Glad we all made it through another week, and even (gladder? Is that a word?) to have you back !
Let's face it, we live in a dangerous world. It's sad, but very true. It is always necessary to make sure you are safe and protected, and in the context of this Blog, you also want to ensure your property is secure, as well. Today, we will be looking at security for your home, apartment, etc, and we'll look at it from two scenarios: Security when showing your home for sale, and Security for your home on a constant basis.
"If you are showing your property as a FSBO", says Jennifer A. Chiongbian, an SVP and a Licensed Associate Broker, who suggests to, "make sure to have sign in sheets getting their detailed information.", and says that you could even ask for their driver's license and taking all their information down.
Chiongbian also suggests letting your friends and neighbors know when you are showing your home and to, "have them call you afterwards to make sure everything is okay."
A few other pointers, per Chiongbian; Put away all valuables to eliminate any temptation (somewhere safer than a drawer), Be alert to any unusually long lingering times in rooms, etc. (hover close by, but out of sight - just to hear if they are talking about relevant topics to your home.). She also warns us to watch out for red flag questions, such as, "Do you live alone", "what time do you usually get home from work", etc., as they could be, "casing your home."
Now, if you own a property, and you are not in the process of selling, but you are looking to enhance your security, let's look at some tips provided to us by Robert Siciliano, a Security Consultant with ADT.com.
Siciliano provides the following tips:
1. Contact local law enforcement:
In some communities, an officer will inspect your residence and make recommendations based on vulnerabilities.
2. Install signs:
"Beware of Dog” neon signs (One for the front door and one for the back door), or “This House is Alarmed” signs.
3. Dog Bowls - seriously!:
Buy the biggest dog food bowl possible, one for the front and one for the back. Write “Killer” on each bowl.
4. Talk with your Neighbors:
Start a neighborhood watch program where everyone has a monthly responsibility to work the neighborhood.
5. Make your home seem occupied 24/7/365:
When you are away put the stereo or TV on loud enough to hear from the immediate exterior and use timers.
6. Install motion sensors that make a burglar think they are being watched.
7. Use your existing door locks:
Beef up the strike plate, which is the metal plate where the bolt enters the jam (Install 3 inch screws)
8. Secure your windows so they don’t raise more than 6-10 inches:
Install small angle brackets that prevent the windows from going any higher.
9. Get a home alarm system:
A home alarm is the best protection while you are home and away.
Hopefully, these tips will help you make things a little more secure in your property. Do you have any tips that you can share?
Have a Great Week, and Happy Rent-to-Owning !
Regards,
Rob Eisenstein
HomeRun Homes Blog http://blogging.lease2buy.com
HomeRun Homes Website http://www.lease2buy.com
TAGS: #FSBO #Security #homealarm