Video: A Sensible, Safe and Successful Open House

Should I do anything special before an Open House?

I am in the ‘Open Houses are good business’ camp and I do them regularly. Folks visiting Open Houses are not in the same category as the clients that I show properties to, so there’s not the same level of mutual trust. It’s just logical that security for an Open House needs to be a little more substantial.

In preparation for an Open House, it goes without saying that your home should be spotless, odor-free and welcoming. But there are a few details that it’s easy to overlook.

By the time an Open House is scheduled, you will likely have already stowed away clutter and personal items. But if you’re still living in your home while it’s on the market, there’s going to be everyday-life all around you.

Even when your Realtor is not conducting an Open House it’s wise to tuck mail, keys, electronics and garage door openers out of plain sight. You never know when the next showing will occur.

Your Grandmother’s lovely old vase might make a striking focal point on the dining room table, but if it has sentimental value you may want to have it safely packed before buyers tour your home.

Ultimately the less you have on display to distract a potential home buyer’s attention, the more features of the actual house they’ll be able to focus on.

Video: A Sensible, Safe and Successful Open House

For your convenience we’ve placed a transcript directly below this video.

Video Transcript: A Sensible, Safe and Successful Open House

Planning an Open House should always include security measures.

Welcome to RIS Media News everyone, I’m Jenny Dunn.

The vast majority of Open Houses are perfectly safe but strangers will be present.

To minimize risk, have your Real Estate agent conduct the Open House. Ask them in advance whether they keep a sign-in list, and if they’re present when people view the home.

Inquire about specific property and personal security measures they employ.

Store important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, passports, credit cards and checkbooks in a secure location. The same holds true for jewelry and other valuables that can be easily concealed.

Avoid identity theft by never allowing easy access to personal mail or sensitive information, and make sure all computers are password protected, turned off and secure.

If holding the Open House yourself, ask a neighbor to join you and make sure your cell phone and home phone are always nearby.

No matter how friendly or innocuous a person might appear, always maintain a clear path to an unlocked exit.

From all of us at RIS Media News, thanks for watching. We look forward to seeing you next time.