If you have recently made the decision to sell your home, you know what a stressful time this can be, all the plans to be made and many details to consider.
In addition, the slump in the housing market can make the process seem to take longer than usual, no doubt adding to the amount of pressure and stress you may be feeling.
You may feel like you just can't add another thing to your plate, but there is one more important thing to think about, your home security.
Many homeowners may feel like this is the last thing on their minds, but it is just as important as ever to consider the safety of your home when you are getting ready to put it on the market.
In fact, your home may be even more vulnerable during this time as strangers walk through during open houses and the details of your home become public knowledge on your realtor's website or other types of advertisements such as newspapers and magazines.
Your personal information is becoming available to the public and this can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to your personal safety and the security of your home.
For those of you that will be vacating your homes before they have been sold, you may want to consider installing a home alarm system during this time.
Even though you may still not be living in your home, it is still your responsibility to protect as you are liable for any damages or theft that may occur due to a break-in.
Criminals often see homes for sale as an easy mark and may try to make off with whatever valuables, appliances or any other furnishings that remain in the home unattended.
Another part of the selling process that may put you at risk is the fact that your address along with other details of your home may be advertised and widely available to the public.
Be especially wary of realtor's website listings and the kind of information that is published there.
It may be a good idea to avoid posting a virtual tour and extensive photos of your home online; by protecting your privacy, you can help decrease your chances of becoming the next robbery victim.
One of the biggest pieces of advice to take into consideration is allowing your house to be shown by appointment only.
By allowing an open house to take place, you are putting your home security at risk by inviting strangers onto your property, whether they are legitimate homebuyers or not.
Never agree to have your house shown while you are not home, and be sure that any potential buyers have been thoroughly screened by yourself or your realtor before they enter your home.
When it comes to your personal security and that of your home and family, you can never be too safe.
Take the time to be smart about your security when selling your home; don't put this issue aside just because there is too much going on.
Even more than ever, the safety of your home and family should be a top priority.
In addition, the slump in the housing market can make the process seem to take longer than usual, no doubt adding to the amount of pressure and stress you may be feeling.
You may feel like you just can't add another thing to your plate, but there is one more important thing to think about, your home security.
Many homeowners may feel like this is the last thing on their minds, but it is just as important as ever to consider the safety of your home when you are getting ready to put it on the market.
In fact, your home may be even more vulnerable during this time as strangers walk through during open houses and the details of your home become public knowledge on your realtor's website or other types of advertisements such as newspapers and magazines.
Your personal information is becoming available to the public and this can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to your personal safety and the security of your home.
For those of you that will be vacating your homes before they have been sold, you may want to consider installing a home alarm system during this time.
Even though you may still not be living in your home, it is still your responsibility to protect as you are liable for any damages or theft that may occur due to a break-in.
Criminals often see homes for sale as an easy mark and may try to make off with whatever valuables, appliances or any other furnishings that remain in the home unattended.
Another part of the selling process that may put you at risk is the fact that your address along with other details of your home may be advertised and widely available to the public.
Be especially wary of realtor's website listings and the kind of information that is published there.
It may be a good idea to avoid posting a virtual tour and extensive photos of your home online; by protecting your privacy, you can help decrease your chances of becoming the next robbery victim.
One of the biggest pieces of advice to take into consideration is allowing your house to be shown by appointment only.
By allowing an open house to take place, you are putting your home security at risk by inviting strangers onto your property, whether they are legitimate homebuyers or not.
Never agree to have your house shown while you are not home, and be sure that any potential buyers have been thoroughly screened by yourself or your realtor before they enter your home.
When it comes to your personal security and that of your home and family, you can never be too safe.
Take the time to be smart about your security when selling your home; don't put this issue aside just because there is too much going on.
Even more than ever, the safety of your home and family should be a top priority.