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By Roger Dolanch

Broker/Owner

If you're moving out while your home is still on the market, or if you're selling any unoccupied property, it could attract more than potential buyers—it could attract criminal activity.

An unoccupied property is at-risk for a break-in, and removing the furnishings doesn't mean you're safe from harm. Generalized vandalism, graffiti, damaged appliances, stolen copper, and broken windows can all add up to thousands of dollars in repairs.

Let your REALTOR® know your moving plans. He or she will advise you to take extra precautions once your property is vacant. To protect the property and keep your investment as safe as possible, you'll want to convince passers-by the property is still occupied. Consider the following:

Ask for back-up---When you're moving out, tell your immediate neighbors and your local police department that your property will be vacant. With more eyes watching the house, you'll have a better chance of getting assistance if someone does attempt a break-in.

Maintain the lawn -- An overgrown yard is a sign that a home is vacant. In the warmer months, make sure the lawn is mowed regularly, the flowerbeds are maintained, and there is no loose trash around the curb or driveway. In the cooler months, clean the rain gutters, rake leaves, and clear the driveway and walkway of snow.

Don't let the papers pile up--Forward your mail to your new address. Ask a family member or neighbor to stop by your home regularly to check for phone books, newspapers, and mail that may have been delivered.

Make obvious repairs—Check the outside of your property for repairs regularly. If you find any obvious problems, make repairs ASAP. A cracked window or loose shutter are small problems, but problems a live-in owner would normally fix.

Use the driveway--If you have a driveway attached to your home, ask a neighbor to park a car there. A car parked in the driveway is a great deterrent.

Leave the windows covered--If possible, leave the curtains or blinds on the windows in the home when you're moving out. Keep the curtains drawn and the blinds closed, even at the back of the house, in case a potential vandal tries to "peep" in.

Keep the HVAC running--It may be tempting to cancel the utilities to save money, but having that little cloud coming from the chimney vent in cold of winter or hearing the hum of the AC unit in summer may be enough to ward off threats.

Take photos with furnishings—Before you move out, be certain that your agent has plenty of photos that appear as though someone is presently living there. Because your agent will be posting photos on the internet to attract buyers, you do not want photos of vacant rooms showing up! To a thief, it is a sure sign that the property is vacant and therefore a likely target.

Turn the lights on--Purchase lighting timers, connect to inexpensive lamps and place the devices strategically throughout the house. Set the timers to go on and off in different rooms at the appropriate times of day or night. Some would-be thieves or vandals will watch a property for days before breaking in. If they see lights in different rooms, they'll hopefully assume the property still is occupied.

Call your homeowners insurance provider—Verify that in the unlikely event that people do bad things to your property, you will be able to file a claim. The financial burden of maintaining two households is tough enough without having the additional expense for repairs.

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