea of keeping your cookie giving spiel light hearted but to the point.  If there is a bad element in the neighborhood they will probably already know about the vacant house and distributing cookies won't be the deal that gives you away.  

Maybe some of those alarm company "faux" stickers in the windows and at the front door along with cookies??   

Leanne, I agree with ginger.  Definitely let the neighbor know your there.  They will definitely want to keep the neighborhood safe to protect their property values.  A house that just got broken into probably won't sell as quickly.  Get to baking those cookies:-)... and pick up some sticker too... definitely can't hurt.

Leanne,

I too am sorry to hear that your very first project you had your inventory stolen.  I have other friend Stagers who it has happpened to.  I now have additional verbage about that in my Letter of Agreement/Contract. 

I have gone to neighbors where I have Staged before.  I introduced myself and gave them my biz card and told them I Staged the house next to them.  I offered to show them the Staging and most want to see.  Neighbors usually come on Open House anyway.  By asking them to come to the Staged home I can talk to them and get to know them better.  Then when I return to check on things in the home I usually see them outside and stop and talk again.  I even got a referral from one of the neighbors next door to a house I Staged.  I always think it's best to go with your instinct...how you feel about the neighborhood.  I hope it works out better this time for you.