Making the decision to sell your home is a big step for any homeowner and one that comes with many responsibilities such as researching the housing market, preparing your home for sale and finding potential buyers within a reasonable amount of time. Home sellers have a lot to deal with and the process of putting a house up for sale can be full of stress and uncertainty. However, this is not the time to let other concerns, such as the security of your home, fall by the wayside. In fact, home sellers need to be extra careful as letting strangers into your home for showings and advertising personal information regarding your property can actually bring about a whole new slew of safety concerns. Making home security a number one priority when selling your home can prevent both your family and your property from becoming victims of criminal activity.

Prior to making any appointments to show your home to potential buyers, be sure that they are fully screened beforehand, either by you or your real estate agent. Try to get as much information about the clients including full names, current address and phone number. If possible, find out where they are currently employed, if they have children and their reasons for buying a new home. The more information you can discover, the better. Although it may feel like prying, you must think of your family's and your home's security.

When you have selected a legit potential buyer and made an appointment for them to see the home, be sure that you are not alone in the house when they make their visit. Arrange a time when you know someone else will be home with you and schedule the appointment during the day, if possible. Only allow potential buyers to make a viewing appointment after you have thoroughly screened them and when you feel comfortable having them in your home. If anything seems off or does not feel right to you, take this as a signal and move on to the next customer. Your home security and your own personal safety is the most important issue to consider and any warning signs your instincts send you should be acknowledged.

Also make sure that your children and all members of your family know they are not to allow anyone into the home unannounced. Young kids and even teenagers should not be answering the door for any strangers, even if they claim to be interested buyers. Only you or your real estate agent should be the only ones dealing with potential buyers.

It might also be a good idea to talk with your neighbors when you decide to sell your home. They can help you by being on the "lookout" and alerting you of any suspicious activity when you are not around. When your home goes on the market, many people will be stopping by to take a first look, and this could include potential intruders posing as interested buyers and using the opportunity to scope out your property. For similar reasons, take care when posting virtual tours of your home. Inadvertently, you could be giving burglars a "sneak peek" into your home; if you are insistent on posting one, be sure to not highlight any valuables or expensive objects in any of the photos. Be a smart and safe home seller and you can prevent your home from becoming the next burglary victim.