Unfortunately, drastic times for some call for drastic measures.  Due to the recent economy, crime is more prevalant than ever regardless of the area or neighborhood.  A harmless For Sale sign is now becoming a burglar's best friend.  Below are a few tips to remember when listing your home whether you are listing with a Realtor or selling it by owner:

1.  Use a lock box for your spare key.  Despite how clever your grandmother says it is, everyone knows that plastic rock by your front door has a spare key in it.  Place your lock box on the back door rather than the front.  Out of sight is sometimes out of mind when someone is watching your home.
2.  Make sure your home looks occupied even if it isn't.  Ask your neighbor to park their vehicle in the driveway to make it appear someone is home.
3.  Keep the yard mowed and looking nice.  Not only is it obvious that someone is occupying the home but how are you going to sell your house with a mess in the front yard?  Would you put a For Sale sign on your car and not even bother to wash it?  First impressions are everything.
4.  Make sure your signage is always upright and in good repair.  You also need to ensure your flier box looks nice and is always full.  A good Realtor will drive their listings at least once a week to ensure everything is in proper order.
5.  Keep your blinds closed at night.  YES....we can all see what you are having for dinner and what your new pajamas look like when your blinds are open at night :).
6.  Last but not least......lights, lights and more lights!  You can never have too much exterior lighting.  Some home buyers can't get find the time to drive by until after work to look at your home when it is already dark.  With clever lighting you can accentuate the positive attributes of your home's exterior and increase your safety.  Make Clark Griswald proud!