I advise my home sellers of potential security dangers when their home is on the market. One of the reasons they hire me is all the Internet exposure I give to their home. However, there are also risks in doing that. Not only are potential buyers viewing those photos, but “bad people” may also be viewing. Unfortunately, it’s the world we live in now.
Today, as I was working in the MLS, I noticed something in a photo that I had not thought of previously, even though I’ve seen it before. There seems to be a trend in children’s rooms to place large stickers or wall hangings that spell out the child’s name. All of a sudden it occurred to me how dangerous this could be.
The “bad person” already has access to your home’s address via the listing and the mapping features that most home-for-sale Internet sites include. While it’s fun to look at satellite photos of our homes, those photos give a lot of valuable info to potential thieves or predators. Don’t give the bad guys the additional knowledge of your child’s name as well. If a predator knows your child’s name, your child may think the predator is less of a stranger. Best to remove those stickers or wall hangings when the real estate agent takes photos of your home.
Here’s some other cautions when your home is on the market:
- Remove valuable collections or artwork so they are not photographed or in the home.
- Remove gun cases.
- Place prescription drugs in a safe, secure place so a potential buyer cannot access them during showings.
- Put all paperwork that includes account numbers (checks, credit card bills, etc.) in a locked file. Same for jewelry, piggybanks, etc.
- If someone drives by your home and says they’re an interested buyer and would like to see your home, NEVER EVER let them in. Tell them to call your agent for a showing, afterall the number is on the yard sign. If they’re a legitimate buyer they’ll do that. If they’re a bad person, you will have avoided a bad situation.
- Electronics are such a big part of our everyday lives that it is quite common to see multiple computers and TV’s in a home’s photos. Just be aware that they can be an enticement to thieves and via the photos, the thieves will know what rooms the electronics are in and which window might be the easiest access.
- Normally I remove dog food dishes and beds when taking photos. I’m beginning to think that it might not be a bad idea to leave them in the photo as a subtle reminder that there is a dog inside. Even the little guys, like The Murph, can be a deterrent because they bark so much. (OK, so he’s not the threat that my Dobes were, but he is much, much noisier and just as protective of his property.)
As I tell my clients, just because there is a for-sale sign in the yard, doesn’t mean they should let their guard down. Keep your home safe and secure as you would normally do, but use a little extra caution.
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I think that these are great tips when advertising your home on the internet and elsewhere. Bad people are everywhere so make sure you keep you possessions safe.
You have made some great insights people need to be aware of. We live in an open society and don’t believe the “bad things” can ever happen to us.
Here are some additional points regarding insurance coverage for your home while it is for sale. (This is general advice…specific coverages will be governed by your Homeowner’s insurance policy.)
Please read the definitions in your policy of “vacant” and “unoccupied.” There is a huge difference if you have a claim. A common definition of “unoccupied” is that you still live there, but are temporarily away or at another location. (Furniture usually remains in the house.) Common examples include: away on vacation and spending the Ohio winter in a warmer climate.)
“Vacant” is where the real problems occur if you have a home claim. “Vacant” can mean no one lives there and/or no furniture is present. Vacant homes become the target for vandals and burglars.
Please read your policy carefully to determine your situation. There are serious coverage reductions and restrictions. For instance, some policies exclude vandalism and arson if you home has been vacant over 30 days.
What to do? First, give a quick read of your policy. (Look for the “definitions” section in your policy.) Next you may need to seek professional advice. If you are concerned with the reduction of coverage, a new home insurance policy (or amended one) is usually necessary. Be aware that if you contact your insurance company, they may no other option than to cancel your current policy and offer a new one.
The other bad news is the cost…a policy that covers a home is in the range of three to four times more expensive.
Again, the above is meant as general advice. Please consult a licensed, experienced professional to assess your personal situation.
Thanks for providing an insurance agent’s point-of-view.
For my readers: Stephen is an Insurance Advisor in Delaware, OH. Contact him if you need help with your insurance policies.