FSBO Precautions to Take When Showing your Home

When your home goes on the market you have to realize that it is open to the public. Whether it is a showing or an open house people will be there that you don’t know. Safety should always come first. Remove jewelry and other valuables from the home. Make sure someone knows where you are and when the showing/open house is taking place. In the event something does go wrong give the person(s) what they want so they will leave.

Having your home open to the public means that you lose some privacy, and you will have to deal with some inconveniences. Even be prepared for people to come and knock on your door at any time.  All jewelry and other valuables should be put in a safe location. Good examples would be to keep them in a safe, at a friend or family member’s house, or in storage. You want to focus on portable objects such as cameras, tablets, laptops, etc.; most people will not try to steal your grand piano even though it is valuable.

If you are showing your home or holding an open house, let someone know what time the showing/open begins and ends. Let them know you will call them right after it is over to let them know how it went. This way they will know exactly what you are doing and what time to expect your call. You can also set up an “emergency word” or phrase with that person so you can contact them if you are able to without being obvious.

One of the best ways is to be observant and pay attention to details. By doing this you can often recognize signs that are unusual and discourage the possible robbing attempt, or at least get your emergency word to your contact. In the unfortunate event that someone tries to rob you don’t be a hero. Give the person(s) what they want so they will go away. Your safety is more important than anything in the house or even the house itself. I would recommend carrying a non-lethal self-defense weapon such as pepper spray, or a Taser.

These types of things don’t normally happen, but you want to be prepared for them just in case. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. Being prepared and paying attention to detail will keep you safe.