Protect Your Real Estate During the Holidays

Written by Paul M. Hecht

Holiday season is prime time for criminals to break in to your real estate as many Canadians will soon be at the shopping malls out of their homes or out of town for the holidays.

With this in mind I want to pass on a few tips on how make your homes and investment properties safer so that you don’t get robbed.

I borrowed many of these great tips from Weiser.com who makes locks, deadbolts, keyless entry systems, etc.

  1. Going on an extended trip? Leave a car parked in the driveway as it gives the appearance that someone is home. Always lock your car and consider take your garage door opener with you instead of leaving it in the vehicle. (cost = none)
  2. Going away for the holidays? Don’t use your home address with your luggage tags. Use your office address or a cell number. (cost = none)
  3. Don’t leave a message on your answering machine letting the world know that you’re not at home. Keep it to yourself. (cost = none)
  4. Lock your doors 24/7. 50 percent of ALL break-ins are through unlocked doors! (cost = none)
  5. Help the police help you! Make sure your address is visible. If affixing numbers to you house, they should be at least four inches high, reflective and visible from the street and have not been overgrown with bushes so that the police are wasting time confirming that they are at the right address. (cost = under $15)
  6. Most burglaries are the result of forced entry. Make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts with at least a 1″ throwbolt. (approx $30 per set)
  7. Been at the same house for a while? Replace your outside locks or re-key as you’ve probably given out your house key a lot through the years. (cost = under $50)
  8. An intruder’s greatest fear is being seen. Good exterior lighting with motion detectors around your perimeter creates a psychological barrier (under $150 installed)
  9. Working late? Have your house key ready so you won’t fumble at the door. Or, get a keyless entry. (under $200.00 installed)
  10. DON’T keep an extra key outside your house. Burglars know all the hiding spots. Instead, leave a key with a trusted neighbor. (cost =
  11. none)

By the way – if you do just one of these things for your tenants – they will appreciate the extra effort you provide them plus, its tax deductible for you.

Have a safe and secure holiday season!

Comments

By Esa Lehti on December 15th, 2009 at 7:53 am

Thanks for the very helpful hints and have a great holiday season also!

 

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