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Safety When Selling


Blog by Kim Twohey | August 17th, 2015


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Overall, Calgary is considered a safe city.  Aside from locking our doors, many of us do not give safety a second thought simply because we are lucky enough to live in a place where not much happens.  Even if you live in a historically safe area, it is a good idea to ramp up safety and security when selling your home.  Here are a few things you can do to keep you and your home safe during the selling process.

1.         Use a Realtor

When you use a Realtor, you are not responsible for showing your home to strangers.  Buyers will come to your house with a licensed Realtor or your Realtor will show them the property.  The Realtor is the only person who will have access to the house keys. 

2.         Hide your valuables

No need to leave Grandmother’s heirloom diamond ring out on your dresser!  As you prepare to sell your house, take a few minutes to round up valuables and store them in a locked safe or with a trusted friend or family member. 

3.         Clear your calendar

If you use a wall calendar, be sure to remove or omit details that give information about extended absences such as upcoming family vacations or business trips.

4.         Lock up extra keys

If you have extra house keys laying around, lock them up somewhere safe.  You should also do this with spare garage door openers. 

5.         Use your home security camera

Thanks to increased affordability, many homes now have security cameras.  If you do, you can review the footage taken during home tours. 

6.         Post a sign saying “Property under video surveillance”

Even if you don’t have a home security camera system, the presence of a sign saying that you do will likely be enough to discourage sticky fingers.  Just be absolutely certain your eventual Buyer understands that video surveillance is not included in the home sale.          

7.         File your mail

Be sure to file away documents that include your name and other details that could be used to assume your identity.  Legal documents, bills, and banking statements should not be left out in the open.  This helps to protect you and keeps your home looking tidy! 

8.         Hide prescription medications

Prescription bottles may include information such as a patient’s name, date of birth, and provincial healthcare number.  This information can be used to assume your identity so tuck these bottles out of sight. 

These eight tips can help to prevent crimes of opportunity during open houses and when Buyers are touring with a Realtor.  Do you have any other safety tips that you found helpful when selling a home?  Tell us me about it on Twitter!