First-time Home Buyers Security Tips

Buying a house involves a long-term planning. Most people dream of buying a house for years or even decades before the actual process begins. Some of the things usually considered are the number of bedrooms, what the neighborhood is like, and how big the garden is, among others. But one important aspect that’s sometimes overlooked is security. 

New homeowners are especially vulnerable to security risks, as they are just beginning to learn about their new home and neighbourhood. You can have peace of mind by optimizing your home’s security. Here are some of the best home security tips to consider when buying your first home:

1. Check out the location before making the decision to buy

Before you make that buying decision, you need to consider the safety of the neighbourhood.

Buyers should keep an eye out for key indicators of a good neighbourhood, such as an active neighbourhood watch group, regular security patrol of the area, well-lit streets and pathways, as well as little to no signs of vandalism.

No neighbourhood will ever be completely crime free, but you certainly do not want to buy a home in an area that has a high crime rate.

For this reason, it is essential to conduct sufficient research into the neighbourhood’s crime statistics and overall safety.

This can be done by liaising with local authorities like the local police station, who will be able to provide you with the latest crime statistics for the area.

Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable local agent can also provide you with information on the safety in the area.

2. Meet the neighbors

There are many other forms of security measures worth considering, once you’ve found your ideal neighbourhood and have settled into your new home.

One of them is getting out and introducing yourself to your neighbors. They don’t have to become your new best friends, but neighbors who are familiar with one another tend to look out for each other, notice when things are “off” or suspicious at the neighbor’s home, and report it to authorities. 

A neighbour who you have built a good relationship with is more likely to keep watch over your home than a neighbour you have barely had any interaction with.

3. Perform an audit of your home’s security

Once you’ve moved into your new home, inspecting each of the home’s entry points is crucial, as online statistics reveal that criminals generally look to target homes with multiple entry and exit points, as well as homes that have easy access to main roads.

For this reason, it is essential to conduct a walkthrough of your house to identify any security flaws and areas that need special attention. 

Test the functioning of the windows and doors around your house in order to assess how easy or difficult it may be for an intruder to gain access into your home.

4. Install a security system

Trying to pick up the pieces after a house break in is a lot more traumatic than preventing one in the first place.

It is essential to focus on prevention and consider the options for securing your home.

The installation of a security system is a popular option among many homeowners, as it is considered an effective way to secure a home.

An active security system can help to notify you immediately if an intruder has gained entry to your property and is especially helpful in the event of you being out of town.

Most home security systems, once triggered, provides an instant notification by transmitting a signal to the relevant 24-hour monitoring centre. By doing so, security dispatchers can immediately inform you of the alarm and head out to your home to inspect the property, as well as alert the local emergency or police services.

Contact https://titanalarm.net/ for more information on home security.

5. Get a dog

Despite all the advances in technology, dogs still make excellent security systems. Dogs are great at drawing attention to unusual activities and will warn you when someone unfamiliar is too close to the house or if they hear unusual noises outside. A pet can add a sense of security to any home, too. The simple idea of having another living, breathing thing in your house has a way of doing that