Keeping Your Home Safe During a Showing
When you’re looking to sell your home, you may not think twice about organizing a showing with an interested buyer. However, it’s important to remember that a showing essentially involves inviting a stranger into your home. For this reason, there are some important precautions you’ll need to take if you’re looking to protect yourself and your belongings.
1. Hide Away Valuable or Important Items
During a showing, it’s a good idea to avoid having all your most valuable items sitting out in the open. You may even consider having some items locked in a storage facility or kept at a friend’s house during the showing. Even if you believe your items make your space look good for staging purposes, keeping valuables stored away is a safer choice. In addition, personal items like personal electronics, medications, credit cards, bills, and other important records should also be hidden away and out of the visitor’s eye.
2. Only Show by Appointment
Under no circumstances should you perform a showing that hasn’t been scheduled in advance. The only exception to this rule is when you’re running an open house, but this will still take place during a pre-determined timeframe. Any individual who enters your home should have made an appointment.
For extra safety, ensure that each of these appointments is confirmed and cleared by your agent. Use a trusted appointment management system to stay organized and specify that appointments can only be scheduled by active agents who are in good standing.
3. Don’t Show Your Home on Your Own
Especially if you currently live alone, you shouldn’t be the only individual at home during the showing. As such, there should be a minimum of two parties observing the showing, typically including a real estate agent and either the home’s owner or listing agent. Both of these individuals should accompany the potential buyer throughout their tour of the home.
Remember, there is real value in using the buddy system when it comes to protecting your home and yourself.
Looking for more tips on how to organize a showing for your home? Contact us for more information.
If you’re selling your home but need extra time before moving out, a rent-back agreement can be a helpful option. This arrangement allows the seller to remain in the home for a short period after closing, essentially becoming a temporary tenant of the new owner. These agreements are usually brief and come with a set end date, but they provide valuable time to finish packing and transition into your next home. If you’d like to understand when a rent-back agreement is useful and how to set one up, we’re here to help.
A flooded basement can be overwhelming and costly, often happening with little warning. If you discover water in your basement, stay calm and follow a few essential steps. Start by making sure it’s safe to enter. Turn off the electricity and gas, and watch for damaged wiring or signs of structural issues. In some cases, you may need to wait until all the water is drained before going inside. Once it’s safe, identify the source of the flooding and begin removing or pumping out the water. Afterward, you can focus on repairs and restoring the space. Need help recovering from a basement flood? Contact us for guidance on next steps.
Everyone wants a secure home, but safety involves more than locked doors and basic maintenance. Many risks inside your home can go unnoticed and put your family at risk. Here are five common hazards to watch for: 1. Mold Moisture can lead to mold growth in bathrooms, carpets, walls, and other damp areas. Clean spills and leaks right away and watch for musty smells or discoloration. Use dish soap or non-ammonia cleaners to remove small patches. 2. Cleaning Products Some household cleaners contain harsh chemicals. Choose non-toxic or natural options like vinegar and baking soda whenever possible. If you use chemical cleaners, wear proper protection and keep the area well-ventilated. 3. Radon This invisible, odorless gas can only be detected through testing. Hire a professional or use a radon detector, especially in basements. If levels are high, install a ventilation system to safely redirect the gas outdoors. 4. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas with no smell or taste. It often comes from fuel-burning appliances with poor ventilation. Have a technician inspect your heating system and gas appliances annually, and install CO detectors. 5. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) Paints, solvents, and certain finishes release VOCs that may harm indoor air quality. Choose low-VOC paint and ventilate rooms well during and after painting.
Thinking about remodeling your shower but not sure where to start? There are many ways to improve the space depending on your needs and style. You might switch from a basic shower to a shower–tub combo or add built-in niches and shelves to increase storage. If the layout allows, installing a window can bring in natural light and make the shower feel more open. You can also consider adding a seat, upgrading the door, or choosing new materials to give the space a fresh look. Whatever direction you take, enjoy the renovation process. Need guidance on your shower upgrade? Contact us for expert help.
Home offices are more popular than ever, and with that growth come several design and functional trends worth exploring. Hybrid furniture is a great option for those without a dedicated office room — pieces like convertible coffee tables can shift into full workstations when needed. Standing desks are also trending, offering notable health benefits and flexibility. Another shift is toward lighter, minimal storage. Bulky filing cabinets are being replaced with sleeker, space-saving solutions. If you’d like more ideas for organizing or decorating your home office, feel free to reach out.
Before finalizing the purchase of a home, it’s important to follow a clear checklist. Start by making sure all contingencies—such as the inspection, appraisal, and financing—are fully resolved. You should also clear the title and secure title insurance to protect yourself from future ownership disputes. Once you receive your final mortgage approval, review your closing disclosure carefully. Then complete a final walk-through to confirm that the property is in the agreed-upon condition. Lastly, gather all required documents so you’re prepared for closing day. If you need more guidance on buying a home, we’re here to help.