Hosting an open house is critical in selling a home, where first impressions can make or break a potential sale. As a real estate agent, you’ve meticulously prepared the property, ensuring every detail is perfect to entice buyers. However, in the middle of the excitement and hustle, there’s a crucial aspect often overlooked: what should not be left out during an open house. To ensure a smooth and secure showing, here’s a guide on what items should always be safely tucked away.
Personal Documents
identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands. Imagine a visitor who seems genuinely interested in the property but is scanning for such documents. If they find and steal them, the homeowner could face a prolonged nightmare of dealing with financial fraud and identity theft.
Family Photos
Family photos add a personal touch to any home but should be put away during an open house. Besides potentially distracting potential buyers from imagining themselves in the home, these photos can reveal details about the homeowner’s personal life that might not be safe to share with strangers.
Cash, Jewelry, and Expensive Collectibles
Cash, jewelry, and expensive collectibles are tempting targets for theft. Even though most visitors are genuinely interested in the property, the possibility of encountering a thief posing as a potential buyer is genuine. These valuable items can be easily pocketed or concealed and taken without immediate notice, resulting in financial loss and emotional distress for the homeowner.
Pet Supplies
Pet supplies might not seem like something to put away, but they can be off-putting to some buyers. Pet food bowls, litter boxes, and pet toys can suggest that the home might have pet-related damage or odors, even if that’s not true. Additionally, pet supplies can deter buyers with allergies or those who prefer pet-free homes.
Designer Clothing, Bags, and Shoes
Designer clothing, bags, shoes, and other high-end items can attract unwanted attention and are easy targets for theft. A well-dressed home can speak volumes about the homeowner’s lifestyle, but leaving expensive designer items in plain view can invite trouble. Thieves can quickly and discreetly steal these items, leading to substantial financial loss.
Your Mail
Leaving mail out in the open is another common oversight with severe consequences. Piles of mail can reveal personal information, such as bills, bank statements, and other correspondence that contain sensitive data. Thieves might use this information for fraud. Moreover, visible mail can make the home appear cluttered and poorly maintained, which might turn off potential buyers.
Multiple Fans and Heaters
Multiple fans or heaters scattered around a home can suggest issues with the property’s HVAC system, making buyers worry about the cost of repairs or replacements. They can make people believe your space is too hot or cold when it’s not. To avoid raising concerns, ensure the home’s temperature is comfortably set and remove any portable fans or heaters.
Firearms
Even if stored in a gun cabinet, the presence of firearms can make some buyers uncomfortable, potentially deterring them from considering the property. There’s a risk of theft, misuse, or accidental discharge, leading to severe consequences. All firearms should be securely locked away in a safe or removed from the premises during the open house.
Drugs and Medications
Drugs and medications should be securely stored away before an open house. Leaving them out can pose several risks, from theft to accidental ingestion by children who might be visiting with their families. Prescription medications, in particular, can be tempting targets for thieves looking for drugs to use or sell.
Gadgets and Electronic Devices
Gadgets and electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are attractive targets for thieves. These electronics can give an impression of wealth, which might not be beneficial if it leads to concerns about the neighborhood’s security or the need for extra vigilance.
An Empty Ashtray
An empty ashtray can leave a lingering negative impression on potential buyers. It might suggest that the home has been occupied by smokers, which can raise concerns about lingering odors and the need for extensive cleaning or even renovations to remove smoke damage.
Cleaning Supplies
Store your mops and brooms before an open house. These tools show that your home is well-maintained, but they create clutter and distract buyers from its polished appearance. Potential buyers want to see a clean and organized space that allows them to envision living there without being reminded of the chores required to keep it clean.
Personal Hygiene Items
Personal hygiene items, like toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries, should be kept out of sight. These items can make bathrooms and bedrooms feel overly personal and less like a blank slate for potential buyers. A bathroom filled with personal items can seem cluttered and less spacious, making it harder for buyers to imagine their belongings.
Trash and Recycling Bins
Total trash and recycling bins should be emptied and hidden away. Overflowing or partially filled bins can create unpleasant odors and make the home feel less clean and inviting. Buyers might also interpret visible trash as neglect or poor maintenance.
Children’s Toys
Families visiting the open house might appreciate seeing a home that can accommodate children, but toys scattered around can make rooms feel cluttered and smaller than they are. Toys can also be a tripping hazard, distracting potential buyers from focusing on the home’s features.
Political and Religious Items
Political and religious posters, symbols, or literature should be removed from view. These items are essential to personal identity, but they can inadvertently alienate or make potential buyers uncomfortable if they hold differing views. The goal of an open house is to create a neutral environment where people can envision themselves living, regardless of their beliefs.
