show your home during the day; but it’s better to avoid nighttime showings. If you must show at night, make sure you have a friend or family member with you. In fact, it’s always better to have company when showing a house, just in case you need help. • Don’t explain your security system: Point out your home has an alarm, but don’t go into detail about how it works, a precaution against break-ins. • Lock up the heat: If you have firearms, make sure they’re locked up and out of sight. Just someone seeing a gun safe could become a problem. On the spot or future break in. • Avoid remote areas in your home: If your screams can’t be heard in a particular room, don’t show it. If, say, no one can hear your cries from the basement (maybe not in Florida) or attic, send buyers to those places by themselves. • Ask for ID: r ID:Before letting any stranger into your house, ask to see his ID. Say it’s standard policy, and if someone balks, shut and lock the door. • Keep conversation casual: Don’t talk about your divorce, plans to travel, or anything that would let a stranger know when you’ll be alone or away from home. The less they know about you and your life, the safer you’ll be.
THE SHOW BUSINESS
Here are some tips on showing your home to its best advantage. • Keep your home clean and organized. Every day! Sure, it’s a pain to clean up as you go; but it’s easier than making a mad dash to tidy your home at the last minute. • Make sure your home smells as good as it looks. It’s easy to become nose-blind to your own home’s smell, so ask a 55
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