Your home's security should be kept in mind.

You have decided to sell your home.

By putting it on the market you have opened it up to the public. Your home will not only be viewed in person by buyers, it will be viewed on the MLS by many many more.

While this helps sell your home so you can move on with your life, it does present security issues that should not be ignored.

As a Stager, it is part of my job to inform my clients about any issues I see in their home. Often they are surprised.

Lock boxes are used by many agents as a secure way to provide a key to your home. The combination is given out to other agents who will be showing your home to a potential buyer.

Public Open Houses are used to draw people in to view your home. Discuss the benefits with your Realtor. Find out if they feel it is the best route for your home. Will visitors be wandering through your home alone?

Family photos should be removed while on the market. These photos distract the buyer's attention from how they would use your home to what you are like. They can also tell the public about your children. Remember, these photos could end up on the MLS as well. Great photos of your rooms will help sell your home.

Children often have their name on their wall or sitting on a shelf. It looks great and fits in with the decor. But if it ends up in an MLS photo, strangers will know the sex, approximate age and the name of your child.

Extra keys are often left in a basket by the door or hanging on decorative hooks. Keep in mind that keys are small and pocketable. Store them out of sight while you are on the market.

Games and DVDs are kept in open shelves or bins for easy access. Remember that they are small and easy to pick up.

Jewelry boxes and stands are convenient when left out on chests or vanities. It is best to put them out of sight when selling. Valuable items should be stored in safety deposit box or at a relative's home.

Valuable items should be in safe places or removed while you sell. They will not attract undue attention or be damaged during a viewing.

The Internet exposure will help sell your home. It also opens your home up to the public.

Keep this in mind as you prepare your home for sale.