Ensuring the security of your home not only gives you peace of mind but adds to the overall impression of the property when you decide the time has come to sell.
Owners who have applied security solutions to their home always find favourable response from buyers. They’ll often comment during open house inspections on the various security aspects of a home.
In their heads, it means they’ll not have to spend money on security measures, and it will help minimise the cost of their home insurance policy.
As your local real estate agent, we would always highlight these measures in a sensible, subtle fashion. While enhanced security is a big plus, we don’t want prospects thinking that they’re moving into a dodgy neighbourhood.
Remember, thieves and burglars usually focus on easy targets. So, here are nine tips that will help keep them away and also leave buyers with a favourable impression:
1. All-important first impression – Buyers will immediately notice strong security measures as they approach the home. A lockable gate with a security intercom sets the scene for a quality home.
2. Secure the entry – A steel security screen door can be complemented by a security camera in the eaves and a video doorbell. Camera systems are available for less than $300. Depending on the product, you may need an electrician to install them. Video doorbells can be found for less than $100. Additionally, some security doors feature handles that make a metallic grinding-sound when pushed down, alerting you to anyone making an unwanted entrance.
3. Door locks – Digital door locks are becoming increasingly popular and can be bought for less than $500. Once installed, you can throw away those pesky keys and enter via a PIN code. If that sounds a bit much, then ensure you have deadlocks installed on all your doors.
4. Key safes – If you’re in the habit of hiding a spare key under a flowerpot or stone, stop doing that. A key safe located near the door is a cheap and sensible solution.
5. Door chain – Buy a door chain for inside the house so you have an element of security when you open the door to a stranger. You can pick these up at a hardware store for less than $10.
6. Spy hole – A tubular door viewer, like those in hotel rooms, is an excellent idea if you cannot easily see who is at the front door.
7. Set an alarm –You can get a back-to-base alarm that will cost a monthly subscription. These services can reduce the cost of home insurance. But if that’s a little rich for your budget, you can fit alarms to go off when doors and windows are broken or eased open. These don’t have to be expensive. For example, alarms to alert you to a broken or open window are as cheap as $15 each.
8. Lighting solutions – Motion-sensor lighting around the house is not only convenient for moving around in the dark, but it also dissuades would-be thieves and burglars. When you install them, make sure the darkest corners of your block are bathed in light.
9. Garden guards – Some elements of your garden can also help guard against intruders. Gravel paths will sound crunchy footsteps as they approach. And border plants with thorns, such as bougainvillea, roses and sarsaparilla, are as prickly as barbed wire fencing and a lot easier on the eye.
