Summer is a prime time to list your home for sale, and it’s also a busy season for burglars. When you have a trip planned, the last thing you want is to have damage done to your home and some of your belongings stolen while you’re away. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make this scenario far less likely to occur.
Our real estate agents share the following tips for keeping your home safe and ready to show to prospective buyers when you travel:
- Pause your mail and package deliveries.
A stuffed mailbox or packages left on the porch for days show burglars that you’ve been away from home. Before you leave on your trip, fill out an online form on the USPS website to stop your mail from being delivered while you’re gone. Your packages should also be paused while you’re away, so contact any companies you receive regular deliveries from and ask them to pause deliveries until you return home. - Enlist the help of a trusted neighbor.
Let a neighbor you trust know about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your place. Ensure they have your cell phone number in case they need to contact you. - Keep your lawn well-maintained.
Arrange for a trustworthy neighbor or lawn service to mow your lawn while traveling. An unkempt and overgrown lawn makes your home look like no one’s living there. It also creates a poor first impression of your home in the minds of prospective buyers. - Invest in smart lighting.
Smart lighting allows you to control your lights remotely so you can turn them on and off occasionally to give the appearance that someone’s home. Many have a vacation mode that mimics your usual behavior by turning lights on and off. In addition to keeping your home safe, smart bulbs will appeal to potential homebuyers. - Keep your travel plans off social media.
Social media platforms are often filled with posts from people looking forward to their vacations or other trips and more posts when they’re at their destination. While it’s tempting to want to share your excitement and great photos online, you’re letting a large number of people know when you’ll be hitting the road, where you’re going, and when you’ll be home. Instead of posting about your trip before your return, share some of your best memories after returning home. - Get or upgrade your home security system.
Make sure your home has sensors and cameras you can check via your cell phone. These devices can deter burglars or let you know what’s happening in case of a break-in so you can quickly take the appropriate steps. And like other security devices, a home security system is another sought-after amenity that can help sell your home. - Disconnect your garage door.
Garage doors can offer easy access for burglars, so disconnect the power supply before you travel. Then take the extra step of buying a shield-shaped metal plate that hangs in front of the cord and keeps it from being reached. This security device is designed to keep burglars from prying open your door with a tool and using a wire hanger to grab its cord and pull it.
Contact us if you’re ready to buy or sell a home on Long Island. We’re a full-service, family-owned real estate provider with an exceptional record of success in helping clients achieve the best possible results when buying or selling a home.