Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure
Locking in Protection
A home provides safety and security for children, teens, adults and seniors.
“Savvy homebuyers value safety features,” says Sarah Cole, board chair for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® (GMAR®). “Home security and safety measures make a home more attractive by providing peace of mind from day one.”
Home security company ADT reports that easy home access invites burglaries. In 34% of burglaries, offenders simply twist the doorknob and walk inside. Another 23% enter through an open first-floor window.
Strong, functioning locks on windows and doors work best to block burglar access.
“Smart locks that enable locking and unlocking doors through an app or mobile device significantly increase a home’s level of security,” says Tom McCormick, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Horizons. “Homeowners can manage them remotely and monitor who is entering and leaving the house. Some also offer alerts and the ability to auto-lock at night.”
Security Systems
Homes without a security system are an easier target. Fortunately, a variety of security systems and technology tools work well to deter break-ins with many do-it-yourself options making them affordable.
“Smart doorbells like Ring, lighting and motion sensors and surveillance cameras help safeguard homes around the clock,” says Cindy Fleming, a REALTOR® with First Weber in Brookfield. “Alarm systems along with window and yard signage deter break-ins by indicating the home is constantly being monitored.”.”
Indoor Health and Safety
Modern security systems can do more than detect intruders. Some also monitor the indoor environment with sensors and issue alerts for unhealthy levels of smoke and carbon monoxide as well as for water leaks in refrigerators, washers and water heaters.
Regardless of whether a home has a security system, every house should have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed on each level, including the basement. In fact, safety experts recommend these devices should be inside each bedroom and sleeping area, as well as outside sleeping rooms.
Neighborhood Considerations
Characteristics of a neighborhood influence a home’s level of safety, too. Homebuyers interested in evaluating a property’s neighborhood can tap into several resources and complete a quick safety checklist.
“Local police departments are the best sources of information on crime statistics,” says McCormick.
Home insurance agents can also research an area’s market rate which is often influenced by crime and burglaries. Social media sites like Facebook and Next Door often post discussions about unsafe activities happening in the neighborhood.
A neighborhood with posted Neighborhood Watch signs indicates neighbors keep an eye out for each other, especially when no one is at the property. Before making an offer, homebuyers should drive the neighborhood at different times of day – early morning, after school and work and weekends – to get a feel for the level of activity happening.
Other indicators for a safe neighborhood include:
- Plentiful street lighting
- Well-kept sidewalks and bike lanes
- Ample fire hydrants
- Well-maintained parks
Homebuyers should rely on an experienced REALTOR® to thoroughly evaluate the safety and security of a property.
“A REALTOR® and a qualified home inspector are in the best position to assess the health of a home,” says McCormick. “These professionals know what signs to look for that indicate potential issues and can best guide buyers on how to address them.
The REALTOR® Advantage
A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, is committed to a Code of Ethics and has the expertise to find the right home for everyone. Look for the “R” to determine if your agent is a REALTOR®.
Locally, the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® is a 5,500-member strong professional organization dedicated to providing information, services and products to help REALTOR® help their clients buy and sell real estate. Visit gmar.com for more information.