Selling a home often involves the crucial step of conducting open homes, where potential buyers explore the property firsthand. While open homes are standard in real estate, it can be unsettling for sellers, particularly those who value their privacy.
A lot of work goes into preparing your home to look picture-perfect before potential buyers come to visit. While you are unlikely to be home during this time, you should take some steps to protect your keepsakes and privacy.
Here are some tips to safeguard your personal space and wellbeing when opening your home to the public.
Secure Your Valuables
It's wise to stow away any easily accessible valuables, including jewellery, cash, credit cards, trinkets, photographs, framed degrees, and medications. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also minimises the risk of losing them during open homes. Taking this step also aids in emotionally preparing for the upcoming move. You will want to depersonalise your home to help buyers envision where their items can go, while helping you minimise some of that attachment the your property.
Declutter for a Tidier Look
Removing personal items and decluttering your living spaces not only makes your home appear tidier but also allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Vendors are typically responsible for any losses during viewers, serving as motivation to pack away personal items in preparation for the move.
Take Necessary Documents and Keys
Always take spare keys, remote controls, and any sensitive paperwork with you when leaving the house during an inspection. You want to minimise the visibility of personal information that potential buyers could exploit. Don’t think hiding it in drawers or wardrobes will be enough, as buyers will want to look in storage spaces and may accidentally stumble across your sensitive documents.
Maintain a Directory
Your real estate agent should compile a list of people who visit your open home. This not only establishes a potential buyer database but also adds an extra layer of security in case of unforeseen incidents. Requesting identification from visitors can provide an additional level of protection.
Ensure Adequate Insurance
Review your insurance policy to ensure comprehensive coverage during open homes. Accidents can happen, and energetic children or unfamiliar visitors might cause damage. Confirm with your insurer that your policy extends to cover such scenarios.
Clearly State Open Home Details
Open homes will be advertised on flyers, websites and other property marketing options. Ensure that all advertising materials clearly state the date and time of the inspection. This helps prevent unannounced visits and secures your property when you're not home. Buyers should be encouraged to attend during scheduled inspection times or accompany your agent for private inspections that you have agreed to.
Consider Private Inspections
Your agent can conduct private inspections, allowing them to discreetly qualify potential buyers by assessing their intentions, budget, and motivation to purchase. This approach ensures serious buyers are identified early in the process.
Embrace the Benefits of Open Homes
While opening your home to the public may be nerve-wracking, it serves as an excellent way to gauge interest and potential competition. Open homes attract a diverse range of potential buyers, widening your reach and increasing the likelihood of a swift sale.
Generally, only lasting 30 minutes, it is a relatively short time to have people coming through but an open home offers so much potential when selling your home.
However, if privacy is important and you have precious or personal items that you want to remain such. Taking these precautionary measures will help you strike a balance between showcasing your property and safeguarding your privacy during open homes.
If you have lingering concerns, don't hesitate to communicate with your agent, who can implement additional steps to ensure your comfort.
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