Beware of a security risk

Everybody is looking for a quick house sale, and that means signing up for all the gimmicks that estate agents offer.

That means a floor plan, multiple interior and exterior photos, and – in some cases – walk-through videos and virtual 3D house tours.

While it’s all a great selling point, it’s also providing free intelligence to potential criminals.

A floor plan allows them to work out where to go once they’ve gained access.

Photos show where all the luxury goods and valuables might be.

A walk-through video lets them work out where they might be seen from the street and they could even help them decide if there are valuables in the garage or out-building.

All this gives the burglar time to plan their crime, giving them those vital minutes to get in, rob your home, and make a clean getaway.

The floor plan and dozens of detailed photographs are a public record of what you have in your home, and could be a security nightmare as you try to sell your home.

You might be the kind of person who looks after their online identity and shreds all their personal documents to combat identity theft, but you could still unwittingly be inviting the dregs of society into the otherwise private space where you live.

So if you’re moving house, you should never forget that you’re totally in control of what the general public gets to see of your home, no matter what pushy estate agents might tell you.

While plenty of photos, floor plans and promotional videos might attract potential buyers, you will have to balance that with your own security.

It’s your house, your privacy, your security, and totally your decision.