Key takeaways
- Secure valuables and personal documents
- Hide family photos and travel plans
- Arrive before and check locks after the open house
- Ask neighbors to keep an eye out
Opening your doors to potential buyers can feel a little nerve-wracking. After all, you are letting strangers walk through your home and peek into spaces that are normally private. While most open house visitors are genuine buyers, it’s still important to think about open house safety. With a little preparation, you can protect your belongings, your property, and your peace of mind.
Whether you’re putting your home on the market in Denver, CO or selling your home in Kent, WA, learn how to keep your home safe during an open house.
Preparing for your open house
The moment you list your home is the moment you should start planning for open house safety. A few simple steps can make the process easier and safer:
- Check your insurance coverage. Call your provider to confirm what’s covered in case of theft or damage during a showing. Some policies may require additional riders for valuables.
- Talk to your real estate agent. Experienced agents have systems in place for open house safety, such as sign-in sheets, monitoring visitor flow, or limiting access to certain rooms.
- Inform trusted neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye out for unusual activity like parked cars lingering outside or people entering the home before or after the event.
- Remove personal information. Even before showings begin, get into the habit of putting away sensitive documents and mail — this protects you from potential identity theft.
The night before the open house
The night before, focus on removing or securing items that could be tempting to strangers. To stay organized, create an open house checklist you can reuse for each showing.
- Valuables: Jewelry, cash, small electronics, watches, and collectibles
- Personal documents: Passports, financial statements, tax returns, checkbooks, social security cards, spare keys
- Schedules and photos: Family calendars, travel itineraries, children’s photos, or framed degrees/certificates that reveal personal details
- Medications and substances: Prescription drugs, alcohol, or cigars — all easy targets for theft
Technology: Laptops, tablets, portable hard drives — anything with sensitive data should be secured or removed
Tip: Use a lockbox or off-site storage for small items. For larger valuables, keep them out of sight in locked cabinets or closets.
On the day of the open house
Before the event:
- Wait to leave until your agent arrives so the house isn’t left unattended.
- Do a quick sweep to confirm valuables are secured and all areas look clean and staged.
- Make sure doors, windows, and entry points that won’t be used are locked.
During the open house:
- Your agent should guide visitors and keep track of who enters and exits. Some use digital sign-in apps or request ID for added accountability.
- Limit access to basements, garages, or storage rooms if they don’t need to be seen.
After the open house:
- Walk through the property with your agent. Check every door and window, including side entrances, patio doors, and basement windows.
- Make sure closets, cabinets, and outdoor storage areas are closed and secured.
- Reset any security systems you may have turned off during the showing.
Why open house safety matters
Open houses are an exciting step toward finding the right buyer. With a little preparation, you can keep your home safe while making it look its best. The more secure you feel, the smoother the process will be. Prioritizing open house safety allows you to focus on showcasing your home with confidence.
FAQs: Open house safety
Do I need to be home during an open house?
No. In fact, it is usually best for homeowners to leave once the agent has arrived. Buyers often feel more comfortable asking questions and taking their time if the seller is not present.
Should I remove all valuables or just hide them?
It is best to physically remove smaller valuables from the property if possible. For larger items, like electronics, make sure they are not left in plain view. This is one of the most effective open house safety practices.
How do I keep my home secure after an open house?
Walk through with your agent before leaving. Double-check all locks on doors and windows, and make sure no visitors are left inside.
What about personal information on my computer or mail?
Store mail, financial documents, and laptops in a secure place before the open house. Anything that reveals personal details should be tucked away.
Is it safe to leave medications in the house?
No. Prescription drugs are among the most commonly stolen items, so they should be locked up or removed from the home as part of your open house safety checklist.