Sunday, February 17, 2013

Security Systems: Making Your Home Safer

Prior Lake Real Estate Agent
Photo: Microsoft images
As a Prior Lake real estate agent I want everyone wants to feel safe. When you think of the word home, you think of the place where you can find refuge, food, warmth and most of all, safety. One burglary or break-in is all it takes to take away that feeling of safety.

Even though many burglaries actually take place when you are away or out of town, it doesn't make you feel any better than if you were home when it all happened. 

Locking doors and windows sometimes is not enough to deter your home from being targeted by a thief. Consider getting a security system. These simple steps can help you find the right home security system and help you create a safer and more secure home for you and your family. 

2. What can you afford? Deciding first how much you can afford will help make picking a home security system that much easier.

1. Do you want your system hardwired to your home or is a wireless system right for you? Many people like the use of wireless for a variety of reasons. 
  • Wireless uses lithium batteries vs. use of your electricity
  • Easier to install, less intrusive than hardwired. 
  • Less time to install vs. having to install wire throughout your home.
3. How many entrances are coming into your home? Don't just consider the doors. Any access to your home from the outside should be considered as an access to your home. Some systems charge differently and knowing this number can help when doing your research. 

4. Contact local security companies. Take the time to call different security companies, and get quotes from each place. 

5. Make a list of features that are important to you. You may have to pay extra, but decide which items are the most important. Some things to consider when putting this list together:
  • Fire alarm
  • Warranty, do they have one and what does it cover.
  • Own or rent the equipment

6. Ask a lot of questions. Most home security systems will require you to sign a contract, so before putting your signature on any paper of any kind, make sure you understand just what it is you are signing. Most sites also have FAQs on their page review and compare the lists. This is a great way to get you thinking. 

7. Get referrals. If you do not have a neighbor who uses a system, reach out to other friends and relatives who do have one. Get their feedback on what has worked or what they would maybe change with their current system.

Here's to a little more peace of mind.

Leslie Mueller, REALTOR
Keller Williams Preferred Realty

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