What to do with the windows of a vacant property while being advertised?

Question

I just finished the rehab of my 1st property and I currently have it up for sale or rent. My question of everyone is what do you do with the windows of an empty property while they are being advertised. The wife thinks we should leave the blinds open so people can see in and I feel that we need to keep them shut so everyone cant see in but I can see her point also. However with it being December I have a feeling it may set for a few till after the holidays. Just thought I would get some opinions from people who have done this before.

Account Closed · Answer

We always had a radio playing to make it sound like someone was living there.  Also we told our neighbors that they could park their car in the driveway until we got it rented out.

Some times we had artificial security camera's put up on the premises with a sign saying, smile you are on a camera, and all these things seemed to help.

Nancy Neville

Al Williamson · Answer

I agree with all the above. But let me add that your windows can also serve as billboards.

Be clever and place marketing messages or images that help make an emotional impact on buyer.

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

I put curtains on the windows and make sure it looks lived in.

Kyle J. · Answer

I always keep all the blinds closed on vacant properties, and I also have one of these dog alarms that I put inside: Rex Dog Alarm. (Makes it sound like there's a real guard dog inside.)

Then before any showings, I get to the house a little early and open all the blinds (makes it look lighter, brighter and bigger) and unplug the dog alarm.

Never had any problems.

John DeFoor · Answer

Thanks Jim that is kind of what my opinion was also.

James Harper · Answer

John,

I would close the blinds and set a light on a timer to give the impression that someone is living there.  The trick is to make sure that you do not entice someone to come in from the cold and squat, steal the appliances or potentially cause damage.

If someone is interested to take a look and do not have a RE license (to be able to open the lock box) then you probably don't really want them to be snooping around the property anyways.

Jim