Home Staging – Securing a vacant home

In the housing market, vacant homes that have been staged sell faster than unfurnished homes. Whether you choose to organize or not, taking special precautions to protect your valuable asset can prevent your home from being targeted by an intruder. Follow this 10-point checklist to ensure a safer home.

1. Outside lighting: The best offense is a good defense. Install motion sensor light fixtures at the front and back entrances of your home. Many intruders are scared off by the first ray of light.
2. Work in the garden: In summer, keep grass mowed and shrubbery trimmed. Nothing says “empty” like an overgrown backyard. In the winter, remove snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways. If your home is on the market, buyers will appreciate the dry walking areas. You may want to consider hiring a service to perform these maintenance tasks for you.
3. Email service: Stop your mail service to the vacant address. A simple trip to the post office to have your mail forwarded to another address or to a PO Box is a quick fix that will eliminate the mail clutter in your mailbox.
4. Interior lighting: Install a motion sensor light switch in a ceiling fixture. If your home is shown to buyers, this will eliminate any search for a light switch when entering a home. Use a timer on a lamp so there is periodic indoor lighting during the evening hours. This gives potential intruders the impression that there is activity in the home. Even if your home isn’t decorated, keep a few lamps in the home to help illuminate the interior for shoppers.
5. Alarm system: If your security system is up to date, keep it set up. Be sure to inform your representative agent and home stager of any codes and instructions for disarming and resetting the alarm.
6. Windows and doors: Check the locks on all doors and windows to make sure they are in good working order. All doors must have a bold locking mechanism. A brace must be placed on all sliding glass doors to prevent them from swinging open.
7. Smoke detectors: Check your smoke detectors every six months. Replace batteries as necessary.
8. Thermostat: Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature to show your home to buyers. Consider using a programmable thermostat for maximum efficiency. In colder regions, the heating must remain on to avoid bursting the pipes; Also, you may need to winterize your pipes with antifreeze.
9. Neighbors: If you have a trusting relationship with your neighbors, ask them to keep an eye on any suspicious activity in your home. Make sure your neighbor has your current phone number so they can be contacted with any issues.
10. Stager Updates: If your home has been staged, your stager may offer weekly or bi-weekly touch-ups to ensure your decor and furnishings are still in place. Ask your stage manager to notify you of any burnt out light bulbs, unlocked doors, or other daily safety issues.

Statistics show that in the United States, an intruder breaks into a home every 15 minutes. Taking these precautions with your vacant home can protect one of your biggest investments.

For more information on staging vacancy, click: www.kfmstaging.com or visit the KFM Staging & Design Blog for additional staging topics.