Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example: Keep
all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside
in an obvious place, like under the mat. Yet, almost a million and a half properties
get burglarized in North America each year. So how can you prevent that from
happening to your home? Here are a few less known home security basics:
• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead,
make sure all family members have a key.
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be extra vigilant about
making sure doors and windows are locked while you’re away during the day.
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target
a home without an alarm system.
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first.
So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is
able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.
• Don’t show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked next to the garage,
or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to
burglars.
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots
where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes.
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up newspapers, flyers
and anything else that may accumulate at your door.
Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping
your home secure. Give them a call.
Eliminating the home selling (and buying) jitters
Selling your property and buying a new home can be a potentially intimidating
experience... so much so that these jitters may even prevent some people from
making a move! It doesn’t have to be that way. A big part of the stress of selling
and buying comes from not understanding the process or having unanswered
questions. You might worry about how the state of the market will affect
the value of your purchase over the long term or what you would do if you found
your dream home before receiving any offers on your current property.
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