Although selling your home through a Realtor is the safest and most reliable way to market your home, you still need to practice a number of safety precautions to minimize your vulnerability to prevent being a victim of a crime.  Here are a few to tips to keep you and your family safe during this marketing phase:

• Strangers will be walking through your home during showings or open houses. Be sure to hide any valuables such as cash, jewelry, and small electronics in a safe place. This includes items that you might not initially think would attract interest, like prescription medications, alcohol or information that could be used for identity theft. There has been an incidence reported that an individual was going through medicine cabinets at open houses and stealing the owners' prescription drugs.
• Know that not all agents, buyers and sellers are who they say they are. Strangers who stop by unannounced should be required to make an appointment with a REALTOR®. You should never show a home without the presence of an agent.
• As a seller, you are responsible for your pets. If possible, animals should be removed during showings. You will be held liable if an agent or potential buyer is attacked.
• Make sure all your doors and windows are locked. Thieves have been known to commonly use showings and open houses to scout for valuables and possible points of entry, then return after the agent leaves.
• After a showing or open house make sure all valuables are accounted for and doors and windows are locked.

For more information on selling or buying real estate in the greater Salt Lake City area go to the Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate Resource Center or call me at 801-518-4599.