Home is synonymous with safety—or at least it should be. Over 6.9 million property crime offenses took place in the nation in 2019, according to the FBI. A worryingly high 75% of all homeowners have no home security system in place. It’s no wonder 75% of all homes are expected to be broken into in the next 20 years! The state of the typical home’s security is dismal, at best.
As a future home reseller, you should sit up and take notice – a lack of a home security system could be a major turn-off for prospective buyers. Real estate professionals John R. Wood Properties invite you to read on so you can stay prepared.
Buyers say safety is crucial
Safety is a primary concern for buyers across the country. According to the Ontario Real Estate Association, for example, 93% of residents believe safety—low-crime neighborhood and high building security—is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing property, alongside the presence of amenities and the proximity to work.
Home security is easy to achieve with technology
Safeguarding a property with a security system isn’t hard – you can have it done within the day. There are 4 types of home security systems, says Home Stratosphere, and each type has its pros and cons. The layout of your property and your budget will determine the ones to get. Below is a brief description of each:
- Monitored security systems: Monitored systems are the ones that notify you or an external agent of break-ins. They’re implemented with the help of door sensors, sirens, silent alarms, cameras, and motion detectors. While you have to pay a monthly fee, this arrangement is usually difficult for intruders to bypass.
- Unmonitored systems: Unmonitored systems are less sophisticated than their monitored counterparts. Further, they are reliant on you, the owner after being triggered.
- Wireless security alarms: Being wireless, these security alarms are portable and popular with homeowners looking to DIY. There are no wires for burglars to cut.
- Wired systems: Wired home security systems have a single control panel. It connects to sensors throughout your home via wiring. They are difficult to install but offer good security.
These days, you get “smart” home systems based on IoT technology. Essentially, you can have cameras, locks, door entry systems, sensors, and alarms connected to and controlled over the internet. Simply tap your screen to turn your various systems on.
Home security systems can be complemented by other measures
A home security system isn’t a panacea for all your security woes. It’ll act as a deterrent and a call for assistance but won’t stop a determined intruder. As such, consider buffering your safety arrangement with other measures:
- Adjusting your routine: Particularly for home-based businesses, it’s important to change up your routine so that a potential robber won’t know when you’re en route to the bank.
- Better lighting: You can improve the visibility around your home by lighting up your yard and surrounding streets.
- Tamper-proofing: Get better locks for your house, install barricades, create a buffer zone with plants, and consider getting high-impact windows and doors.
- Neighborhood watch: You don’t have to be an island. Teaming up with your neighbors to create a neighborhood safety watch can be surprisingly effective.
- Taking away temptation: Finally, don’t keep valuables at home and hide all your expensive items from easy sight. Invest in a safe if you must keep precious items around.
Security measures make a home more appealing
Some home security features, when done right, will boost the value of your home. For instance, a top-notch monitored system is always appealing to parents with young kids. And who doesn’t appreciate smoke alarms? Regardless of what security measures you use, keep a record of all the upgrades. You can take before and after photos, collect receipts, and maintain a running total. This will allow you to measure the uptick in the property’s value.
Home security systems are worthwhile investments. Not only do they give you peace of mind, but they also act as a draw for buyers when you’re reselling. It’s human nature to seek safety. When given the choice between two houses—one with an airtight security arrangement and one without—buyers will lean toward the former. Your security system can make for an excellent selling point—and maybe even convince purchasers to drop extra money on the property.
This article is brought to you by John R. Wood Properties, where our network extends across Southwest Florida, so you are certain to have access to our expertise no matter which area you choose. Our Real Estate agents are well acquainted with Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva and Southwest Florida because they are also residents. Because we share the Florida lifestyle, we are uniquely equipped to help you find your perfect Florida home. For more information, please contact us today!
Article Contributed by: Suzie Wilson
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