Putting Your Home on the Market? Beware of Thieves!

Unfortunately, the struggling economy tends to bring out the worst in people and that applies to thefts at open houses. While not a new phenomenon, thefts at open houses are becoming more and more common these days.

Be sure to lock up all of your jewelry and other valuables before the open house. Also, make sure your realtor is actually present throughout the entire open house. Nowadays many realtors are bouncing around between multiple open houses and even a few minutes away from your home could be disastrous. Even better ask your realtor to have a team on hand during your open house – one real estate agent for an entire house, particularly a bigger one, is often not enough.

In addition to open home thefts, burglaries of the many unoccupied homes on the market is becoming more common as well. Particularly vulnerable are homes that have been staged with nice furniture, linens and draperies. With the home sitting empty, these items become a magnet for thieves.

Police say that many thieves case a home during an open house, taking note of the ones that are particularly well staged. Criminals can easily use cutting tools to remove lockboxes on the doors or even remove door handles to get the housekey out of the lockbox. If your house is unoccupied and has a big “for sale” sign out front, it is particularly vulnerable, as this essentially announces the house is vacant.

Make sure you let neighbors know that no on is authorized to take things out of your house and ask them to keep an eye on things. Also consider an alarm system to keep the thieves away. Finally, consider making your home available by appointment only. Free-for-all open houses are often an invitation for thieves to pocket items during the showing and to come back later to clean the house out.