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September is Realtor Safety Month, and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) takes extra care to help Realtors keep ourselves safe when listing and selling real estate year-round. Realtors aren’t the only people who need to be aware of safety.
Selling your home means that strangers will come in and out of your house at different times. While the vast majority of people are honest and law-abiding, criminals look for opportunities to do damage. Take a few precautions and keep yourself, your family, and your valuables safe.
Put away prescription medications. When you know your home will be shown or an open house is scheduled, put away your prescriptions. If you’re leaving the house, take them with you. Everyone has expired medications sitting around. Make sure to dispose of them properly so they’re one less thing to worry about.
Keep your valuables out of sight. I don’t want to tell you to hide your stuff, but keep jewelry, electronics, and other valuables put away. When it’s time to take pictures of your home for the online listing, make sure nothing of major value is inadvertently photographed. Theft is sometimes a crime of opportunity (finding a piece of jewelry on a counter) and at other times, it’s planned and executed (finding a picture of your home online with valuable items clearly shown – and the address readily available).
Remove family photographs. While you might be tempted to keep photos out to give your home a friendly and warm appearance, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Dangerous people are in the world, and there’s no need to give them a target for stalking, kidnapping, or something much, much worse.
Be prepared for unexpected visitors. There’s a sign in your front yard letting passersby know your home is for sale. It’s possible that people will stop by unexpectedly. Do not feel like you have to let anyone and everyone into your home. If you don’t feel safe or a little voice in your head thinks it’s a bad idea, politely refuse. Don’t be afraid to call the police is you feel threatened or unsafe. Let unexpected visitors know they can schedule an appointment with your Realtor to view the home. Your safety is more important than letting someone come into your home unannounced.
With a few precautions, a bit of planning, and a willingness to listen to your instincts, you can keep yourself, your family, and your home safe while you sell your house. Talk to your Realtor about safety precautions. Remember, your safety and healthy are more important than the sale of a house.
Source:
The Safety Talk You Need to Have with Clients, Realtor Magazine
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