Trick-or-treating isn’t often at the top of a REALTORS^®’ mind, but perhaps it should be! As young families survey potential future homes, weighing the pros and cons of each property, the potential to make holiday memories can be a major selling point. Many homebuyers will consider the potential for trick-or-treating in each neighborhood they visit.

Did you know that the 1800-2200 blocks of Hanover Avenue in Richmond are often recognized as the best place to trick-or-treat in the nation? Being part of a fun and festive community celebration is an appealing factor to many families with children.

Since the potential to make holiday memories is so important to families, consider providing clients with this list of safety tips to ensure their trick-or-treating is nothing but fun.

• Make your outdoor lights as bright as possible to assist children navigating porch steps and porch décor while in costume.
• Consider using friction tape on your porch steps in case the weather causes steps to get slippery.
• There are always extra cars and pedestrians out on Halloween, so put electronic devices down and keep heads up while walking and driving.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, be sure all costumes are the right size to prevent trips and falls. Comfortable shoes should also be worn.
• To ensure motorists can see your children, decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Have them carry glow sticks or flashlights as well.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Tell your children not to eat any candy before they return home. This will give you the chance to sort through the candy to ensure nothing has been tampered with. Only allow children to eat factory-wrapped treats—avoid homemade treats from strangers.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.