7 Tips To Ensure Your For-Sale Property Is Safe Even When You Move Out

Planning to shift to your new home while your existing property is still on sale? While the property will become more enticing for the potential customers, it will also higher the chances of criminal activity in your property.

An unoccupied property that is up for sale can be at a risk of being broken into, miscreants damaging the property, stolen pipes and other connections easily available on the outside, among others. Here are some tips for you that will help you keep your property safe as you move to your new abode:

Inform your agent

Tell your agent about your move to a new home. First, this will allow the agent to help you sell the property faster, given that the vacant property would attract much more potential buyers. Second, he will be more vigil towards the safety of the property. Give him the keys in case you are unable to make frequent visits to the property.

Ask your neighbours and friends

Take help. Ask your neighbours and friends to make visits to the property once or twice a week to keep a tab if there is any damage or break-in. In case your locality has a Residents' Welfare Association, share about your move to the head of the association. Moreover, your friends could crash in for the weekends at the property but only if they leave it in good condition. Many vigil eyes will ensure better safety.

Don't let the signs show

Certain signs tell that the property is not occupied. These include a lawn that has not been mowed for long, dried up plants and piling of newspaper at the front door. If moving close by, take a trip or two to the property every week. Clear up the lawn and pick up the piled up papers. Make sure you mow the lawn, clear up the weeds and water the plants.

Repair in case of damage

In case the property was still damaged by miscreants, repair the damages as soon as possible to avoid further break-ins. Quick repair is also a sign that you pay frequent visits to the property and it is not completely abandoned.

Keep a car

In case you have two cars or an extra vehicle, park it on your property. This is a sign for outsiders that the property is occupied. You could also lend the parking space to any of your neighbours or friends. This way they could pay a visit to the property every day, too.

That one light

It is a common practice even if you are moving out of the property for a trip. Always keep one light switched on as this will come across as a sign that the property is occupied. Rather than making it obvious by only keeping the switch on for only one room, invest in lighting timers, these could light up different areas of your home at different times and in different areas of the property.

Curtains down

When moving out, keep curtains down. Install the ones in solid colours and thick fabrics that do not give away the inside view. 

Also Read: 11 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home