When it’s time to sell your home, presentation is everything. But beyond clean counters and fresh flowers, there are ten specific things that absolutely should not be in your home when it hits the market.
As a Ventura-based Realtor and lifelong local, I’ve walked through hundreds of homes with buyers. And time and again, these 10 items cause distractions, raise red flags, or even jeopardize your sale altogether.
Here’s what to remove — and why.
1. Personal Photos & Children’s Names
Take down framed family photos, wedding portraits, and especially kids’ names displayed above beds. Two reasons:
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Safety: Your listing is public. We don’t want strangers knowing your children's names.
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Buyer Psychology: Buyers need to visualize themselves living in the home, not feel like they’re intruding on yours.
2. Valuables
Jewelry. Designer watches. High-end artwork. If it’s expensive, it should not be sitting out during showings or open houses.
Even though most buyers are honest, not everyone walking through your home has good intentions. Lock valuables in a secure safe (preferably bolted down), use a safety deposit box, or store them temporarily offsite.
3. Prescription Medications
Especially opioids or any addictive substances. It might sound dramatic, but addicts have been known to attend open houses just to raid medicine cabinets.
Even the late actor Matthew Perry once admitted to doing this during his addiction. The risk is real. When in doubt, take your meds with you in a small bag whenever you leave for a showing.
4. Financial Documents
Bills, bank statements, checkbooks, tax forms — anything with personal or financial information should be put away and locked up.
Identity theft is a real risk, and loose paperwork invites trouble.
5. Visible Safes
Yes, safes protect your valuables, but if buyers see a big shiny safe in the garage or closet, it might pique the wrong kind of interest.
Hide your safe from view using storage bins, cardboard boxes, or laundry baskets. Out of sight is safer for everyone.
6. “Memory Books” or Emotional Notes
Sellers sometimes create little booklets with stories about the home, their favorite neighbors, or how great the local school is. While it may seem helpful, this opens you up to unnecessary liability.
Why? Words like “great school” are subjective. And friendly neighbors to you might not be so friendly to the next owner. Stick to facts only in your listing — not emotions or personal narratives.
7. Signs of Distress (Like Divorce or Foreclosure)
Empty vanities. Half-full closets. Bank notices taped to the fridge.
These can signal desperation to buyers, who may be tempted to lowball. If you’re going through a major life transition, do your best to present a “full” and neutral home. Spread winter coats into that empty closet. Fill the vanity evenly. Hide any foreclosure notices.
8. Plastic Carpet Runners
It may seem like a good way to protect your freshly cleaned carpets, but plastic runners are a trip hazard.
If someone falls during a showing, you could be liable. And at the end of the day, stained carpet is easier to fix than a personal injury lawsuit.
9. Pets
I love pets. I’ve had them my entire life — meet Zuma, our golden retriever. But pets and showings do not mix.
Barking dogs in crates, cats darting out the front door, allergy concerns, liability risks... the list goes on. The best solution? Take your pets with you when buyers are touring your home. Yes, it’s inconvenient. But it’s temporary — and worth it.
10. You (Yes, You)
This one might sting — but you, the seller, should not be present at showings or open houses.
Even if you think you’re being helpful by pointing out sprinkler upgrades or neighborhood highlights, your presence makes buyers uncomfortable. They can’t explore freely or speak candidly with their agent.
Leave the home. Let your agent do their job. You’ll get better offers because of it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re preparing to sell your home in Ventura, Oxnard, or Camarillo, taking the time to remove these 10 things can make a real difference. You’ll not only protect yourself, but also increase the chances of getting top dollar — quickly.
Have questions about prepping your home for sale?
I’m Grant Leichtfuss, a local Ventura Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. Whether you’re selling next week or next year, I’m here to help.
📍Serving Ventura, Camarillo, and Oxnard
