Planning a vacation? Fantastic! But then, you do not have to jump into traveling just yet; first, ensure that your home is well secured. Follow these ideas for practical measures that will assist with keeping your home safe while it is empty.

1. Lock Everything
Doors: Ensure that all doors inside and outside the home especially the garage doors are well checked twice.
Windows: Make sure all the windows are locked.
Gates and Sheds: Encase any exterior equipment.

2. Install a Security System
Alarm System: Thus, it may be a helpful idea to install a good and reputable house alarm system in case you do not have one.
Surveillance Cameras: The latest models of the cameras can be controlled through your mobile phone remotely.
Motion Sensors: These can help to discourage any persons who may be planning to invade the home of another person.

3. Use Smart Home Devices
Smart Lights: Timers and smart bulbs are to make the customer believe that there is someone at home even when they are not.
Smart Plugs: One could manipulate lights, blinds, and fans to turn them on and off, open/closing the blinds, and start/freeze the fans respectively.
Smart Locks: Open and look all the door locks from the comfort of the house.

4. They should contain items that do not tempt a thief, and any other valuables should not be exposed openly.
Inside the Home: Keep items with monetary value secure such as in safe or other concealed area.
Cars: Do not leave your things obviously visible within your car to avoid carjacking.

5. Don't Broadcast Your Absence
Social Media: Don’t announce to the whole world that you are traveling; wait until you get back.
Voicemail: Do not, absolutely do not announce you are on vacation in your voice mail greeting.

6. Ask for Help
Neighbors: Tell a friendly next-door neighbor to watch your home for you.
Friends or Family: Ask someone to pick up your mail and newspapers on the same day.
Pet Sitters: Working with a pet sitter can also be of benefit when it comes to security of the home.

7. Maintain Your Home’s Appearance
Lawn Care: They have time to get someone else to mow their lawn or shovel the snow for them.
Outdoor Lights: Putting up motion-sensor lights around the house out side is also a good measure to be taken.

8. Secure Spare Keys
Hidden Keys: Do not leave keys outside, they can be easily traced and this is very dangerous. Take one to a friend’s house or a close neighbor that you trust.
Lock Boxes: It is also possible to use a lockbox that has a password that only you know.

9. Check Insurance
Review Policies: Ensure that the house is well insured and the insurance policy as well covers house breaks ins.
Inventory Valuables: Take pictures and photographs of the items to be insured to avoid disputes on their value in case of a loss.

10. Prepare for Emergencies
Contact Information: Inform a neighbor or a friend to give your contact information.
Emergency Numbers: Make sure your security company and local police offices have your phone numbers.

Enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing your home is secure. Safe travels!

Selling your home? For those who want to get the maximum possible profits it is possible to define the following strategy. Here are some practical ways that would prove to be of aid in ensuring a high value of the property and a good impression to customers.

• Enhance Curb Appeal
  First impressions matter. Spruce up your home’s exterior to make it inviting: Spruce up your home’s exterior to make it inviting:
  Fresh Paint and Lawn Care: There are some general tips that include washing the external siding, painting the external doors, tending to the lawn — all these are effective ways of improving the appearance of the home exterior.
  Update House Numbers, Mailbox, and Lighting: New expressive numerals, a beautiful mailbox and fulgently illumination of facade are also look like modern elements.

• Upgrade Key Areas
  Sequentially, there are some segments of your home that are known to influence its value a lot. Focus on these key upgrades: Focus on these key upgrades:
  Kitchen: Getting new countertops, cabinets and even appliances in your kitchen is a plus when it comes to making the extent of your kitchen modern looking and functional.
  Bathroom: Replace lighting, bathtubs and shower, sinks, faucets and mirrors, change the color of tiles and vanities.

• Improve Energy Efficiency
  An energy efficient home is something that buyers consider to be a valuable asset. Consider these improvements:
  Windows, Doors, and Insulation: Mainly update the windows and doors for better insulation and also install the best insulation systems to enhance energy efficiency.
  HVAC System and Thermostat: Replace the old HVAC system, with a new high efficiency one, and get yourself a good programmable thermostat.

• Declutter and Stage
  A clean and tidy home impresses the customers and that partially defines their decision. Follow these tips for staging your home:Follow these tips for staging your home:
  Remove Excess Furniture and Personal Items: Get rid of dust to emphasize your home’s space and make the home to look more spacious.
  Use Neutral Colors and Stylish Decor: It is advised to paint the rooms in light colors and avoid having gaudy decorations in an attempt to appeal to a large market segment.

• Public should go for smart home technology compares
  Modern conveniences can make your home more appealing: Modern conveniences can make your home more appealing:
  Smart Thermostats, Lighting, and Security Systems: Allocate smart devices to enhance the energy controlling and user comfort.
  Smart Locks and Video Doorbells: Make it safer with smart locks and video doorbell to allow future homeowners to live with security.

• Maintain and Repair
  Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial: Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial.
  The maintenance tasks include reparation of dripping taps, noisy doors and any other visible defects that may be on the building’s facade.
  Check the roof and paint the house to ensure that it is well painted especially the roof, plumbing and the electricity.

Ready to boost your home’s value? 📞 Contact me today at 204-250-7711 for a customized plan to enhance your property’s appeal and market value!