Leaving a house empty before selling can put your property at risk. Vacant homes often attract break-ins, vandalism, and costly damage. These risks can lower your home’s value and delay the sale.
You might think a few locks are enough, but criminals often spot empty homes quickly. Neglected yards or busted lights make your property stand out. Potential buyers could also be discouraged by signs of neglect or past damage.
The best way to secure a vacant house before selling is to combine physical security with regular maintenance. Use smart tech, reinforce doors and windows, and keep the home’s exterior tidy.
These steps can make your property safer and more appealing to buyers. This blog will show you easy ways to keep your vacant house secure and sale-ready.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect and repair all doors, windows, and exterior entry points; install high-security locks and ensure they are in good working condition.
- Install security cameras and motion-activated outdoor lighting to monitor activity and deter intruders around the property.
- Remove valuables, personal items, and important documents from the house before leaving it vacant.
- Notify trusted neighbors and local authorities, and ask them to keep an eye on the property and report suspicious activity.
- Shut off utilities, update insurance for vacancy, and schedule regular property checks to maintain safety and prevent damage.
Assess Potential Security Risks
To secure a vacant house, you must first identify possible security risks. Walk around the property and look for weak spots. If you find issues like broken windows or dark corners, note them right away.
Exterior features can make a house more vulnerable. Overgrown plants, poor lighting, and low fences may help intruders hide. Local crime data can show if the area is at higher risk.
It’s also important to consider how market perception shifts can impact buyer interest if security concerns are obvious during showings. Overgrown plants, dim lighting, and short fences can give intruders places to hide and increase a home’s vulnerability.
A good inspection includes checking all doors, windows, and entry points. Security cameras should cover each entrance and any blind spots. If cameras are missing or not working, consider replacing or fixing them.
Keep a record of everything you find in a security log. List risks by how serious and likely they are. This helps you create a clear and effective security plan for the vacant house.
If the home has experienced any previous water damage or structural problems, be sure to inspect these areas closely, as unresolved issues can attract both intruders and legal complications.
Install Quality Door and Window Locks
Install quality door and window locks to help protect your property. High-security locks make it harder for intruders to enter. These upgrades are an important step after checking your property’s weak spots. Addressing safety concerns like weak locks or unsecured entry points is especially important for vacant homes, as unsafe conditions can deter buyers and increase liability risks.
Doors need strong deadbolts rated ANSI Grade 1 or 2. Smart locks add features like remote control and tamper alerts for extra safety. Always secure side and back doors, as these are common entry points.
Choose window locks that fit each window type. Sash locks work well for double-hung windows, while sliding windows need keyed locks. Basement and ground-floor windows should have pin locks or security bars for extra protection.
If you’re considering further upgrades, remember that energy-efficient windows can increase property value and appeal to buyers looking for security and savings.
Set Up a Security System
A security system helps protect a vacant house by watching for threats and sending alerts. Modern systems let you check your property from anywhere. This allows you to act quickly if something happens.
Choose a system with 24/7 remote monitoring and quick alert features. Security signs should be placed where everyone can see them. These signs often stop trespassers before they try to enter. Installing a security system and using clear signage can help preserve property value by deterring vandalism and unauthorized entry.
If your system sends alerts to your phone and police, you can respond fast. Protect your house by following these trusted security steps. Security systems and clear warnings work together to keep your property safe.
It’s also important to disclose your security system and any existing loans or liens to potential buyers during the selling process, as these details are part of legal disclosure requirements in Kentucky.
Use Motion-Activated Outdoor Lighting
Install motion-activated outdoor lighting to deter potential intruders by instantly illuminating any suspicious activity around your vacant property. Choose energy-efficient LED fixtures to minimize power consumption while maintaining bright, reliable coverage. Position lights at entry points, walkways, and blind spots to maximize visibility and reduce security vulnerabilities.
In addition to lighting, maintaining regular inspections of the property can further enhance security and help address any issues promptly during the probate sale process. For additional protection, consider vacant property insurance to cover unique risks and liabilities that can arise when a house sits empty.
Deterring Potential Intruders
Installing motion-activated floodlights can help keep intruders away from your home. These lights turn on automatically when they sense movement. Place them at entry points like doors, windows, and garages.
You should connect outdoor lighting to your security cameras. This setup ensures that your cameras record clear footage at night. If visibility is poor, footage may not be useful.
Lights should be placed to remove any dark areas around your property. If dark zones exist, intruders might try to hide there. Proper lighting coverage makes your home less attractive to criminals.
Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
Energy-efficient lighting options can secure your property without raising energy costs. Motion-activated lights are a smart choice for outdoor security. These lights turn on only when someone moves nearby, saving power and deterring trespassers.
LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs. Solar-powered fixtures are also available for more savings. If you use solar lights, they store sunlight during the day and light up at night.
All outdoor lights should be weatherproof and have adjustable sensitivity. If you choose these features, you can control when and how the lights work. This approach keeps your property safe and reduces energy waste.
Strategic Light Placement
Position motion-activated lights at key spots for the best security. Lights should cover all areas where someone could enter or hide. This setup helps deter intruders and keeps the property safe.
Entrances and exits need lights above each door, including the garage. If a door opens, the light turns on immediately. This makes it hard for anyone to approach unnoticed.
Pathways and driveways also require good lighting. Place lights along walkways and near side gates. Anyone moving close to the property will become visible.
Corners and blind spots must not stay dark. Put sensor lights at each corner and behind any structures. If every area is lit, hiding becomes difficult. Proper light placement shows active property care. If you follow these tips, your vacant house will be more secure.
Maintain the Exterior and Landscaping
You can deter unwanted attention to a vacant property by keeping up with exterior maintenance and landscaping. A well-kept yard shows the house is cared for and watched. If the property looks lived-in, it is less likely to attract intruders.
Mow the lawn regularly and trim hedges to avoid overgrowth. Remove weeds and clear away any debris after storms. If walkways are blocked, clear them to keep the area neat. Keeping the exterior maintained can also help you avoid legal consequences that sometimes arise from neglect, such as city fines or neighborhood association complaints.
Repair any broken fences, gates, or lights right away to maintain security. Power-wash the siding and clean gutters to prevent damage. If you see peeling paint or loose fixtures, fix them to keep a tidy appearance.
If you cannot visit often, consider hiring a landscaping service. Consistent upkeep helps protect the property and its value. A cared-for exterior can also attract buyers if you plan to sell.
When preparing a vacant house for sale, it is also helpful to enhance curb appeal to attract more buyers and facilitate a faster sale.
Keep the Home Looking Occupied
Vacant homes can attract criminals if they look empty. Making a house appear lived-in can help keep it safe. Use simple tricks to make your home seem occupied. An empty-looking home can invite trouble. Small changes to make your house look occupied can help keep it secure.
Install security cameras in clear view but out of reach. Place cameras to cover doors, windows, and the driveway. Trim bushes and trees so no one can hide near the house. Improving your home’s curb appeal can also deter unwanted attention by making the property look well-maintained and cared for.
Set timers for indoor and outdoor lights if you are away. Have a neighbor collect your mail if possible. Park a car in the driveway sometimes to show activity.
If you follow these steps, your home can look occupied even when you are not there. This may help prevent break-ins. Keeping up these habits can make your property safer. For extra peace of mind, review legal requirements for notices and disclosures before leaving a property vacant to avoid potential issues during the sale.
Remove Valuables and Personal Items
Remove all valuables and personal items before leaving the property vacant. This prevents theft and keeps your belongings safe. Always check every area, including closets and drawers.
Jewelry, electronics, important documents, and collectibles should be taken out. If you forget hidden items, thieves may find them. Always look in safes and other storage spots. If you’re selling in Louisville’s competitive market, securing valuables is even more important to avoid loss during frequent showings.
Clear out personal photos, artwork, and memorabilia for better home staging. This helps buyers picture themselves living in the home. If you leave anything onsite, lock it in a secure, hidden room.
Walk through each room and check for items of value. If you follow these steps, your property will be safer and ready for showings. For those considering a quick sale, working with cash home buyers can make the process easy and secure.
Notify Neighbors and Local Authorities
Alert trusted neighbors about your property’s vacancy so they can monitor unusual activity and report concerns promptly. Contact local law enforcement to request extra patrols and register your home as unoccupied, following their established protocols.
If your area has a Neighborhood Watch, coordinate with its members to strengthen surveillance and deter potential threats. It’s also important to keep proper documentation of any security measures or incidents, as thorough records can help prevent disputes and support a smooth sale process.
Inform Trusted Nearby Residents
You can improve your vacant property’s security by involving trusted neighbors. They can help watch for anything unusual. This method is simple and effective.
Share your contact information with these neighbors. If they notice something wrong, they can reach you quickly. Give them a list of people who have your permission to visit.
If you trust your neighbors, ask them to check your property sometimes. They can pick up mail or look for damage. If they see someone strange, they can let you know right away.
Communicate With Police
Telling your local police about a vacant property helps them watch your address during patrols. Call the non-emergency number to give the address, your contact details, and how long the home will be empty. If police know about the vacancy, they can respond faster to any suspicious activity.
You should also inform police if anyone is expected at the property, like cleaners or real estate agents. This step can prevent confusion or false alarms. Ask if your police department has a “vacant house check” program.
Request a case or incident number for your records. Working with police can make your property safer and reduce risks. This action also shows neighbors and potential buyers you are responsible.
Leverage Neighborhood Watch Programs
Neighborhood Watch programs can help keep your vacant property safe. These groups watch for unusual activity and report it quickly. Involving them adds an extra layer of security.
Trusted neighbors should have your contact information and know your schedule. This helps them alert you if they see anything suspicious. You can also ask them to check your property from time to time.
If you join or coordinate with local Neighborhood Watch patrols, your property will get regular checks. Local police can be notified if you plan to be away for a long time. They might agree to drive by your home more often.
If you keep everyone informed, you increase the chances of preventing crime. Always share updates if your plans change. This keeps your property on their watch list.
Schedule Regular Property Checks
Scheduling regular property checks is important to keep your vacant house safe. These checks help spot problems that security devices may miss. In-person visits are more reliable than only using technology. Regular property checks are essential for vacant homes, since in-person visits can catch issues that security devices might miss.
A trusted neighbor, property manager, or service should check your house once a week. They need to look at doors, windows, and inside spaces for damage or break-ins. If they find anything unusual, they should report it right away.
Inspections should include checking outside lights and making sure cameras work well. Each visit must be documented for future reference. Good records help if you need to file an insurance claim.
Regular checks make your property less attractive to criminals. A visible presence can prevent unwanted activity. If you care about your property, these visits are a smart step.
Secure the Garage and Outbuildings
You need to secure all access points to your garage and outbuildings with heavy-duty locks and reinforced hardware. Install motion-activated lighting to deter unauthorized entry and increase visibility around these structures. Always remove valuables and power tools to prevent easy targets for theft.
Lock All Entry Points
Intruders can enter your property if you forget to secure all entry points. Garages and sheds are common targets for break-ins. Lock every door and window with strong deadbolts or padlocks.
Windows in sheds and garages need extra protection. You can use security film or metal bars to make them stronger. Security cameras should cover all these areas to help deter thieves.
If you want full security, check all locks and replace weak ones. Add security film or bars to shed windows as needed. Position cameras to monitor all possible entry points and keep the footage safe.
Install Motion Lighting
Motion-activated lights make garages and outbuildings safer by turning on when they detect movement. These lights can scare off intruders and alert you to unexpected activity. If you install motion lighting, you increase the security of your property.
You should place motion sensors near doors, driveways, and hidden areas. LED lights are a good choice because they are bright, use little energy, and withstand bad weather. If you want fewer false alarms, you can adjust the sensitivity to ignore animals or blowing leaves.
Mount lights at least eight feet above the ground and angle them down for better coverage. If you connect motion lighting to your security system, you get even more protection. Good outdoor lighting lowers the risk of break-ins and helps keep your property safe.
Remove Valuables and Tools
Valuables and tools should be removed from vacant properties to prevent theft. Thieves often target items left in garages or outbuildings. If you leave these items in plain sight, you increase the risk of a break-in.
You should collect all personal belongings, such as bicycles and electronics, and store them elsewhere. Power tools and lawn equipment are especially attractive to thieves, so remove them too. If you empty cabinets and shelves in storage areas, you reduce the chance of missing something important.
A careful removal of valuables protects your property. If you take these steps, you can deter burglars and vandals. This helps keep your investment safe until the house sells.
Shut Off Utilities Safely
To shut off utilities safely, you must turn off water, electricity, and gas before leaving a property vacant. This step prevents leaks, fires, and other hazards. It also helps protect the property during your absence.
Start by closing the main water valve if the property will be empty. This prevents leaks or pipe bursts, especially in cold weather. If you skip this step, water damage could occur.
Turn off the circuit breakers for any circuits you do not need. This reduces the risk of electrical fires and saves energy. Always unplug all appliances to further lower electrical risks.
Shut off the gas supply at the main valve if the property will be vacant. This action removes the risk of gas leaks or explosions. If you have gas appliances, check that they are also off.
Document each step of your shutoff process for your records. Notify your utility companies if the property will be empty for a long time. This approach shows you are a responsible property owner.
Address Mail and Package Deliveries
You need to set up a USPS hold mail service or arrange for forwarding to keep your property off a burglar’s radar. Don’t let packages accumulate at the doorstep, as this signals vacancy and invites theft. Use delivery management tools or trusted contacts to intercept parcels and maintain a secure, well-managed exterior appearance.
Hold Mail Service Setup
Setting up a hold mail service stops mail from being delivered to your property. It prevents your mailbox from filling up while you are away. This reduces the risk of your home looking empty.
You must notify your local post office to start this service. Fill out a form online or visit the post office in person. If you need the hold, you can choose dates up to 30 days.
Check your mailbox during the hold period to ensure compliance. If you see any mail delivered, contact the post office right away. This step helps protect your property from theft or unwanted attention.
Forwarding Address Arrangements
Set up a mail forwarding service to receive your mail at a new address. This helps prevent missing important letters or packages. Unattended properties are less likely to have lost or stolen mail if forwarding is in place.
Notify your bank, insurance company, and subscription services of your new mailing address. Utility companies should also be informed to ensure you get bills and service updates. If you forget to update these, you may miss important documents.
Update your delivery address on e-commerce accounts. Packages will then go to your current location and not the empty property. This helps you avoid lost deliveries while the home is unoccupied.
Preventing Visible Package Buildup
Prevent visible package buildup by making sure nothing is left at your door for long. Unattended packages or flyers can show your property is empty. This may attract thieves, vandals, or people who leave graffiti.
Use USPS Hold Mail and ask delivery companies to pause or reroute packages. If you do not do this, parcels may pile up and draw attention.
Ask a trusted neighbor or property manager to pick up any mail or flyers every day. This keeps the property looking lived-in and cared for.
Install visible security cameras to discourage package theft and vandalism. Cameras can also help prevent graffiti on your property. Paying attention to these steps keeps your property safer and looking its best.
Protect Against Weather and Water Damage
A vacant house can be easily damaged by weather and water. You must take steps to protect it from these risks.
Inspect every window and install stormproof ones if possible. Check all seals and caulking to keep water out. Replace any that are cracked or missing.
Clean gutters and downspouts so water drains away from the house. This helps prevent leaks and foundation problems. Check the roof for any missing or damaged shingles.
If you expect freezing temperatures, shut off the water supply or drain your pipes. This step prevents burst pipes and water damage. Use a programmable thermostat to keep the house warm enough to avoid condensation and mold.
These actions help maintain the house’s condition and value. If you follow these steps, your property will be safer from weather and water damage.
Update Insurance Coverage
Standard home insurance may not fully cover a vacant house. Insurers often reduce or remove coverage for empty properties. You must update your insurance to protect your home.
If your house is empty, tell your insurance agent right away. Insurers may ask you to get a vacancy endorsement or a special policy. These changes help keep your home protected from risks.
Always keep a written record of any policy updates. Written proof will help if you need to file a claim later. Keeping documents organized gives you peace of mind.
Conclusion
If you want to sell a vacant house, you should make sure it is safe and well-maintained. When owners secure entry points and use surveillance, they greatly reduce risks. If you keep up appearances and handle utilities and insurance, you protect your investment.
If you follow these steps, you will make your property more attractive to buyers. Buyers feel more confident when they see a house is secure and cared for. If you want a simple process, we buy houses for cash in any condition.
If you are ready to sell your house quickly and easily, contact us today. We at OC Real Estate can give you a fair cash offer. Let us help you take the next step with confidence.