Safety and security for the listing

Nothing is more important than feeling and being safe in your own home. So how do you guarantee the security of your property when you're trying to sell? Aren't you just inviting the world to come in and scope out your stuff? I mean, it's plastered all over the internet for the world to see. In the effort of maximum exposure, don't expose yourself to unnecessary risks. Here are some basic tips to keep you and your stuff safe.

While rare, events like this one can be minimized with the proper protocols and resources. Keeping your property access secure is the most important thing you can do. If your agent is using an electronic keybox of some kind (Sentrilock is the best) then you're off to a good start. Electronic keybox systems are virtually impossible to hack. I say 'virtually' because the culprit would need unreal computer hackery to penetrate the layers of security to get the keys to unlock your front door. The boxes require a keycard, display key, or mobile phone software using infrared technology and require a passcode or pin number specific to the keyholder, and all governed by the local board of Realtors and monitored by the manufacturer. The keyholder must authenticate their 'key' on a regular basis and failure to authenticate causes it to go dead, a safety precaution to prevent extended misuse by evildoers. A nice feature of the electronic system is that the box itself can also be put into sleep mode during evening hours so no one can operate it except during agreed upon daylight hours. And it keeps a record of every instance of access, so if your futon goes missing, you know who accessed the keybox right before the dirty deed.

If your agent is using a pushbutton keybox (many varieties exist), then the best way to preserve security is by keeping the code secret. "Keep it secret! Keep it safe." Why would someone use this kind of keybox? Again, since electronic systems are decided on by the local Board of Realtors, there may not be any electronic options at all. Or the property may be in a region that is patrolled by several Boards of Realtors and they may each have separate systems, so instead of placing 3 different electronic keyboxes on your front door, it's more practical to use one pushbutton box. So how do you know who used the box when? Keep track of all showing appointments, and always make sure that the code is never given to anyone who is not a member of the Board of Realtors. Why does this matter? Because of the Code. "It's more like guidlines" - Caribean pirate 

All Realtors are bound by the code of ethics and are under the jurisdiction of state licensing divisions and Board rules. Since people are trusting us professionals with so much, it definitely makes sense that we should be held to a high standard and be subject to consequences if we come up short.