As we enter the spring months, the real estate market begins heating up. This year in Vermont and New Hampshire it seems like real estate never cooled down! With the residential real estate market forecasted to stay red hot, there will be a lot of new homeowners across VT and NH. When buying or moving into a new home there is a mile-long checklist that everyone has in their mind. Unfortunately, many times we find that home security is often overlooked or thought of at the last minute.
As a new homeowner your property can be an instant target for break-ins or burglary. This is because criminals take advantage of unoccupied homes, or homes being worked on by contractors. They also may see opportunity in knowing you have a lot of valuables in the garage as you move in, or recognize you have not had time to set up your residential security systems. This is why we have put together a list of items to consider when buying a new home.
1. Evaluate Exterior Doors
Your new home is a sanctuary, one that should provide peace, safety, and enjoyment. However, if you have poor exterior doors then getting into your home may be easier than you think. Analyze your door for any wear and tear.
- Is there a mail slot that is compromised?
- Is the door frame loose or shows signs of a forced entry?
- Are the windows in the door sturdy and able to keep out intruders?
- If your exterior doors are old, or in bad shape then you may need to replace them before changing or rekeying your locks.
- Do you have any oversized pet doors? Are they secure?
2. Change The Locks
This is a no-brainer for anyone moving into a new home. Over the years your home’s keys have been given out to who knows how many people. Nannies, babysitters, dog walkers, contractors, neighbors…the list goes on. You have no way of knowing who has access to your home. By rekeying your home, you are given a new set of keys, you decide who gets a set and the new locks can also be updated after being checked out by a professional if needed.
Additionally, at that time you can change your lock system. Maybe you would prefer a master key to all the locks, or you want to install digital locks. If there is one thing you do when you move into your new home, this is it.
3. Change Existing Alarm Codes
Many homes now come with an existing alarm system. From professional installs to DIY kits, you are inheriting a home security system that you most likely have little idea about. What you do need to figure out is how to change the existing alarm codes so that you can arm the system and you know who has access to your home. This may involve you reaching out to an alarm company, a professional security company (such as Tasco Security), or potentially your real estate agent or even the former homeowner to get the information you need.
- Remember to always register your alarm if it is required in your state or city or town.
- If you have automatic garage doors you will want to have those codes changed as well.
4. Don't Discuss Your Schedule
When you move into a new home you may have work being done that involves contractors and subs, meaning you may not be moving in for a few months. You may be buying a second home and plan on being there only a few times a month. Whatever your schedule is like, do not discuss that with all the third-party people with whom you are interacting. An open home is an easy target so keep your information private.
5. Vet Your Moving Company
On the whole, moving companies are professional, safe, and courteous but make sure you hire a company that has great reviews, comes highly recommended, and puts everything in writing. Remember these companies have access to your old home, your new home, your valuables. How many people do you trust that level of access to?
6. Have a Professional Evaluate Your Fire Protection Systems
Fire alarms are a necessity of all homes, however, some home’s systems are outdated or potentially out of code. Why leave the risk of a malfunctioning sprinkler system to chance? Have a professional audit your fire protection system and inform you on what you need to update, fix and/or replace to have the safest and dependable fire alarm system.
- Make sure to have them analyze or install Carbon Monoxide sensors as well.
7. Reach Out To Your Insurance Company
Did you know most home insurance companies provide a discount for professionally installed home security systems? They will require an alarm certificate as proof and this can be obtained through a reputable alarm installation company.
Although there are a ton of items to consider when moving into a new home, security should be almost at the top of your list. Don’t leave your new home's security to chance, or wait for there to be a break-in or fire to realize you never did call that security company you meant to call. If you have recently moved to Vermont or New Hampshire and have some questions about a new or existing security system give us a call, we would be happy to help you out.
