Protecting your empty home while renting or selling it is not only simple, itâs also affordable. From using security cameras to keeping the yard in tip-top shape, here are seven simple ways to secure your vacant home.
1. Check your insurance policy.
Insurance companies are justifiably concerned about the liability a vacant home presents. Youâll want to contact your insurance company to find out how your coverage might change once youâve left your home. You should also ask how long the policy will cover your vacant home. Some insurance companies specialize in offering âVandalism Coverageâ that protects your unoccupied home.
2. Use exterior lighting.
Prepare your home against intruders by improving your homeâs exterior lighting. A combination of lights on timers and motion activated lights will deter burglars. Be sure that the entrances of your home are well lit, and donât neglect the sides of your home where intruders are less likely to be noticed. Sheds and detached garages should also be outfitted with exterior lights. There are home security systems that offer enhanced exterior lights that integrate with security cameras. When the light detects motion, the home security camera is activated and records video. You can view that video on your web enabled device.
3. Identify a local contact.
If itâs no longer convenient for you to visit your home on a regular basis, then ask someone like a friend, or neighbor to do so for you. If need be, pay someone like a property management company to perform the service. There are companies that specialize in taking care of vacant homes by performing interior and exterior checks and making sure yard maintenance is performed regularly. There are even companies like ours that will find people to live in your home while itâs on the market.
4. Protect your home from the elements.
Of course youâll want to take steps to secure your home against bad guys, but youâll also want to protect it from Mother Nature. One way to do so is by using a programmable thermostat that keeps pipes from freezing and cools the house in summer. There are several reasonably priced thermostats with built in Wi-Fi so you can adjust them remotely.
5. Alert law enforcement.
Donât hesitate to alert your local law enforcement agency that youâve moved out. Provide them with a list of anyone that is authorized to be on your property, and ensure they have your contact number. Youâll also want to give them the name, number and address of a local contact in case you canât be reached. Contacting law enforcement canât guarantee your homeâs security, but if the worst happens at least youâll be made aware of the situation immediately.
6. Keep your home security system active.
In an attempt to minimize expenses, you might be tempted to terminate your home security monitoring service. Thatâs a mistake. No matter what kind of neighborhood or community your home is located in, itâs a prime target for vandals and thieves. In fact, some thieves make a living from targeting vacant homes and stripping them of everything they can. Window air condition units, heat pumps, cabinets and copper are some of the hottest items. The nominal cost of home security monitoring is nothing compared to the financial nightmare youâll face if your home is vandalized.
7. Prepare your home.
Before you vacate your home, youâll also want to make sure that all windows are closed and locked and itâs a good idea to set up a few lights on timers. A home automation system gives you the convenience of turning lights on and off remotely. If your home has blinds, turn them up so nature light is let in, without telling burglars that the house is vacant. Make sure you alert your home security company that your home will be vacant and provide them with the name of the people who can access your home.
Protecting your vacant home while waiting to rent or sell takes a bit of forethought, but itâs easy to do and doesnât have to break the bank. Use these seven tips as a starting point to keep your biggest investment safe while itâs on the market.
