When you are selling your home, you have to consider a number of different things. You have to set the price of the home so that it will sell in the current market. You need to make sure that you are choosing a good real estate agent to help you, and you need to make sure that you stage the house so that it becomes attractive to potential buyers. However, one of the areas many sellers forget to even consider is the protecting their house during the sales process.
Thieves like to target vacant houses because they do not run the risk of having people at home. They target things such as air conditioning units, appliances, and copper wiring. Let’s look at some of the ways that you can help to increase the safety of your home.
Install a Home Security System
Even if you are not going to be in the home, having a security system in place is one of the best ways to protect your house during the selling process. You can deactivate the system once the new owners take possession. Even a simple security system is better than none at all.
In addition to an actual security system, remember to make sure that the windows are all locked properly. If the locks on the doors are shoddy or old, you may want to replace them before you leave.
Exterior and Interior Lighting
Even though you will be spending a bit more on the electric bill each month, have exterior lighting kept on at the house. Keeping the lighting on overnight will deter people from approaching the home. You should have lighting around the entrances as well as the side and back areas of the house. This includes the garage as well. It’s worth continuing to pay the electric bill just to have the lighting on as a deterrent.
You could also put timers on the lights both inside and outside. This way, they will only come on after dark, which will minimize the amount of your electricity bill. In addition, this can give the appearance of someone being in the home.
Talk with a Neighbor or Friend
In some cases, you might not be able to check on the house regularly because you have already moved to another city or another state. If you have friends, family, or neighbors that you trust in the area, you could have them keep an eye on the home while you are away. They can check the exterior and even help to keep up with the yard work so no one realizes that it is vacant.
Talk with the Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know that you will be leaving the home vacant. Some insurance companies will have a change in the coverage when you have a vacant property, so find out what changes will take place with your plan. You may find some companies that offer special policies that can cover vandalism and other damage that could occur to your vacant property.
The Weather
In addition to worrying about people breaking into or vandalizing the vacant home, you also need to think about protecting your house from the elements. Make sure that you have the home protected against potential flood damage. You could have a thermostat in the home that will keep the house the proper temperature. It The temperature doesn’t need to be as regulated as when it is occupied, but if you will have people coming over to the house for open houses or a showing, it should be comfortable.
We Buy Vacant Houses
These little things can help to make your home much safer when it is vacant and you are trying to sell. Of course, we can buy your house quickly so that it does not sit on the market vacant for months. Give us a call or fill out the form and we’ll can explain how we can pay you cash for your house quickly.