Keep your home safe and sound even if you’re not there

In a perfect world, you would be able to sell your home and find a new one at the same time you find a buyer. Everything would be coordinated so the day you move out would be the day that the new person takes ownership. But, anyone who has ever been involved in a real estate transaction knows that a situation like this is almost non-existent.

For any number of reasons, a seller may have to move out of his or her home before it sells. This could be due to relocating for a job or finding a great home that just couldn’t be passed up. Someone may also have a property primarily used as a vacation house that’s up for sale. Whatever the reason, if nobody will be living in a home, this makes it more susceptible to theft or vandalism, especially if it’s a luxury property. If your home will be vacant until it sells, you’ll want to keep these security tips in mind.

Lock up everything

This may sound like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of homeowners often forget to do this. A large percentage of break-ins don’t involve any breaking, as burglars often enter through an unlocked door or window. Be sure to lock all entrances to the home, including skylights and garage doors.

Light things up

Now, you probably don’t want two electric bills to worry about, but you will need to keep your home somewhat illuminated at night. The right spotlights and other exterior lights will help drive away the shadows where someone could be lurking. If you don’t want the lights on all the time, you can use timers or motion detectors. Just make sure you have the entire property covered, including separate structures like a shed or pool house.

Maintain your landscaping

Long grass, overgrown bushes, and unkempt flower beds are bad for security. One reason is that they’re a dead giveaway that nobody’s living in the home. In an upscale neighborhood, a house like this will stick out like a sore thumb, and crooks will notice. In addition, when foliage is left to become shaggy, it gives burglars extra cover when prowling. Another advantage of keeping your greenery in great shape is that it enhances your home’s curb appeal, which can help get you a faster sale.

Don’t turn off your alarm system

Once you’re out of your home, it may seem like an easy decision to stop your security service, particularly if you’ve removed all your furniture and everything else. This can end up being a costly mistake. Smart criminals have a good idea which houses are empty, and they also know about the lucrative items you’ve left behind, such as cabinets and copper wire. In addition to maintaining service, if you don’t already advertise your alarm system, be sure to do this before you leave. This could include putting up a sign or having a visible camera to let all visitors know they’re being watched.

Get some help

If you will no longer be in the neighborhood – or even the city – it will be difficult for you to keep a close watch on your home. Hopefully, you have developed friendships with some local folks who can act as your eyes. Give a trusted neighbor a key so they will be able to get inside if necessary. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, there are companies you can hire that will make regular checks of your property.

Leaving a home unattended can be a little scary, but these tips can help you get a little peace of mind. There’s also something else you can do: hire an expert real estate agent, so your home won’t be on the market very long. To get in touch with the premier agent in Naples, call 239-537-5351 to speak with Dante DiSabato. You can also reach out through this online contact form.