Safety is Essential During Open Houses

Here are some guidelines you should follow:

Do not put a "FOR SALE BY OWNER" sign on your property. This invites strangers to come to your door at any time and relaxes the natural vigilance of your neighbors regarding strangers on your property.
If someone calls on your ad, get their name and phone number. Tell them you'll call them right back. This will enable you to verify that they have given you a correct phone number.
Try to get as much information about the caller as you can before giving out your address.
Never show the house alone.
Discuss the situation with your children. Be sure thay know that the should not let strangers in. Alert babysitters as well.
If your home has a burglar alarm, do not demonstrate its workings, power source location or cut-off switches.
After showing people through your property, recheck all locks windows and cellar entries. It only a second for someone to unfasten them.