5 Ways To Protect Your Privacy While Your Home is

As a seller, there are many things to consider when putting your home on the market. One aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of protecting your privacy. With strangers walking through your home during open houses and showings, it's easy for personal information to fall into the wrong hands. Here are five ways to protect your privacy while your home is on the market.

1. Put Away Your Mail

One of the easiest ways for strangers to gain access to your personal information is through your mail. Make sure to put away any mail or important documents before showings or open houses. This includes bills, bank statements, and anything else that contains personal information. Overdue bills and letters from law firms can all be a dead giveaway as to why you are selling your home. 

2. Clear the Walls

Personal photos and artwork can add character to your home, but they can also give potential buyers a peek into your personal life. Consider removing any personal photos and College diplomas and replacing them with neutral artwork or decor. It's no one's business that you just graduated from college (and therefore may have a lot of debt), or hold an advanced degree (often perceived as a sign of deep pockets). This will not only protect your privacy but also help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home.

2. Clean Out Your Closets

Yes, potential buyers open closets. All that mail and those diplomas you removed from the counters and walls, don't put them in the closet. While it may seem harmless, leaving your closets full of clothes and personal items can give potential buyers a glimpse into your personal life. Take the time to clean out your closets and pack away any personal items. This will not only protect your privacy but also make your home look more spacious and organized.

4. Check the Drawers

Just like with your closets, potential buyers may look through your drawers to see how much storage space the home has. Take the time to clean out your drawers and pack away any personal items. This can include anything from jewelry to medication. Remember, you want to create a clean and organized space that doesn't give away too much personal information.

5. Clear Out Any Magazines

Magazines can be a great way to showcase your interests and personality, but they can also give potential buyers too much information about your personal life. Trade journals and magazines can be a clue to how you make a living. If a Single Parent magazine is sitting on the living room coffee table, a buyer may assume you're in the process of getting a divorce. Make sure to clear out any magazines or books that may reveal personal information about yourself or your family.

The bottom line is don't give potential buyers personal information that could put them in a more powerful bargaining position.