Keep your house secure when selling
You may think there’s nothing dangerous when it comes to house selling. What can happen? However, the period when you’re looking for potential buyers is when your house is the most unprotected. So many strangers enter your property every single day. You never know what their intentions are. In most cases, they’re ordinary people just like you, who are looking for a new house. However, there’s always a risk that some of them might be criminals that want to use the fact that your house is easily accessible.
So, what can you do to protect your home in that unstable period? What are the best security measures you can take? Sure Lock & Key has years of experience in the security industry, so we’ll gladly answer these questions and assist you in securing your home.
How do I prepare my home before I sell it
As we already mentioned, your house is the most vulnerable when it’s on sale because many people can access it. So, to avoid any unpredictable consequences, you may apply some security measures for home protection. What exactly can you do to provide home security?
- De-personalize your home. When you’re putting your house up for sale, it’s important to pick up all the personal belongings you have – documents, money, medication prescriptions, etc. You can store them all in a safe if you have one. If not, give them to someone you trust, like your relatives or friends.
- Keep track of your keys. When showing your place, make sure that your house key, car key and garage key are out of sight. You wouldn’t want anyone stealing them to get inside the house later. Also, if you have a combination lock, ensure that your potential buyers don’t see how you enter the code.
- Don’t show your home alone. It’s always good to bring someone with you. It may seem paranoid, but there’s a slight possibility that someone will attack you.
- Arrange the meetings in advance. Try to avoid any spontaneous home showings. Discuss all the meetings in advance. Find out more about your potential buyers.
- Security systems. That is one of the most reliable ways to secure your home in any situation. They allow you to monitor what’s going on in your house no matter where you are. Also, these systems notify you about any suspicious activity in your area. So, even if you were “lucky” to encounter some criminals, a security system will help you prevent them from breaking in.
How can I protect my home from threats
No one would want to deal with a house break-in. It might cost you a lot of money and nerves. So, here’s a little guide on providing security for a house.
- First of all, always ensure your doors and windows are closed. An unlocked door is like an invitation to a thief, signaling that your house is an easy target.
- Don’t forget about your garage door because some criminals might use it as an entry point.
- Ensure that your area is well-lit. Most criminals prefer to stay in the dark so that they don’t get noticed.
- Even if you don’t live in the house you put up for sale anymore, try to create an illusion that you’re inside. Turn on the lights from time to time, mow the lawn, empty out your mailbox, etc. That step is quite important because many thieves target empty houses.
- Do not leave your spare keys anywhere thieves can access them.
- Think about installing an alarm system with motion detectors. Most of these systems can be connected to your phone. So, even if you’re away, it’ll notify you about any stranger entering your property.
- Security cameras are always a good idea. They allow you to monitor the property at any time. You can connect them to your phone or tablet. Also, just like the alarm system, many cameras are equipped with motion detectors, so you’ll also receive a notification about any activity.
However, securing your house by yourself might be quite challenging. So, to avoid any problems, you may use professional security services. Technicians will do everything fast and accurately, so you won’t have to worry about your home safety anymore.
Monitor external security for the house
We’ve already discussed some ways to make your house safe for sale. However, we want to mention one more important factor. It’s good to secure your house not only from the inside but from the outside as well. You may monitor your yard or the driveway near your house. That might allow you to prevent criminals from entering your home.
If you have a security camera outdoors, it may become a strong crime deterrent. Most thieves avoid houses that have cameras, as being noticed is one of their biggest fears.
Most of the external cameras are equipped with night vision, so you'll receive a high-quality image no matter what light there is.
These security cameras are extremely reliable, but even they can’t give you a 100% guarantee that no one will intrude on your house. However, even if that unfortunately happens, they’ll provide you with the evidence that you can show the police.
Summing up
Most people can’t even imagine how dangerous the process of house selling can be. Remember that your house is the most vulnerable when on sale. Many people enter it every day and you can never know what they have in mind. That’s why it’s essential to pay even more attention to your home security during that period. Follow simple tips like locking the doors and windows and keeping your lights on. Also, you may use some of the newest security tools that’ll enhance your house safety even more.
If you have any questions regarding house security or need assistance, Sure Lock & Key will gladly provide you with information or services. Call us!