Ensuring the protection of your possessions during home viewings is crucial. Here are some important tips to safeguard your valuables.

1. Find a reputable agent and talk to him or her about how to safeguard your possessions.

2. Make sure your agent uses a sign-in sheet for everyone who comes into the house. The sheet should include name, phone number and address.

3. For multilevel homes, ask your agent to bring an assistant so that all floors are covered at all times.

4. Remove valuables from view and store them in a safe, locked place.

5. Remove all prescription medicines and lock those up too.

6. Store away safely small electronics such as laptops, iPads, smartphones, and other electronic devices that are easy to tuck in a pocket.

7. Do not hide anything in your top dresser drawer as this is a well know spot for thieves.

8. Make sure your computers are locked with a pass code.

9. Bills, checks, bank statements, passports, and ID cards should be safely stored away.

10. Do not use any heirlooms or valuable possessions to stage your rooms.

11. If images of your home are on MLS or any other online real estate site, don’t display valuables that could entice thieves.

12. After each open house, make sure your or your real estate agent check and lock all doors and windows even those that were not open. There are unscrupulous people who will leave doors or windows open so they can get in later.

By taking proactive measures and following these guidelines, you can help protect your belongings and maintain peace of mind during the home-selling process. Feel free to contact me if you have any real estate questions or need help with selling real estate.