A veteran real estate agent’s guide to protecting your home, valuables, and family during showings

As an experienced real estate agent who has guided hundreds of families through buying and selling homes, my priority goes beyond closing deals—I care deeply about keeping our community safe, informed, and protected.

When a home is listed, it naturally attracts more foot traffic. Most visitors are genuine buyers and professionals—but increased access means increased responsibility. Here’s how to stay vigilant without adding stress.

(Get your FREE printable checklist below ⇓⇓⇓⇓)

🚪 Why Home Safety Matters During Showings

Selling a home can mean many different types of visitors, including:

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Private buyers at open houses
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families touring during scheduled showings
• 🧑‍🔧 Inspectors, appraisers, photographers
• 🧼 Cleaners, stagers, contractors

Each visit is legitimate—but the volume and variety mean it’s important to assume nothing and prepare for everything.

🔐 How to Protect High-Value & Sensitive Items

💎 Jewelry & Small Valuables

• Store in a locked safe or remove from the home entirely
• Never leave jewelry in bathroom drawers or on nightstands
• Don’t assume “out of sight” is out of risk

📄 Confidential Documents

Protect anything with your:

• Social Security number
• Bank or mortgage info
• Medical or insurance records

✅ Action:
Scan what you need and store originals in a locking file cabinet or offsite.

💊 Prescriptions & Medications

• Secure medications in locked cabinets
• Especially important for controlled substances
• Prevent theft, misuse, or accidental access by children

🔫 Firearms

• Firearms should always be:
  • Unloaded
  • Stored in a locked safe
  • With ammunition locked separately

This protects visitors, your family, and you from serious liability.

🍷 Expensive or Collectible Wine

• Wine collections are often overlooked
• Secure rare or high-value bottles in locked storage
• Consider temporarily relocating investment-grade wine

👀 Stay Vigilant During Showings

• ✅ Use scheduled showings only—avoid surprise visits
• ✅ Work with agents who verify buyers before tours
• ✅ Install smart locks or security systems
• ✅ Keep a log of showings and visitors

💡 Pro tip: discreet entryway cameras (where legal) can add peace of mind.

👨‍👩‍👧 Personal Safety for You & Your Family

Your home should feel like a sanctuary—even during a sale.

Practical steps:

• Avoid being home alone during showings
• Step out for open houses when possible
• Let a trusted neighbor know when your home is being shown
• Keep phones charged and accessible
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, speak up

✅ Key Takeaways

✔ Increased traffic = increased responsibility
✔ Lock, store, or remove valuables and documents
✔ Protect medications, firearms, and specialty items
✔ Prioritize personal safety, not just property
✔ A good agent protects you, not just your listing

⇒ FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST ⇐

Selling your home should be exciting—not stressful. With smart preparation and vigilance, you can protect what matters most while welcoming the right buyers with confidence.

If you ever have questions about safe showing practices, I’m here. Our community’s safety always comes first. 💙

CONTACT ANNETTE

Let’s start working together!

Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR^®, ABR^®, AHWD^®

Coldwell Banker Realty

901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

808.747.3686

Annette.Dammeyer@cbrealty.com

www.AnnetteDammeyer.com

SL 3535792