How to Protect Yourself when Hosting a Sugar Land Open House
When hosting a Sugar Land open house, home sellers know to follow the basics when it comes to locking any valuable and taking care of your dirty laundry. But there’s a lot more to be aware of when you are opening up your Sugar Land home to strangers.
Here are seven things home sellers will want to keep in mind when preparing for their Sugar Land open house.
Personal Paperwork
We’ll start with the obvious. Anything that has your name with an account number or social security number should be put in a secure spot. An office or storage unit will work if you don’t have a safe at your home. Documents or mail with your name and personal info is a jackpot for someone looking to steal your identity.
If a storage unit or office isn’t an option, find a box that doesn’t say “important papers” across the top and secure in your attic or another out of the way space.
The Mail
These potential buyers know your address but they don’t know your name. Keep your mail hidden so they do not know your name and who you are. You don’t want them playing super sleuths and Google-ing you.
In situations like this, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Who knows what they could find out that could potentially be a deal breaker on your sale.
Anything Portable to Keep You Hot or Cold
Potential buyers are savvy. They are always on the lookout for clues. You don’t want to do anything that is going to give buyers the wrong idea or the wrong impression.
Because of this you’ll want to hide your space heater so buyers don’t think your Sugar Land house is too cold. And the same goes for your fans so they don’t think your house is too hot.
Hide the bat by your bed so buyers don’t think you live in a terrible neighborhood. Even the earplugs have to go so your buyers don’t think the neighborhood is too loud.
Hide the Ashtrays
It doesn’t matter if you only smoke outside on Saturday nights, all smoking is a huge turnoff for buyers. Be sure to find the ashtray out on the back patio and hide it. Buyers will think you are smoking inside – even if you’re not – and it could end the deal.
Get Rid of the Pets
Snakes or cats, it really doesn’t matter. Some people love pets and others hate them. Make plans to drop pets off at the neighbors or board them during the open house to keep your property as appealing as possible. Be sure to also grab all food bowls and other pet accessories on the way out.
Keep Politics Out of It
Hide the “Dump Trump” sign or the “Crooked Hillary” poster. If you think it’s already hidden, hide it better. Buyers will want to zero in on political endorsements and that can make a sale go south. Keep your home neutral and welcoming to both sides of the aisle.
Hide the Food
The behavior of those attending a Sugar Land open house can amaze you. It is not uncommon for a open house visitor to open the fridge or the pantry and come out with a snack! For this reason, consider packing away your food. If you can’t hide it, be sure to keep the spaces organized. They won’t help themselves if it looks like you can tell something is missing.