Whether you’re working with a Realtor or not, you need to practice safety if you choose to have an open house to help sell your home. Here are some tips for a safe open house.

1. Clear your home of all important papers and valuables. Keep them in a safety deposit box, at the home of a friend or relative, or in a well-hidden lockbox.

2. Clear the house of potential weapons such as golf clubs, baseball bats, knives, etc.

3. Have a sign-in sheet and insist everyone who enters your home leave their name, address, and phone number.

4. Let friends and neighbors know you will have an open house and have a person waiting for you to check in with them when the open house is over.

5. Never turn your back to a visitor. When you show them your home, walk behind them and stay in doorways when they look at a room. Avoid following anyone into an attic or basement. This will always leave you an escape plan.

6. Weather-permitting, have as many windows open as possible.

7. If you have a gut feeling that someone or something isn’t right, trust your instincts. You don’t need to run and scream and scare off a potential buyer, but you can keep them talking – ask them questions about themselves and why they’re looking to buy a home, be conversational, tell them about yourself. Not only can personal conversation dissuade someone from harming you, but it will help you determine if someone is a real buyer or if you’re in danger.

Open houses are still an important part of selling your home. Nothing can equal the experience of seeing a home in person. But it’s not worth compromising your safety. With a little planning and a lot of awareness, you can have a safe and successful open house!