Selling property? Hosting a show house is an excellent way of attracting buyers. It is a great opportunity to show off your property and even secure a deal. Unfortunately, show houses can also attract unwanted attention from criminals. Here are some useful tips to buff up your security on the big day.
1. Safety in Numbers
To improve security on show day, make sure you are not alone. Invite friends or even a couple of family members to help you guide visitors. While you show the property to potential buyers, others can help keep a lookout for unwelcome guests.
2. Put Up a Sign
Another smart way to enhance safety is to put a sign warning small-time thieves the property is guarded. Contact a local security company and arrange for armed response on the day. You can also request a sign to perch on your front lawn. The most important thing is to make it as visible to passing traffic as possible.
Security companies often offer tools to use in case of emergency. Ask if the company can provide panic buttons or emergency dial codes. Just remember to obtain a few to distribute among those helping you showcase the house.
3. Create a Record
Many agents advise taking a register of people coming to view your home. Information should ideally be collected before anyone enters the property. This is especially true if you are holding a show case open to anyone who is interested.
When creating the form, it is advisable to make it as detailed as possible. Visitors with unscrupulous intentions shy away from providing personal information.
4. Install Security Measures
Although this one is more of a selling point than a security measure, installing burglar bars and gates is highly recommended. If your show house is by invite only, you can use them to close off the property and prevent unwanted visitors from entering.
Burglar bars and security gates also make your property less vulnerable to break-ins after the show house is over. Many criminals take advantage of viewings to survey the security of a home and return later to steal. With security measures in place, you can avoid this common problem and add value to the property.
5. Lock Valuables Away
While preparing for the show house, make sure your valuables are safely tucked away to prevent them from being stolen. These include jewellery, electronics, car keys and other personal items. It is wise to remove these possessions at a second location, which can be anywhere from a friend’s house to the boot of your car.
In addition to valuable physical items, you should also lock away important documents like financial records, vehicle registration papers and family memorabilia. Even prescription medication and any decorating item small enough to be pocketed should be kept out of sight.
Private Viewings
A more secure way of showing your home is through private viewings. An estate agency like www.homefair.co.za will vet potential buyers before arranging a time for them to view your property. This way, you get visits from people who are genuinely interested in your property, with a view to purchasing it. It pays to think about your safety, even when you are selling your home.