There’s something about the concept of open houses that provokes a broad spectrum of responses from realtors and clients alike starting with enthusiasm right on down to indifference.

The proliferation of Internet listings, virtual tours, blogs and the like means there are easier ways to view a home today. While that doesn’t exactly mean they are becoming extinct, it’s long been known that open houses are more for the listing agent than the seller. But perhaps one of the biggest, more pressing concerns for both agents and sellers is the security risk involved in staging an open house.
Where else can a person get wide open access to a property, allowing the perfect opportunity to steal small items such as jewellery, prescription drugs or costly ornaments? It’s an open invitation for thugs to case a home for potential entry points at a later time.

Here are some tips on what to do to keep yourself and your clients safe during an open house:
• Never park where you can get blocked in. Looks for shrubs and trees where thugs can hide near the vehicle or on the entryway to the home.
• Meet the neighbours. They’re naturally nosy. Offer to give them a personal tour of the house. There’s safety in numbers so if they stop by and talk your ear off, that’s okay. Be kind and you ‘ll get referrals from them as well.
• It doesn’t hurt to hand-hold clients by taking them through the house to point out what should be locked away and/or hidden during showings and open houses.
• It’s best to work in teams because, again, there’s safety in numbers. Thieves often work in pairs. While you’re talking to one person, the other may be rifling through bedroom drawers or closets.
• Sign-in sheets are a good idea although not everyone will sign or do so legibly.
• The number one place where agents are most vulnerable during open houses is at the front door. Try to work in teams if at all possible. Also, be vigilant when opening and closing lock boxes so that you’re back is not to the pathway leading to you. 
• Look for an emergency exit route. Be sure to check fence doors and garage doors as possible exit routes.
• Hang bells or some other visually unobtrusive, but noisy item that tells you people have come into the house. If you’re busy talking to a prospect you don’t know that people have come in to the home.
• Keep your purses in your trunk.
• Small valuables: This is jewellery, small electronics such as cameras and iPods. These items are easy to hide in a handbag or coat pocket so lock them in your safe or filing cabinet.
• Prescription drugs: Try to take your medications with you or lock them away as these items can be easy targets for thieves or drug addicts.
• Personally identifiable information. Papers that list your bank account or social insurance number, mortgage bills, bank statements, credit card statements, cell phone bills. Don’t leave them out and about for identity thieves.
• Art. While large paintings and print are certainly more difficult to take, smaller works of art such as sculptures, photographs and expensive ornaments are not. These, too, should be locked away from prying eyes.
• Following an open house go through your home to check your possessions.

What has your experience been in terms of thefts or dealing with shady characters during open houses?
Has your safety ever been compromised? How about your clients? Have you had a theft at an open house or showing? Share your thoughts.