How to Protect Your Home During Open House Events (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s face it: hosting an open house can feel like inviting half the city to wander through your living room. Sure, you want potential buyers to fall in love with your space, but you don’t want to fall victim to sticky fingers or accidental (or not-so-accidental) security slip-ups. As a team that’s spent years working with homeowners across Los Angeles—from Encino to Chatsworth—we’ve seen it all. So grab a coffee, relax, and let’s talk about keeping your home safe without turning into a paranoid mess.
Step 1: Prep Your Home Like a Pro (Because “Winging It” Isn’t a Strategy)
Before you even stick that “Open House” sign in the yard, start with the basics. Trust us—this isn’t the time to hope for the best.
Lock Down the Obvious
- Stash your valuables: Jewelry, cash, passports, and that vintage Star Wars collectible? Lock them in a safe or take them off-site. Better yet, ask a friend to babysit your Rolex for the day.
- Hide personal documents: Bank statements, tax forms, and mail with your address? Shred what you don’t need and tuck the rest away. Identity theft isn’t exactly a selling point for buyers.
- Secure medications: That bottle of painkillers in the bathroom cabinet? Yeah, it’ll vanish faster than avocado toast at a brunch spot.
Pro Tip: If you’re in Calabasas or Thousand Oaks and need a quick lock change or high-security deadbolts installed before the big day, give our team at ALL OVER Locksmith a shout. We’ll make sure your doors laugh in the face of amateur intruders.
Step 2: Upgrade Your Locks (Because Basic Deadbolts Are So 2005)
Let’s get real: if your locks haven’t been updated since the Bush administration (either one), you’re rolling out the red carpet for trouble. Here’s what we swear by:
Must-Have Lock Upgrades
- High-Security Deadbolts: These aren’t your grandma’s hardware. Brands like Mul-T-Lock offer pick-resistant tech that’ll make even seasoned burglars shrug and move on.
- Smart Locks: Forgot to rekey after handing out keys to 12 different realtors? Smart locks let you grant (and revoke) access remotely. No more awkward “Hey, can I have my key back?” texts.
- Electronic Keypads & Access Control Systems: Perfect for homes with rotating agents or frequent showings. Set temporary codes and delete them post-event. Easy peasy.
Fun Fact: We’ve helped dozens of homeowners in Van Nuys and Northridge swap out flimsy locks for commercial-grade exit devices and panic bars—because why should offices have all the fun?
Step 3: Work With Your Realtor (And Set Boundaries)
A great realtor is worth their weight in gold, but you still call the shots. Here’s how to team up without losing control:
- Limit access to keys: Skip the lockbox (they’re about as secure as a screen door) and opt for temporary electronic codes instead.
- Ask for a sign-in sheet: Every visitor should provide contact info. If your agent balks, remind them you’re not running a pop-up museum.
- Hire a “babysitter”: Have your agent or an assistant stay for the entire event. Crowd control matters—especially in busy areas like Encino or Woodland Hills.
FYI: If your agent accidentally triggers a residential lockout mid-showing (hey, it happens), our emergency locksmith team at ALL OVER Locksmith can save the day in under 30 minutes. Just saying.
Step 4: Tech-Proof Your Privacy (Yes, Even From Snoopy Buyers)
Ever walked into an open house and immediately felt like you were being judged by someone’s Alexa? Tech is awesome—until it’s not.
Quick Privacy Fixes
- Unplug smart speakers (nobody needs to hear your Spotify playlist).
- Disable security cameras inside the home. Outdoor cams? Keep ’em running.
- Hide or password-protect your Wi-Fi network. Because “FBI Surveillance Van” isn’t a vibe buyers love.
Bonus: For homes with garage door locksmith needs in Chatsworth or Northridge, we can install keyless entry pads so you never have to fumble with a remote again.
Step 5: Post-Open House TLC (Don’t Skip This Part!)
Congrats! The open house is over. Now, time to undo any “oops” moments:
- Rekey or replace locks: Even if nothing went missing, you have no idea how many copies of your keys are floating around.
- Check windows and secondary entries: That basement window you never use? Make sure it’s still locked.
- Reset all access codes: Electronic keypads are genius—until someone forgets to wipe the codes.
IMO: A quick lock change or key replacement is cheaper than stressing for weeks. And if you’re in Los Angeles, our team at ALL OVER Locksmith can handle it all before your next Netflix binge session.
3 Common Questions (Answered Without the Jargon)
Q: Should I hide my spare key during an open house?
A: Absolutely not. Toss it. If you must have a backup, invest in a smart lock with a time-sensitive code.
Q: Are expensive locks worth it?
A: Let’s put it this way: a $200 Mul-T-Lock deadbolt beats a $20 hardware store special every time. You’re protecting a $1M home—don’t cheap out.
Q: What if I get locked out during prep?
A: Been there! Our commercial lockout service isn’t just for businesses. We’ll get you back in fast, no judgment.
Lock Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Lock Type | Best For | Install Time | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Security Deadbolt | Front doors, luxury homes | 1–2 hours | Nearly pick-proof; deters pros |
| Smart Lock | Tech-savvy owners, rentals | 30 mins | Remote access; no keys to lose |
| Electronic Keypad | Frequent showings, Airbnb hosts | 1 hour | Temporary codes = peace of mind |
Final Thoughts: Don’t Stress—Just Plan Ahead
Hosting an open house doesn’t have to feel like a heist movie. With a little prep (and maybe a locksmith near me on speed dial), you can showcase your home without sacrificing security. And hey, if you’re in Los Angeles—whether it’s Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, or Van Nuys—ALL OVER Locksmith has your back. From access control systems to emergency lockouts, we’re here to keep your home safe, sane, and seriously secure.
Ready to lock things down? Give us a call. We promise not to geek out too hard about Mul-T-Lock tech… unless you ask. 🙂
