House Hunting Tips and Questions to Maximize Security

Most real estate experts agree, springtime is a prime time for house hunting _[1] and coupled with mortgage rates plummeting to all-time lows in recent weeks _[2] as reported by Freddie Mac, expect a crowded house-hunting season this year. 

To find the right house in a competitive market, it's important to be a smart shopper - and look at the whole picture. While potential buyers typically look for things like a solidly built home with a good foundation, great location, and nice aesthetics, they should also be looking with safety and security in mind. Here are a few tips and things to keep in mind from our safety experts to make sure you are falling in love with the perfect home and then properly protecting it and your loved ones.

Location, location, location

Once you move in, you’re free to tweak your security protocols to your heart’s content - but what you can’t change is the area and surroundings beyond the property. Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to make sure you answer some important safety questions like:

• What is the neighborhood like? 

• Is it a low-crime area? 

• Is the area around your home well lit? 

• Is it on a flood plain?

• How long would it take for first responders to reach the home? 

And consider doing the following:

• To get a more detailed picture of the area and the community’s reputation online: you can browse local media, Facebook groups, and sites like Nextdoor _[3] to get local resident’s sentiments about the area, or review data-based livability metrics at Total Home Score. _[4]

• Do some extra credit homework and drive around the area both at night and during the day to see if you observe anything of concern.

As an exercise, think like a burglar as you evaluate the safety and security home and ask yourself the following: 

• Can a passerby easily see inside? 

• Does the house back into woods, or are there tall privacy fences on the street that could provide cover? 

Before making the decision to buy, stroll the perimeter of the yard. 

• Is it full of dark corners or hiding spots? 

• Are there blind spots for an outdoor security camera? _[5]

• If so, could you fix them with outdoor security lighting _[6] that automatically turns on when motion is detected? And if you aren’t sure, our experts are always available to help.

Home safety and security audit

Once you have found your dream home, it's time to protect it. To get a sense of what type of safety and security elements you’ll need, you can address the following questions.

• Is it a new home or an older property? The design and structure can determine how easy it is for potential burglars to access the home.

• Will the doors and locks need to be updated? 

• Is the backyard fenced or open?

• Are windows easily accessible from the ground?

• Are there window treatments to provide more privacy and security?

• Does each floor have a properly placed and functioning fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector?

By considering all of these parameters as you search and settle into your new home, you’ll save yourself headaches down the road and keep your family safer. And remember: when navigating all of these parameters, you aren’t alone.

Check out our full array of home security products and services here! _[7] 

Sources:

[1] https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/best-time-to-buy-a-house

[2] http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/

[3] https://nextdoor.com/

[4] http://TotalHomeScore.com

[5] https://www.adt.com/products/google-nest-cam-outdoor

[6] https://www.adt.com/resources/outdoor-home-surveillance-systems

[7] https://www.adt.com/home-security

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