Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling This Summer

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We are right here in the middle of summer. It’s such a busy time of year and exciting to get outdoors and away from home.

Some recent news about home break-ins got me thinking about how easy it is to forget the basics in the hurry to get out of town.

I searched around and found this article that offered some commonsense tips about keeping home safe while we’re away. A few of them are obvious-like, “lock your doors and windows”-but there are some ideas here that are easy to do and just as easy to forget:

1. Locked windows & doors before you leave.

As simple as this sounds, sometimes people forget to double check that every door and window in their home is locked and secure before they head out on their trip. About 30% of all home break-ins in the U.S. are through an open door or window.

2. Don’t forget to set the alarm.

As with forgetting to ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure, setting the security alarm can be just as easily overlooked. This is especially true when you’re in a rush of excitement to get out the door and on the road to start your vacation.

3. Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway while you’re away.

If you typically park your car in your driveway when you’re home, ask your neighbor if he/she would mind parking their car in your driveway while you’re away. This will give the appearance that someone is home and will help deter any thieves.

4. Turn off your mail service or have a neighbor pick up your mail.

One easy way to tell if someone isn’t home is to just notice the pile of newspapers on the front lawn or the overflow of mail pouring from the mailbox. Turning off your mail service or having a trusted neighbor pick up your mail if you’re going to be gone awhile is a great way to deter thieves.

5. Find a house sitter.

Another option you have when you’re planning a trip away from home is to have one of your friends or relatives stay at your place while you’re away. Doing so will allow you to enjoy your vacation rest assured that someone you know and trust is staying in your home and that it’s not left unattended. If you decide to do this, it’s also a good idea to let your neighbor know that you will have a house sitter. That way there is no confusion or reason for alarm when your neighbor sees a stranger in your house.

6. Leave a few lights on.

If getting a house sitter isn’t an option for you, then consider leaving on a few lights throughout the house so that it looks like someone is home.

I hope this little checklist is useful to you as you enjoy summertime. I’d also love to hear about anything special you’re up to. Please remember that I am here to serve as your friend in the mortgage industry. Your referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

Rachel Saylor

Sales Team Manager/Loan Originator

Amerifirst Home Mortgage

10720 Park Blvd., Suite D

Seminole, FL 33772

Office: (813) 392-4200

Cell: (803) 429-2203

Fax: (813)315-6348

NMLS: 1307360

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