The pleasant aroma of coffee permeates the air. Splashes of colour from bunches of flowers adds to the appearance. Soft music from a CD player fills a room. It's showtime!

Your home is for sale. It is opens for inspection.

Strangers will be walking through your home, admiring its features and deciding its value.

They will open cupboards and wardrobes and see valuable items.

Whilst an overwhelming majority of potential buyers are law abiding citizens, it does pay to be cautious and security minded.

If you are selling your home, remove and store valuable items.

Remind your real estate agent to insist that staff record the name addresses and phone numbers of all the people who attend the inspection. Most agents do this for security and marketing purposes.

Agent will often have several staff members supervising inspections, especially for large properties.

Real estate staff will be alert. Should they be suspicious of anyone attending an inspection, they will use common sense to take appropriate steps.

Members of the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania know the importance of security when houses are open for inspection.

Vendors should check with their household insurance policy to see whether it provided the necessary cover during the period of open for inspection. Some insurance companies may regard people attending an inspection as invited guests'. If in doubt, contact the insurance company.