If you have recently decided to put your home on the market, you surely understand what a stressful time this can be. Today, this process often takes even longer than it used to, adding to the anxiety. Although you probably feel like you just can't add another thing to your 'to do' list during this time, there is one important thing that you must think about if you're in the process of selling your home, and that is home security.

When your home is on the market, the details of your home will become public knowledge through real estate listings. Because your personal information is out in the public, this can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to the security of your home, and even your personal safety. You may want to avoid posting detailed information, such as a virtual tour or extensive photos of your home, on the internet. By protecting such information about your home, you can avoid becoming the target of burglars who may take advantage of this information to scope out your home and its contents prior to breaking in.

Another security risk comes in the form of open houses, when dozens of strangers will be walking through your home. Whether you are selling your home with the help of a realtor, or have opted for a For Sale By Owner listing, there are steps you can take to minimize the danger of strangers in your home. Always get the contact information of anyone you let into the home. Not only is this an important security measure, but it will also help you contact potential buyers after they've seen your house. No matter your selling strategy, make sure that potential buyers have been screened before they are allowed inside.

Many sellers are choosing to allow their homes to be shown by appointment only, minimizing the number of people in the home at a given time. Make sure all visitors enter and exit through only one door, and always escort potential buyers by following behind them, rather than leading them through the house. Never enter small rooms such as a bathroom with a visitor, as there is a possibility of being trapped inside. If you plan to show the house by yourself, consider purchasing such devices as a pepper spray pen, which offer effective protection against such threats without being too obtrusive.

During the selling process, it is crucial to remove all valuables from the home. This is especially true if you plan to host open house events, where you may not be able to keep an eye on everyone in the house. If you cannot remove valuable items from the home, install security cameras nearby.

Many sellers vacate their homes before they have been sold. Although this might become a necessity, it's also important to recognize the dangers of doing so. While the home is unoccupied, it is at a higher risk of being broken into. While this is particularly true if you have left belongings in the home, even an empty home is not immune from this threat. Even though you aren't living there, it is still your responsibility to protect it from break-ins by install alarms around doors and windows as well as other security devices. Consider portable alarms and other wireless devices that can be taken with you once the house sells.