Absolutely. Yes. Most are happy to do so. Only a few times a seller left and "forgot" to turn it off.  

I would prefer if they keep them off.

Absolutely , 40% can't figure it out !!!

Most security systems here are Canine, we require them to be put in a kennel or removed during the showing.

Yes, it's easier by far, then running for the alarm system to un-arm it.  And then remember to reset it properly upon leaving.  If the home is occupied, then the seller just uses it in the evening, and has it off during the day when they are gone.  Fortunately, the homes we have dealt with in our community, either do not have an alarm system, or do not use it Debbie Reynolds. 

It is the seller's decision.

It depends - if the seller lives there I suggest they so during specific hours, if not I suggest they leave it on. I give out the code to the agent for showing then have the home owner change their code.

I say leave it off.  I did actually show a home with a system and the listing agent gave everyone the turn on and turn off codes, and, well, stupid me, but if I didn't trip that baby and could not get it OFF after I had. 

The only thing I could tell the buyers (my clients), "well at least you know it's loud and effective." We all get a hearty laugh and I called the listing agent to let him know what I've done, but ever since I am reluctant to show homes where the alarm is NOT off.

Any impediment you put in the way of the buyer's freely and easly seeing a home, the less buyers will be interested in view and buying the home.

P. S.  If I trip the alarm at your listing, might I say in advance, I'm sorry!! LOL!!

Leave it off and possibly have the agent turn it on when they leave

Turn it off.  Cancel the service.  You want to sell your house, or not?

YES! There is nothing worse than not understanding an alarm system in time to turn it off and dealing with that awful alarm.  I've never sold a home where that happened.  I'd advise my clients to secure their valuables elsewhere or only set the alarm for times when the key box wasn't active. 

Yes, as many times the agents mess up and set off the alarm.

Only if they are close by and can re-activate it shortly after the showing.

Debbie Reynolds - it is always a good idea to disarm the system for ease of showings.

Absolutely off!!

Glad to see so many comments of "Leave it off." If there's something valuable enough to have a security system for, they should lock it up before it's listed anyway. 

Definitley suggest they leave it off.  If not, then they need to be able to either leave a code in the lockbox or be available to deactivate it.

Debbie Reynolds I would not.  In luxury markets, the listing agent shows up to open the home.  Security is really key for the majority of home owners in these price points.  A

In the end, it is up to the seller. It is easier if the system is off. It's nice when they can turn it on/off remotely. I also find out if they have video systems. I'm not a fan of sellers watching while their house is being shown. Nothing good comes of that.

Yes! Alarms are a turn off for some agents!

What Marc Swartz, CPA, CA, Real Estate Broker said...

It is a tough choice when it come sto security. most often i would prefer my own code and a lesson how to use the system. Most new systems the seller can leave off and than put on when we leave whch may be the best for all. 

Yes.

Yes, at least during the day.

It is up to the seller.

We usually do, and if they feel uncomfortable, we suggest having a second code for other agents.

It depends.

On the home.

On the seller.

On the marketing strategy.  

I do advise the deactivate for showings.

I explain the pros and cons of having the system alarmed no let them make the call.  I don't want the responsibility of telling a seller they must disarm.

Typically the listings that I have with alarms are shown by appointment so it often doesn't make a difference.  I do agree alarm codes and getting info to agents to disarm is not the best practice and often they don't read the comments to even know there is one.  There's nothing worse than having the police show up with lights and sirens while trying to show a house. 

I have not had this issue as a listing agent (hard to believe) but definitely prefer it be off. It's their choice but I would let them know the pros and cons

I would leave it entirely up to the Seller.  I wouldn't want any backlash.

I do not. However, they generally come to that conclusion on their own. The last thing I would want on my conscience is a break in with security off at my professional recommendation. So I don't make that recommendation, but I do walk them through the steps so they understand what all to expect and generally speaking they don't alarm their alarm for showings.

No, I recommend a separate alarm code for agents and the showing instructions include where the panel is located and how to disarm and arm the system when leaving.  Agents are use to them in our area and there is rarely a problem.

With newer systems sellers are aware when the system is being used and can verify and even re-arm remotely if an agent forgets.

Off! 

I would rather have the system off.

YES! Just had this in March, I insisted politely and they complied.

I loved your movies!

Absolutely! Not every system is the same and it is awful when they go off. The buyer's agent looks like an idiot if they try to open the property and it goes blaring...no listing agent available by phone....been there..

Yes...however, one thing (?) goes wrong and you buy the farm

I ask for them to turn it off during showings.  Last thing I need is to set the darn thing off!

I think so..... I am not that quick to get it disarmed.

I wish they would Debbie. I have a listing and they buyers moved already. They insist the ADT system stays on and it creates a issues.

I never want to be the one who suggests they have it off, but I do prefer when they make that choice on their own

PIA unless vacant property or absentee seller. Leave OFF.