It can be a little unnerving letting complete strangers tour your home, but open houses are essential to give your home exposure to lots of potential buyers. However, it can also increase your risk of theft and liability claims for injuries that could occur during a showing. But careful planning is the key in keeping your home safe during an open house. 
- Check with your insurance carrier to make sure so you know what your policy covers. Do you have enough insurance to cover any potential property damage? How about to cover valuables? Be sure to also make sure you have adequate coverage to protect yourself from a potential lawsuit or medical claim in the unlikely event that someone attending the open house were to slip and fall
- Prevent accidents by fixing any problems both inside and outside of your home. Remove snow/ice (if applicable), de-clutter hallways and walkways, and be sure all stairways are clear.
- Hide/remove all valuables. Don’t overlook anything! We suggest removing/storing the following
- Jewelry
- Passports
- Pictures
- Prescription drugs
- Family calendars
- Extra keys
- Financial statements
- Social security cards
- Wine/Liquor/Cigars
- Lock and unload all guns and make sure they’re locked up tight and out of sight.
- Keep pets out of the house. Board or bring your pets with you to avoid bites or injuries
- Have a trusted agent. Be certain that your real estate agent will lock and secure all windows and doors after each open house.
Cesi Pagano
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