Real Estate Agent Says to Never Leave These 12 Things Out During An Open House

When hosting an open house, keeping an eye on your treasures is just as important as showing off your home’s best features. Real estate agent Joselynn Chua knows all too well the anxiety that comes with leaving valuables in plain sight during these events. It’s a bustling time, with a steady stream of potential buyers and curious visitors milling about, making it a perfect storm for those with sticky fingers to blend right in.

While the real estate agent is there to sell your home, tracking every visitor through every room just isn’t possible. So, before you open your doors, make sure these 12 things are out of sight!

Political Signs

Let’s keep politics out of your open house. You know those signs, stickers, or anything that shouts your political stance? Best to hide them away when you’re inviting people over to check out your place.

Why? Because your political views might not jive with a potential buyer’s, and you want them focusing on the great aspects of your home, not on political differences. Keep it neutral to keep it welcoming.

Keys

Here’s a quick tip: stash your keys before the open house starts. Whether it’s your car keys or an extra set for the house, leaving them out could lead to trouble.

It’s easy to forget them in the usual spots like a bowl near the entrance or on a hook in the kitchen, but during an open house, that’s practically an invitation for someone to swipe them. Take a minute to secure them somewhere out of sight.

Expensive Artwork

Keep your expensive artwork out of sight during an open house. You want to avoid attracting the wrong kind of attention—like from those who might scope out places to return for a break-in.

Instead of showcasing your valuable pieces, consider hanging some inexpensive prints. This switch not only keeps your prized art safe but also helps maintain a neutral environment where potential buyers can imagine their own decorations.

Firearms and Weapons

Never, I repeat, never leave firearms, ammunition, or any other weapons out during an open house. Even a securely locked drawer might not be enough if the wrong person gets curious. The last thing you want is for a child or anyone else to inadvertently find a weapon.

If you own firearms, ensure they are not only out of sight but also securely locked away in a hidden gun safe. This is about safety first and foremost—keeping dangerous items completely inaccessible during your open house can prevent accidents and deter potential theft.

Garage Door Opener

Keep your garage door opener out of sight when prepping for an open house. You might not think much of it, but it’s more than just a remote—it’s a key to your house.

Tossing it in a drawer isn’t enough; someone could swipe it and gain easy access to your space later. Lock it up or take it with you to ensure your home stays secure.

Prescription Drugs

Don’t leave your prescription meds just anywhere during an open house. While it’s tempting to just shove them in a medicine cabinet, that’s the first place people might snoop.

To avoid any risks, lock them up or, even better, take them with you if you can. This way, you keep your privacy intact and ensure that no one accidentally or intentionally walks away with your medications.

Personal Items

When you’re prepping for an open house, think about packing away those personal items. Family photos, diplomas, and awards make your space feel like yours but might make it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.

More importantly, any personal documents or mail should be stored securely. You want to keep your private information just that—private. Lock away anything that has your name or personal details on it, to keep those details away from curious eyes.

Pets

Pets make a house a home, sure, but during an open house, it’s best to keep pet paraphernalia out of sight. Pet crates, toys, and bowls can be a turn-off for potential buyers who aren’t particularly pet-friendly. If possible, arrange for your pets to stay somewhere else during the showing.

Even your quiet pets, like fish, should be kept in check—make sure their tanks are clean and clutter-free. As for pet birds or other animals that can’t be moved, a simple “Do not touch” sign might help, but ensuring they don’t disrupt the calm atmosphere with noise or mess is crucial.

Designer Bags and Shoes

Keep those designer items out of sight when you’re hosting an open house. While you might love showing off your organized walk-in, displaying your designer bags, shoes, and outfits could be a risky move. Take it from me, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Pack away those luxury items, maybe even in unmarked boxes or offsite storage, to avoid drawing attention from the wrong crowd. You wouldn’t want to turn your prized possessions into targets for theft, especially not from folks who might remember what they saw at your open house and think about coming back.

Electronic Devices

Before the doors open for your house viewing, make sure your electronics are nowhere to be seen. Tablets, laptops, phones, and even your gaming consoles should be stowed away. It’s not just about preventing theft—though that’s a big part of it—but also about protecting your personal info.

Even smaller items like AirPods and fancy headphones should be picked up and packed away. And don’t forget those charging cables! A clean, gadget-free space not only keeps your belongings safe but also helps potential buyers focus on your home, not your tech.

Jewelry and Cash

When you’re setting up for an open house, remember to keep your valuables like jewelry and cash tucked away safely. It’s not just about avoiding loss; it’s about not giving potential thieves a reason to linger. Consider using a locked safe or at least a secure drawer for these items.

And hey, if your kids have any piggy banks or treasure boxes, it’s a smart move to remove those from sight as well. You don’t want anything catching the eye of someone with the wrong intentions.

Expensive Collectibles

Got a collection of vintage baseball cards or maybe some rare Pokemon cards? These are exactly the kind of items you don’t want on display when strangers are touring your home. It’s a good idea to secure them in a locked drawer or perhaps pack them away in an unmarked box.

Better yet, if you have the option, store these treasures offsite—maybe at a friend’s house or in a rented storage unit.