When it comes to selling your house, your greatest worry might be closing the deal. But protecting your property while it’s on the market is just as important. Homes for sale can often be targets for theft, vandalism and even liability lawsuits.
Whether you’re still living in your home or leaving it unoccupied while it's on the market, take these steps to protect your investment:
Check your insurance policy
Whether you are living in or out of your home while it’s on the market, reviewing your home insurance policy is a must. If you are not living in your home while it’s on the market, you should definitely have a heart-to-heart with your home insurance providerand check homeowners insurance quotes.
From an insurer’s standpoint, a vacant home is an increased liability risk and your coverage might change once you leave the home for an extended period.
Hide and secure valuables
Of course, many sellers continue to live in the house, even while it's being shown. Before putting your house on the market, do a walk through and remove any visible high-value items such as jewelry, collectibles or small electronics. Items such as these should be locked away out of sight where they cannot easily be stolen.
You should also hide documents containing personal information such as your social security number or bank account numbers to avoid identity theft. Finally, make sure prescription drugs also aren't on display to tempt potential buyers.
Inform the neighbors
If you do plan to move out of the house while it's on the market, make plans to have someone – a family member or trusted neighbor – check after each showing to make sure your doors are locked. With so many unfamiliar guests coming in and out, it’s a smart idea to have someone helping you secure your house to prevent theft, vandalism and other unwanted visitors. If you are out-of-state, you may even want a friend to complete full interior and exterior checks every so often.
Accident-proof the property
Selling a home usually means bringing many potential buyers over for showings and maybe even a few open houses. Because of the increased traffic through your home, you should first do your own walkthrough to scan for potential safety hazards.
Although your home insurance policy likely includes personal liability coverage, it’s always best to prevent injuries or accidents before they happen. Making sure your hallways and stairwells are free of clutter, keeping the home well-lit, and repairing loose, uneven flooring are just a few ways to prevent accidents while selling your home.
Keep your home security system active
If you are not living in your home while it’s on the market, it might be tempting to cut costs and cancel your home security system service. However, it’s best to keep the service active even while the home's vacant.
Why? Because no matter where you live, vacant homes can attract vandals and thieves. Be sure to make your home insurance provider aware that you have a security system because it can qualify you for a home insurance discount.
Put away the pooch
Showing your home while living in it isn’t always convenient and it can be especially hard if you have a dog. To avoid potential dog bite liability claims, it’s best to keep your dog out of the house during showings. Take it to the park or let it stay with a neighbor. If you are unable to remove the dog from the premises, you should at least keep it crated.
Your dog might be completely harmless but you never know how it could react with so many strangers traipsing through your house.
Once you’ve taken the steps to protect your home, all you can do is sit and wait for the right buyer. At least while you’re waiting, you’ll have the peace of mind that your investment is safe and sound. For any additional questions about protecting your home, call your home insurance provider or talk to your real estate agent.
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