Sellers Beware This Could Happen To You

Great Point and as agents it is our responsibility to educate our sellers on how they should prepare.

Diane, I see this all the time.  I had a listing that had a gun case full of expensive rifles and never could persuade the owner to take those out of the home.  Nothing ever happened but I worried about someone breaking in and stealing them. 

Diane~  It is so important that we let our sellers know that anything of significant value should not be left out as it may be too much temptation for someone to just take it....

If they don't take it at the open house (larger, expensive items), they now know the items are there, and could return when the homeowners are out. I'd remove expensive televisions, computers, video games, etc.

Great reminder! Have a great day!

Everything the Stagehand said is on our list as well, and for security I also recommend that the homeowner turn the volume down on their answering machine, or turn it off completely, so that if the phone rings, while there is a showing, the potential buyer does not hear "You have reached the home of Joe and Cindy Jones", and they also do not hear the message left, "this is Dr. Smiths office and your results were positive, please call us!"...Trust me, we have heard this when staging!

Diane, this is sage advice. We also have seen and experienced Sellers who choose not to respect the wisdom and recommendations of their Real Estate professionals, much to our chagrin.

When I get a listing and we go over the final inspection of the home I remind them to put anything of value out of sight.  (jewelry, change, keys etc...)  Great post!