It’s the holiday season, and for many that means traveling
to spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately, there are Grinches out
there just looking for signs that your home is empty. If you don’t have a security
system, there are other ways to help keep your home from being just another
crime statistic. Here are some of the top tips to keep the burglars at bay this
season.
1. DO NOT post any travel plans on social media. I know this is hard to do. You want to share those special holiday memories but wait until you get back. You never know who will see your posts and realize that no one is home.
2. Lose the hidden key. If you keep an emergency key
outdoors, now is the time to bring it in. No matter how clever you think you
have hidden it, there may be someone watching and ready to ruin your holiday
cheer. If people need access to your home while you’re away, give them a key or
consider installing a smart lock with a keypad.
3. Set lights to turn on and off. Set some timers or install
programmable light switches on your indoor lights so they periodically turn on
and off. This will make it appear that the house is occupied. Another option is
to install some smart bulbs that can be programmed using a smart phone app.
Smart bulbs are convenient and allow you to vary the schedule while you’re
away.
4. Leave a radio playing. Tune in to an all-talk or news
station and leave it playing while you’re away. A potential burglar may hear it
playing and think that someone’s home.
5. Stop the mail and newspaper. Either stop delivery or have
someone pick them up daily so they don’t pile up; it’s a sure sign that
nobody’s home.
6. Lock the doors & windows. Perhaps the most obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget to lock the doors and windows when they head out of town. Don’t forget to lock the garage as well. Turn off automatic openers and consider a padlock on the inside so it can’t be opened.
7. Install motion sensors on outdoor lights. If outdoor
flood lights come on as an intruder approaches the house, they may have second
thoughts.
8. Arrange to have snow cleared if you live in an area where it snows. Nothing says “Nobody’s home” like a snow-covered driveway and walkway days after a snowfall.
Hope these tips help your holidays be cheerful ones!
Angela Barrett, "A Different Kind of Real Estate"
Angela Barrett is a local REALTOR® in Lexington, SC. Every day, she has the privilege of working with Buyers and Sellers around and on Lake Murray - Lexington, Gilbert, Chapin, and Irmo. It is her goal to help every buyer find the perfect home, and every seller sell at the best price possible. Exit Real Estate Consultants opened its doors in 2008 and has been the local expert since. Angela says, "she works with a wonderful group at EXIT and is proud to be a REALTOR® for a company that prides itself on being a "family helping families."
What makes Angela different from other Realtors is her desire to combine a love of real estate with the truth. She may not always tell you what you want to hear but will ALWAYS tell you what you need to hear. Before getting into the real estate industry, she owned her own court reporting business for 14 years. She decided to change careers because it was her desire to help others with their housing needs in a way that was honest and truthful, a way that put their needs ahead of the sale. Her business is built on Dedication, Communication, Determination & Trust while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to all of her client's Real Estate needs. She says the best part of her business is the people she meets and the ability to assist them throughout the process. Her goal is not only finding the hidden gem or selling at the right price but giving her clients peace of mind that they will work together through every detail.
Angela showcases her homes on her website and utilizes professional service providers to assist with her clients' buying and selling needs, including tips for staging and recommendations for painters, designers, handymen, and inspectors. She is communicative, thorough, and detail-oriented, and she'll be with you every step of the way!
Angela made Lexington home 28 years ago. She is knowledgeable about the area and feels blessed to call Lexington her home. Angela enjoys showing her clients around “Miss Murray”, the Jewel of South Carolina, and when she’s not helping someone with their real estate needs, she enjoys going to the gym, running, spending time on Lake Murray, and a little photography.
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Lake Murray area? Call Angela Barrett, who not only represents “A Different Kind of Real Estate" but also a different kind of REALTOR®.
View all posts by Angela Barrett, Realtor ExitREC
