What Should You Do With Your Pets and Valuables During a Home Showing?

What Should You Do With Your Pets and Valuables During a Home Showing?

When you’re getting your home ready to sell, there are a lot of things to think about. One thing that might not be at the top of your list is what to do with your pets and valuables. But it’s important to have a plan in place for both. Here are some tips on how to handle both.

What Should You Do With Your Pets and Valuables During a Home Showing?

You should never leave pets or valuables at home when you’re leaving for a showing. The primary reason for this is that you never know who a real estate agent is bringing into your home; you don’t know the agent, either.

With that said, what are you supposed to do? The following sections explain.

What to Do With Pets During a Showing

The best option is to take your pets with you when you leave for a showing. If that’s not possible, ask a friend or neighbor if they can watch your pets while your home is being shown.

Another solution is to board your pets. This way, you don’t have to worry about them – and you can also ensure that potential buyers won’t suffer an acute allergic reaction in your home (or be so afraid of your pets that they won’t complete a tour).

Pets you should take with you include any that can walk around without living in a cage; caged pets (such as hamsters, mice or guinea pigs); and snakes and reptiles in an enclosure. You don’t have to take fish with you, which would be a logistical nightmare.

Related: 5 home staging secrets for sellers

What to Do With Valuables During a Showing

When it comes to valuables, your best bet is to remove them from your home before showings. This includes things like jewelry, cash, important documents, and other items that could be tempting for someone to steal.

If you can’t take your valuables with you, be sure to hide them in a secure spot. A safe would be a good option, or you could put them in a locked closet or cabinet.

Related: Should you hire a home inspector if you’re selling a home?

What to Do With Firearms During a Showing

If you have firearms in your home, it’s important to take precautions with them as well. You should remove all firearms from your home before showings. If that’s not possible, make sure they are locked up and out of sight.

Indiana Laws on Transporting Firearms

If you do need to transport firearms during a showing, it’s important to know and follow the laws in Indiana. According to Indiana law, you can transport a firearm if:

  • The gun is unloaded and enclosed in a case
  • The ammunition is stored in a separate container from the gun
  • The gun is not directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle
  • You have a valid license to carry a handgun if the gun is accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties, as well as all the surrounding communities. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty, our site is directly connected to our local MLS. We update it with new homes every hour.

Sign up for new listing alerts so you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale – and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!

Start Your Home Search Here

Popular Jasper, Indiana Home Searches:

Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Classic 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath home on Jasper's southeast side. Offers .89 acres and a full basement. $195,000 Pending

455 E Schnellville Road Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 1 Baths 1,980 SqFt 0.89 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brian Uebelhor from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

This Elegant All-Brick Home offers 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, a RARE Walkout Basement, 2 Car Attached Garage, all Nestled in a peaceful setting. The beautiful kitchen, designed for both style and functionality, seamlessly connects to the open dining area, leading to a walkout deck—perfect for entertaining and grilling. A convenient main-floor laundry adds ease to everyday living. The master suite serves as a tranquil retreat, featuring a walk-in closet, double vanity and a beautiful walk-in shower. The modern walkout basement enhances comfort and entertainment with a Wet Bar with Island and Dishwasher, basement also includes a full bathroom, bedroom, and a theater room, complete with screen, seating, and projector. Step onto the tranquil patio, where a charming creek provides a serene backdrop, inviting you to unwind and embrace the peaceful surroundings. $420,000 Pending

4298 W Beringer Drive Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,636 SqFt 0.48 Acres

Listing courtesy of Opal Sermersheim from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath split-bedroom home is sure to impress. A charming covered front porch welcomes you into a spacious living room, which opens seamlessly into an expansive kitchen and dining area. The kitchen boasts abundant cabinetry, a breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry, and brand-new hardware and appliances. The oversized dining area is perfect for hosting large gatherings and offers picturesque views of the private backyard. The freshly updated walkout basement features new flooring and trim in the rec area, playroom and half bath.  The cozy woodburning stove, during the cold season, will be much appreciated.  The laundry room and storage rooms completed the basement.   Step outside to relax on the covered deck or patio—both overlooking the expansive backyard. Additional perks include a storage shed and a basketball goal by the front driveway, 2 car attached garage.  Some Recent Updates: 2025 most basement with laminate flooring, trim, front wall B-Dryed, Sump Pump. 12/24 Kitchen Appliances, Cabinet Hardware, HVAC 2023, Water Heater 2020 $359,700 Pending

1735 W 5th Street Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,719 SqFt 0.82 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.