Thieves Target Open Houses An Urgent Safety Alert for Sellers

This is always such an unfortunate situation! Sellers are kind enough to graciously open their homes to allow visitors, and the bane of our society feel it means they're entitled to the Seller's belongings.

Hannah, it is sad people take advantage of open houses to either case out a place or steal while they are there.  In Denver we had people crack a window in the basement, so they could return and steal at a later date.   Lots of reasons NOT to do open houses.

Good evening Hannah Williams,

We had a rash of that about 4 years ago but now are not seeing that and we often have 2 agents host the open house. Open houses here are a great way to have neighbors (potential sellers) come and lots of buyers (many who can see lots of houses on one day during an afternoon) see the property. On my last three listings buyers came to the open house and called their agents and came back after the open house and wrote offers. It just goes to show you real estate is local!!!

Hi Hannah- I can understand why your preference is not to have Open Houses. Having 2 agents available for Open Houses sounds like a good compromise but you never know. The important thing is for everyone to be safe. 

Hi Hannah,
Unscrupulous people are everywhere, so we always have to be on high alert. I had a lot of success with Opens, but times are different now. 

Good morning, Hannah... I make my sellers sign off on a document that I recommended they lock up drugs, jewelry, money, guns, ammo during the listing term. This is just one reason I don't like open houses... you really never know who might be "casing the house." Plus, I've heard too many stories from local agents about being accosted at their open houses. 

It is true - everything of value needs to be put away/stored/locked up when a home is for sale. That includes for showings and open houses. 

It's really sad that we have to be so guarded these days.  I remember as a kid, we didn't even lock our front doors, haha.  I feel blessed that I live in a neighborhood that is fairly safe, so I don't worry much if I forget to lock my front door.  Heck, one of my neighbors always has their garage door open, which I think is a bit crazy, but it's nice to know that the neighborhood is that safe, haha.

Hannah this is another reason why more than one Realtor/Agent is needed.  Another reason is for safety purposes.

This is good information to share. Home sellers should be sure to secure valuables.

Hannah, Such an important reminder. I too feel sellers are safer with private scheduled showings where buyers are accompanied throughout the home. We only schedule Open Houses when the sellers demand it, and we only have them when we can have 3 of us at the home.

What a wake up call this wa, Hannah Williams. You laid it out in a way that hits home and still feels grounded in real life, and I’m glad you shared it. It’s a sharp reminder to stay alert out there, and honestly, it couldn’t be more timely.

One of the reasons I don't like to do Open Houses. You cannot control who is coming and going.

Very rarely do I conduct an open house unless it's a vacant property, Hannah, even then, personal safety and risk is an issue. When clients expect it, I tell them to put everything up of value that might cause sticky fingers!