An alarm system gives many people peace of mind about the security of their home, not only when they are at work, but also at night as they sleep, as a protective guardian.
When you are diligent with the daily arming of your home security system, there can be some major disruptions when its time to sell your house. There are four options, and it behooves you to think very seriously about which option is best for you.
Be present at all showings.
This may not be very practical, and is bound to deter many showings, if only due to the homeowners schedule, and nothing else. Honestly, I have seen many homes where I felt this was truly the best option, so I wouldn't necessarily say across the board that this is a bad idea. It won't help you sell your home any faster, but if there are specific reasons that a homeowner just wants to be in the house and is not comfortable giving anyone the security code, I have to respect that.
Continue to "arm" your home, and give your agent a security code to gain access.
This is the next best option, although some homeowners do not want anyone other than their agent operating their alarm system. That can be easily understood and respected as well.
Sometimes a home alarm system is very complicated and one-on-one instructions is a good idea, and another agent who did not have that benefit might accidentally trip the alarm. It does happen. Towns charge for false alarms and its a disruption to the neighborhood, so in certain circumstances, this may be the way to go.
It is better than the first option, but remember, now we still have to contend with your agent's availability to open, disarm, remain for the showing, re-arm, and lock up your home. Although we always strive to make every effort to accommodate another agent, sometimes schedules conflict.
Allow your agent to give out that alarm code to agents that want to show it.
If your home's security system does not have complex instructions and its pretty much easy in easy out, then this is by far the best way to go. You might contact your security monitoring company and ask them for a "guest" code just for this purpose. In other words, do not give out the code that you use- make sure it's a different code, so you know when people are coming in and out. I would also suggest that you change this "guest" code every few weeks, just as a safeguard
Do not arm the home at all.
If you always arm your home, I do not like this idea. If you are accustomed to arming it, you should continue, and choose one of the above options.
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