Remove or conceal items like tablets, cell phones, laptops, firearms, jewelry, medications, credit cards, and checkbooks during showings and open houses.

Make sure to repair or block any entrances with damaged steps or railings, and during winter, shovel and apply sand to walkways.

Remove or secure pets during showings.

You can check the Massachusetts or New Hampshire real estate commission websites to confirm whether someone is a licensed agent. Additionally, many brokerages post agent photos on their websites.

Do not provide prospective buyers or tenants with any access codes, including for vacant properties.

Invite a friend or acquaintance to join you at open houses and showings, or ask a neighbor to keep an eye out.

We suggest having an attorney review all contracts before you sign and be available to answer any questions during the transaction. You will also need an attorney to prepare the new deed for closing, or you can ask the buyer’s closing attorney to handle it.