14 Safety Tips for Showing Your  Home

Inviting potential buyers into your home takes planning. These precautions can help reduce risk during showings.

1. Schedule appointments
Show your home by appointment only. Get the visitor’s name and phone number, and confirm the appointment before sharing access details. You do not have to admit unexpected visitors.

2. Ask about financial readiness
Request a recent lender preapproval letter or proof of funds before scheduling a showing. Buyers can remove account numbers and other sensitive details. These documents help assess readiness to buy; they do not guarantee personal safety.

3. Share your showing schedule
Tell a trusted friend or family member when you’re showing your home and who is coming. Arrange to check in immediately afterward, and agree on what they will do if they cannot reach you.

4. Choose daylight hours
Schedule showings during daylight whenever possible. Keep entrances, walkways, and rooms well lit.

5. Have another adult present
Have another trusted adult present throughout the showing. Let visitors walk ahead while you direct them from room to room. Avoid turning your back on visitors or entering a space where someone can block your exit.

6. Keep your vehicle accessible
Park where another vehicle cannot block you in. Keep your keys with you.

7. Keep exit routes clear
Know how to leave from each area of your home. Avoid entering tight spaces or rooms where a visitor can block your only exit.

8. Carry a charged phone
Keep your phone on your person and easily accessible throughout the showing. If you feel threatened, leave and call 911 when safe.

9. Arrange care for children and pets
Have children stay with a trusted adult away from the showing. Keep pets safely secured or arrange for them to be elsewhere.

10. Keep visitors together
Confirm how many people are attending. Ask everyone to stay together during the tour rather than walking through separate rooms.

11. Lock away valuables
Secure jewelry, cash, small electronics, spare keys, firearms, and other valuable or dangerous items. Putting them out of sight alone may not prevent access.

12. Secure medications
Lock away prescription medicines and other medications before visitors arrive. Check bathroom cabinets, nightstands, and countertops.

13. Protect personal information
Put away mail, financial records, calendars, family photos with identifying details, and passwords. Avoid sharing your daily routine, travel plans, or times when your home is empty.

14. Trust your instincts
You can decline, reschedule, or end a showing if something feels wrong. Do not confront a visitor. Move to a safe place and seek help.

After each showing: Check doors and windows, secure your home, and let your trusted contact know the appointment has ended.