Protecting Against Home Break Ins
Recently we toured a property with a homeowner who followed us around and kept us in close proximity. The homeowner was very protective of what pictures we took. This person stated they didn’t want to list with a real estate agent since this person wouldn’t be able to be around and wasn’t comfortable with strangers in their house. The homeowner said, “Just trying to protect from home break ins!” We got an earful about needing to be cautious and the homeowner can’t trust anybody anymore.
As Real Estate Investors, this topic has come up in a couple different scenarios. When touring a property, we may not have met the seller, therefore, we instantly must build trust. After all, we are going into their personal residence, looking in all their rooms, taking pictures, writing notes, and discussing the property amongst ourselves. Before we begin with the property tour, we let the seller know what to expect. Pictures will be taken. Personal questions will be asked. Notes will be written. All of this is for us and other professionals close to us so that we all can properly come up with accurate information needed to purchase and renovate that potential property. There is never a time we intentionally give out the seller’s information to someone who has no business needing it. We want to reassure anyone working with Reel Property Solutions, LLC that homeowner privacy is always protected!
So how to protect yourself from home break ins? What are things you can do? In this link: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/discourage-break-ins.htm there are 10 simple ways to discourage home break ins.
This is another resource to check out to identify ways to protect yourself without spending a lot of money on subscriptions, tools, hiring people to install security systems, etc. Sometimes faking an intruder is enough for them to leave you alone!
This link is very thorough to review many types of home security systems: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-safety/21368618/best-home-security-companies
When we are renovating properties, this may be quite noticeable. A giant dumpster on the driveway is not the norm, therefore, a trigger to a curious individual who may want a peek at the property without permission. Some homeowner’s insurance policies will have stricter guidelines because of potential problems associated with a vacant property. 
Just like the article stated in tip number 8, securing doors and windows is a MUST! Sometimes leaving a window open to air out the fresh paint smell is a good idea, but when everyone leaves the property at the end of the day, an open entrance can be a disaster. Ori Ben from smarthomemuse.com has written an article called 10 Simple Ways to Discourage Break-ins. These are all simple things to make note of!
Safety.com is a company who specifically reached out to us with 6 ways to burglar proof your home: https://www.safety.com/6-ways-to-burglar-proof-your-home-on-the-cheap/. No matter if you are someone who is looking to sell, wanting to stay in your home for long term, another investor like Reel Property Solutions, LLC who may be renovating, or wanting to move to a different home, please always be advised of protecting against home break ins!
At times, we may have a garage sale at one of our properties. This may be a target for potential trouble. An open house may trigger a master robber to scope out a new home or neighborhood. We make sure the items for sale are kept outside as if to seem like it is our personal garage sale. We try our best to make the property look like a home, instead of a vacant house. This will help to deter riffraff.
With many people going in and out of a property during renovation, a spare key at the property makes sense. Reel Property Solutions, LLC doesn’t leave a key under the mat and hope for the best. We use a secured lock box. This way, only people who need access to the property will know the code. Some lock boxes require a scan from a cell phone. Although there are many different types of lock boxes for keys, this may stand out since that box is usually hanging from the front door knob. We want to be as discrete as possible so uninvited guests do not attempt to make themselves at home. This should go without saying, but to reiterate, home insurance is a MUST! This is a homeowner’s protection with their mortgage company, replace/repair valuables and knowing the property has an extra layer of security. check out this website for more information which is focused on Canadian properties https://www.morisoninsurance.ca/resource/home-insurance/
For questions about your immediate area, contact the local police department for more information. Some regions have a Neighborhood Watch Society to help with controlling crime. Remember to always do your research before moving to a particular community to ensure your safety is met. Also to feel more comfortable with establishing the best home security system, go to: https://www.reviews.com/home-security-systems/
Also remember to always have your home insured. This is a link for our Canadian friends for home insurance from Morrison Insurance. In the United States, there are also several options.
Always know that Reel Property Solutions, LLC is here to help make neighborhoods a beautiful and safe place to live. The properties that we renovate are to rejuvenate neighborhoods, to help other residents feel proud to live there, and to add lasting value. Before purchasing a property, we also explore the recent home break ins data so that we know you will have a safe place to call home! Reel Property Solutions, LLC was trained by Fortune Builders, who also wants to see neighborhoods thrive and comfortable areas to live.
For more information, Reel Property Solutions, LLC can be contacted at 507-218-8788 or info@reelpropertysolutionsllc.com.