If you are selling your home, your REALTORⓇ will likely hold an open house. During an open house, potential buyers will come into your home and explore the space, room by room. The problem with an open house is that you never know who will show up, including strangers and thieves. Removing certain items from your for-sale home will assure your belongings, or identity, aren’t damaged or stolen. Here are a few examples of items you shouldn’t leave out during an open house.
Laptops, Tablets & Cell Phones
Devices like these are a major risk for theft or damage. Due to the high value of these items, they are more likely to be stolen and even more expensive to replace. Be sure to take these devices with you, or store them in a safe place, out of sight.
Jewelry
Similar to your devices, jewelry is expensive, and sometimes even irreplaceable. Because jewelry is so small, it can be easily hidden. Removing your jewelry is the best option, rather than a jewelry box that can be rummaged through in an open house.
Personal Documents
Don’t risk identity theft by leaving out mail or paperwork that can include personal information, from your full name and address to your social security number or bank account information. You don’t know who will be roaming your home, so storing these documents is the safest choice.
Prescription Medications
Bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms are popular places throughout a home for storing prescription medications. Be sure to remove any medications, including over-the-counter, prior to the open house, since real estate agents can’t have their eyes on every room and every person.
Garage Door Openers
If your home has a garage, especially one attached to the house, leaving your garage door remote in a place where it can be stolen opens your home to a potential burglary. Because this remote acts as a key, you’re giving strangers direct access to your home, car and family.
