Key takeout
Secure valuables and personal documents should arrive before hiding family photos and travel plans and check the lock after the open house asks your neighbors to keep an eye on them
Opening the door to a potential buyer can make you feel a little nervous. After all, you’re having a stranger walk through your home and peek into a normally private space. While most open house visitors are real buyers, it is still important to think about the safety of open houses. With a little preparation, you can protect your belongings, assets and peace of mind.
Whether you place your home in the market in Denver, Colorado or sell your home in Kent, Washington, learn how to keep your home safe during an open house.
Open House Preparation
The moment you list your home is the moment when you have to start planning for the safety of your open house. A few simple steps can make the process easier and safer.
Check your insurance coverage. Call your provider to see what’s covered in the event of theft or damage during theft. Some policies may require additional riders for your valuables. Please consult a real estate agent. Experienced agents have systems for the safety of open houses, including sign-in sheets, monitoring visitor flow, and restricting access to certain rooms. Let your trusted neighbors know. Keep an eye out for extraordinary activities like people entering the home before and after the event, where parked cars remain outside. We will delete your personal information. Even before the show starts, you end up in the habit of cleaning up sensitive documents and emails. This will protect you from potential identity theft.
The night before the open house
The night before, focus on removing or protecting items that could tempt strangers. To keep it organized, create a reusable open house checklist for each show.
Valuables: Jewelry, cash, small electronics, watches, collectible personal documents: Passports, financial statements, tax returns, check books, social security books, social security cards, spare key schedules, photos: family calendars, travel itineraries, or framed degrees/certifications Personal details to reveal Medicines and Substances: Prescription drugs, alcohol, all targets for plants
Technology: Laptops, Tablets, Portable Hard Drives – Anything with sensitive data should be protected or deleted
Tip: Use lockbox or off-site storage for small items. For larger valuables, make sure they are not visible in locked cabinets or closets.
Open House Day
Before the event:
Wait for the agent to leave until it arrives. Perform a quick sweep to make sure your valuables are secured, and all areas look clean and step-by-step. Make sure that unused doors, windows, and entry points are locked.
Open House:
Your agent should guide the visitors and track who enters and enters the exit. Some people request their ID for a digital sign-in app or for additional accountability. If you want a look, limit access to your basement, garage, or storage room.
After the open house:
Walk through the property with your agent. Check all doors and windows, including side entrances, patio doors, and basements. Make sure your closets, cabinets and outdoor storage areas are closed and protected. Resets any security systems that may have been turned off during the show.
Why is the safety of open houses important?
An open house is an exciting step towards finding the right buyer. A little preparation will help keep your home safe. The safer you feel, the smoother the process will be. By prioritizing open house safety, you can focus on introducing your home with confidence.
FAQ: Open House Safety
Do I need to stay at home during an open house?
no. In fact, it is usually best for the homeowner to leave once the agent arrives. Buyers often ask questions and feel more comfortable over time when there is no seller there.
Do I need to delete all my valuables or simply hide them?
If possible, it is best to physically remove smaller valuables from the property. For large items like electronics, make sure they are not left in obvious vision. This is one of the most effective open house safety practices.
How can I keep my home safe after an open house?
Walk with your agent before you leave. Double check all locks on the doors and windows to make sure no visitors are left inside.
What about my personal information on my computer and email?
Store your emails, financial documents and laptops in a safe place in front of the open house. Anything that reveals personal details should be hidden.
Is it safe to keep your medicines at home?
no. Prescription drugs are one of the most commonly stolen items, so they should be trapped or removed from the home as part of the open house safety checklist.
