Asha Vardan - GUIDE TO SELLING A VACANT HOME

can also give a welcoming feel to buyers when they visit your property.

• Examine your insurance policy. Homeowners policies differ in their handling of “unoccupied” and “vacant” property. While some insurance policies can compensate you for acts of vandalism, some do not. Fire coverage is also important to determine. You need to talk to your insurer and find out what kind of provisions are in your policy. Speak to your homeowners insurance agent. • Nominate a local contact. If you cannot visit your vacant home regularly, entrust the responsibility of checking both the inside and outside of the property from time to time to someone you trust. You may pay them for such service. You may also find companies that do this. They can offer a host of services connected to safeguarding as well as maintaining the vacant home as per your choice. • Remove and lock up prescription drugs. Real estate agents report that prescription drugs are on top of the list of items stolen by the people visiting the property during open houses. Remove or lock them up. • Secure your valuables. Ensure that you have removed all valuables and stored them safely including jewels, art pieces, cell phones, and gaming consoles. It is also important that such items are not photographed while taking the photos for online or brochure advertising. • Remove the pictures of your family. In the safety interests of your family, it is advisable that you remove family

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