Is is possible for things to be stolen by buyers when there are complete strangers in your house? It is not common. Not in our experience anyway.
It can be nerve-wracking to have your house listed for sale and to have strangers in your house. Here are some smart, practical tips to safeguard your belongings during showings and open houses.
First of all, I should tell you that we have not had any issues with buyers stealing items in one of our listings. Keep in mind, buyers SHOULD be qualified to purchase the house prior to going out looking with their Broker, with whom they are under contract. Remember, they are walking through with a professional. There is a record of who specifically was in the house and when... if they access the key with an MLS keybox. That doesn’t make it impossible to have issues, but I hope it gives you piece of mind. Still, take precautions.
Remove or Secure Valuables
Jewelry, passports, prescription medications, checkbooks, small electronics, firearms—anything easy to pocket or valuable enough to tempt—should be removed from the house or locked in a safe. Even if you trust your Realtor and the showing process, not every guest has good intentions.
Hide Personal Tech & Info
Laptops, tablets and any paper clutter that might include personal data. That should be out of sight. Identity theft is a very real concern—don’t make it easy.
Consider the Clues in Your Photos
It’s easy to forget that listing photos go online. Double-check what's visible. Family calendars, kid names on the wall, expensive audio equipment—these might not seem risky until you realize they could offer info to a would-be thief scouting online.
Cameras
If you already have a Ring camera or interior security cams, keep them running—just be sure to check your state laws about recording. You cannot listen to a conversation in Washington. Buyers are entitled to privacy even in your home. Some states require you to notify people if they’re being recorded.
Controlled Showings Only
Your Realtor should be using a professional scheduling service and a secure lockbox system. That way, every visitor is accounted for, and showings are always supervised by a licensed agent. If YOU open the door for the buyer and their realtor, there is no record. Use the box. If you would like a full overview of the process of selling your home, request our Home Seller Playbook.
Contact us if you would like a full playbook of tips ahead of listing your house. Here is a full youtube playlist of tips as well!
