• Inform local law enforcement authorities. When you leave the home vacant during a sale, inform the local police department and ensure that they are aware that your house is on sale. When informed, local police patrolling the neighborhood will stay alert in watching over your home. Make sure they have current contact information for you. • Enlist your neighbors. Enlist friendly neighbors in support of watching over the vacant home. Ask them to report any unusual activity at your home. Ask them to keep a watchful eye on your home. Alerting your neighborhood watch group or association is helpful. Your real estate agent can also make periodic checks of the property. Informing neighbors that your house is for sale can even drive unexpected leads under surprising circumstances. • Create an illusion of an occupied status. Though you might be advised to leave the property unoccupied while it is listed for sale, there is no reason to leave it looking empty such that it is an invitation to damage. During a home sale, it is likely that photos of the home and address are posted and viewed on the internet. An entirely vacant house can be an invitation to vandalism, copper theft, or other damage. Criminals can view interior photos to determine whether the property has indications of being vacant. Some simple staging can create an impression that the home is occupied. This also provides a welcoming ambiance in your home for prospects being shown through it. Therefore, adopt some staging strategies like
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