5 Strategies for a Safe Open Home
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While New Zealand is generally a safe place to live, preparing to sell a home requires caution. You should make your home appealing to buyers, not thieves. Understand and mitigate the following potential risks to support a smooth and safe sales process.
Open homes are great for exposure, yet they bring strangers onto your property. Police warn that thieves occasionally exploit open homes, as there have been recent cases of theft involving valuable jewellery and vehicles in West Auckland and the North Shore following viewings.
Security measures can protect your home during busy open houses and become features that appeal to interested buyers. Here are five security strategies to implement during an open house.
An open house may attract nosy neighbours and curious individuals, not just serious buyers. People roaming through your home can easily slip small items into their pockets, making it necessary to secure your physical belongings.
Before anyone arrives for the open house, it is crucial to physically remove or lock away small electronics, jewellery and spare keys. You might store your valuables in a locked personal safe or keep them somewhere off-site, such as with a trusted relative.
Beyond stealing property, thieves may seek opportunities to commit identity theft. To protect yourself and your family members, you should hide passports, bank statements, bills and any other sensitive documents. It is equally essential to password-protect all computers and devices left in the home.
In addition to protecting your family, depersonalising a space can make the home more appealing to prospective buyers. The home’s key features, not your own belongings and decor choices, should take centre stage.
Some individuals check side doors or window locks during an open house to determine if the property would be easy to break into. Ensure all entry points are secure with locks, and consider adding deadbolts to your doors. Window security film can prevent outside eyes from seeing inside and protect the glass from shattering if someone attempts to break it.
You might also consider smart home security solutions to protect your home and provide peace of mind. The New Zealand market for security cameras, motion sensors and remote-controlled door locks is increasing, indicating the popularity of these solutions.
A busy real estate agent cannot keep an eye on everyone during a lively open house. Talk to your agent about using a sign-in sheet for attendees, and request a second agent to monitor the property if it is large or a duplex. When people believe they are being watched, they are more likely to alter their behaviour, so increased monitoring may help prevent a crime before it occurs.
You can encourage a one-way flow throughout the property by unlocking only one main entrance. Use intentional furniture staging to create paths through the rooms.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand shares that victims of theft during an open home are not automatically covered by contents insurance. Most policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to safeguard their belongings.
It is beneficial to call your insurer beforehand to check your policy to understand what is covered or to take out additional coverage as needed. This knowledge can prepare you to take the right precautions.
Proactive planning helps ensure that an open house successfully attracts the right buyers without compromising your family's security. Always secure valuables, personal information and entryways, closely monitor any visitors and confirm what your insurance policy covers. With these strategies in mind, you can protect your home while it’s on the market.
About the Author: Evelyn Long is a trusted voice in real estate dedicated to helping millennial and Gen Z buyers make their homeownership dreams a reality. Her insights appear in top publications like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives, where she breaks down market updates and practical steps for young buyers. As editor in chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn is passionate about empowering the next generation to confidently enter the real estate market
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