4 Ways to Safeguard Your Home While on Vacation

Everyone needs a vacation at some point, and worrying about your home should be the last thing on your mind while you’re out of town. Here are 4 ways to boost home security when you’re not around.

1. Enlist The Help Of Others

Even if you’re only gone for a short amount of time, asking someone you trust to keep an eye on your home can offer a big-time boost in security.

Hiring a house-sitter to collect your mail, mow your lawn, and make your house look lived in can be a great option for longer vacations, as physical changes to your property can tip-off burglars that you’re out of town.

For short trips, it is worthwhile to ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Having someone who is aware you’re not around can nip crime in the bud, as they’ll be less hesitant to call the police if they notice any unexpected guests around your home.

2. No Give-Aways!

Sharing your vacation photos on social media can be a convenient way to share your experiences with your friends, but it’s best to do so after you’ve returned home. The fact that you’re not around is information that can easily fall into the wrong hands on the web, making you a target for crime.

If you decide to change your voicemail greeting while you’re away, be careful that it does not explicitly state that you’re out of town. It’s fine to tell callers that you’re unable to accept calls for a period of time, but they do not need to know it’s because you’re a thousand miles away.

3. Leave It To The Pros

If you’re looking for a security measure that’s even more reliable than your neighbors, it may be worthwhile to install a home alarm system. Houses that lack security systems are burglarized more often than ones that have an alarm installed, making them a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.

4. Don’t Forget Internal Threats

It’s not only outside threats that you have to consider before heading on vacation! Make sure you prep your home for your absence by unplugging any appliances (toaster, computer, TV) that are at risk of a power surge.

If you live in a cold climate and your pipes are at risk of freezing, ask someone you trust to stop by your home every few days to run the water. Make sure to show them where the water main shut-off is in case a pipe bursts while you’re away.

Interested in more neighborhood safety advice? Contact me today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253!

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10307 W Chaparral Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

New

$489,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,827 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705943

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL HOME! This charming completely remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a low-maintenance front yard. The recently updated interior boasts a great room with efficient recessed lighting, a soothing palette, attractive wood-look flooring, and a warm fireplace for cozy evenings with loved ones. The kitchen comes with quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, chic pendant lighting, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom offers soft carpeting, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom for added comfort. Grab a cool drink and relax in the backyard, showcasing a covered patio, pavers, and mature shade trees, new roof. Don't miss out on this one!

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20478 N 267th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$489,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,323 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674280

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Ideal Location that Captures Arizona Sunsets from a Private Backyard Oasis w/No Neighbors to the West. This Well-Maintained Fiesta Model is a MUST SEE! The 2,323 Sq Ft Home Lives Large w/an Open Concept Floor Plan & Gourmet Kitchen offering Granite Counter Tops, Tiled Backsplash, Upgraded Staggered Cabinets, U/L Pull-out Shelves, Stainless Steel Appliances & Island w/Glass Display Cupboards. Guest Bedroom has a Walk-in Closet & Jack-n-Jill Bathroom. You will Appreciate the Den/Office & Large Great Room w/Sliders to the Extended Patio featuring an Amazing Outdoor Paradise. Retire to the Spacious Owner's Suite w/ Patio Access, Large Closet, & En Suite w/Dual Sinks, Soaking Tub & Shower. Laundry Room Provides Extra Cupboard/Counter Space & Sink. Diagonal Tiles, Woodgrain Laminate, & Plantation Shutters Enhance the Home. The 3-car Garage Offers Extra Storage & Room for your Golf Cart. Owners Installed a New HVAC System in 2023. Festival Ranch Special Assessment CFD has Been Paid in Full. Don't hesitate to see this Spectacular Home. It is time to start Enjoying the FIRST-CLASS Amenities offered in Sun City Festival. A Great Place to Call Home!

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2845 N 104th Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$489,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6652544

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a great 4 bedrooms, 2 baths home in Avondale? Home has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, upgraded cabinetry, large kitchen island, 2 car garage, in a Cul-de-Sac. Close to restaurants, shopping, freeways, Westgate Entertainment district, and so on. Come take a look. You won't be disappointed.

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40723 W Olney Avenue Tonopah, AZ 85354

$489,000

6 Beds

2 Baths

2,433 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6648073

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Explore this incredible residence featuring 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, and spanning 2,433 square feet on over 10 acres of land. Conveniently located off Elliot Road, this property is primed to fulfill all your desired needs. A remarkable opportunity awaits with a private well, fenced surroundings, and a fully operational irrigation well providing ample water for your envisioned garden, pasture, farm, or lush green acres. The possibilities are endless—experience the uniqueness of this property firsthand.

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20018 N 18th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85027

$489,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6653008

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This lovely 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been remodeled throughout. Step inside and be greeted by the eye catching wood burning fireplace and beautiful kitchen with new cabinets, appliances, counters and appliances. New flooring, paint, and light fixtures throughout. Both bathrooms have been tastefully remodeled with easy access showers, new cabinets, counters and fixtures. The trendy Arizona room leads you to the lush backyard with an expansive patio. The fresh pool decking and sparking blue pool are sure to catch your eye. Additional upgrades include new furnace, new a/c, new plumbing and updated electrical. Put this home on your MUST see list.

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4863 W Picacho Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$489,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,884 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677100

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to this very popular and sought after Mandera model in Robson Ranch! This partially furnished 2-bed, 2.5-bath home with a den/office spans 1884 sq ft with 18'' tile flooring throughout. Enjoy the airy feel with 11' ceilings in the main living areas and 10' ceilings in the master bedroom. The kitchen is a chef's dream, the dining area includes a built in China hutch and the master suite offers a luxurious retreat. Enjoy the warm Arizona sun in your private backyard oasis, which includes a covered paver patio with a ceiling fan, Pre-wired for a patio TV and Pre-wired electrical for a Hot Tub. Robson Ranch's Gated Community amenities, include an 18 hole championship golf course, pickleball courts, clubhouse, restaurant, heated pool, indoor lap pool, fitness center and more add to the vibrant lifestyle you will enjoy in this cozy community. See separate documents in documents tab for a list of items that will convey and also a list of features.

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17531 W Fetlock Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$489,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,126 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6656370

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This well maintained 3 bed, 2 bath residence boasts an expansive 2126sqft of living space and offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Step into the heart of this home and discover an inviting open floor plan, seamlessly connecting the spacious living areas. Enjoy the eat-in kitchen featuring modern appliances and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for gatherings. Ideal for remote work or a game room, enjoy the convenience of not one, but two bonus rooms - providing the flexibility your lifestyle demands. The low-maintenance backyard is a blank slate ready for your vision. The 3-car garage is a car enthusiast's dream, equipped with LED lighting and epoxied floors for a polished finish the RV gate is perfect for your outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Desert Oasis Community, experience the harmony of suburban living while still enjoying easy access to local amenities.

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17844 W Sapium Way Goodyear, AZ 85338

$489,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,303 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6656866

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOTIVATED SELLER!! WINDOW COVERINGS, CELLING FANS AND ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. MOVE IN READY! Absolutely beautiful less than 2 yrs. old home! 3-bedroom 3 bathroom with Office/Den. Inviting hallway leads to the captivating open floor design boasting fresh paint, tall ceilings, wood-look tile flooring, and sliding glass doors to the backyard w/Gas BBQ stub. Spotless kitchen provides SS appliances, recessed & pendant lighting, quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, a HUGE walk-in pantry, and a large island with a breakfast bar. The carpeted main retreat has a full bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet, where extra insulation ensures year-round comfort and supreme soundproofing offers undisturbed peace. Secondary bedrooms enjoy a Jack & Jill bathroom. LAST OF THIS FLOOR PLAN. This is a stunning home located in a TOP RATED Estrella Mountain Ranch master planned community! This one level home features countless upgrades: Ceiling fans in all rooms, Blinds, screens on windows, Top of line Water softener, full Landscaping, Pendant lights, Fridge, Washer and dryer, living room tv mount and so much more. This home is considered a ''Smart Home'' - Garage, front door lock, security, thermostat, interior, and exterior lighting, are all automated. Smart Home compatible with Google, Alexa, and Apple. Kitchen features oversized island, quartz counters, and upgraded cabinetry. CAT 6 wired throughout. 240 AV installed in garage for your smart car. Home includes all appliances!! The open-concept layout and multiple windows allow natural light for bright and relaxing atmosphere. The backyard with low maintenance landscaping adds a touch of relaxation. Estrella community offers 2 exclusive clubhouses, welcome center, marina club, golf course, waterslides, 3 community pools, cooking classes, fitness, ballrooms & more! This home is a MUST SEE community with tons memories to start creating!!!

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12610 N 41st Drive Phoenix, AZ 85029

$489,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678767

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA!! MAGNIFICIENT GEM. This house is perfect. Fully replaced roof 2019. Newly installed tankless water heater in 2023 with owned soft water system in 2022. Brand new carpet in living room and master bedroom. Pool has a brand new variable speed pump in 2023. Owners spared no expense creating 2 RV gates with concrete slab, electric and dump. Built in garage cabinets for tons of storage with epoxy floors. Garage is plumbed for compressed air to outside lift area that has a 10,000 pound Benpak lift including epoxy coated concrete for easy clean up. Exterior custom built shed has electric, lighting, ceiling fan, epoxy floors, and is fully insulated with attic storage. Fresh paint inside and out including the shed. Networking throughout. This house won't last long. OWNER AGENT

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7017 W Mcrae Way Glendale, AZ 85308

$489,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,304 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668087

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Glendale's prestigious Arrowhead Country Club neighborhood! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasts 2,304 square feet of comfortable living. Enjoy a generously sized living area perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. The very large kitchen is a chef's delight, offering ample space for culinary creativity. Retreat to the large master suite for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Beat the Arizona heat with your own private pool, ideal for refreshing dips and poolside lounging. Conveniently located near Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital and neighborhood schools, with easy access to the 101 freeway and shopping at Arrowhead Town Center. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the epitome of Glendale living

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1985 W Raven Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$489,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,509 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665827

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Shea Home situated in the highly sought-after Clemente Ranch neighborhood. The spacious great room boasts vaulted ceilings and a neutral interior paint palette. The kitchen is a chef's delight with granite countertops, an island, ample cabinet space, stainless steel appliances, and recessed lighting. Upstairs, the master bedroom impresses with vaulted ceilings, dual sinks adorned with granite countertops, and a roomy walk-in closet. The secondary bedrooms feature laminate wood floors and ceiling fans. Step into the backyard oasis with lush grass, providing ample play space for both daytime and evening enjoyment. With its ideal location offering proximity to restaurants, shopping, and easy freeway access, this home is a must-see.

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5346 W Posse Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$489,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674842

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FULLY FURNISHED! Beautiful home w/detached casita (bedroom, bath & closet) perfect for friends visiting or a hobby room. Entertainers backyard features a gas fireplace, remote sun shades on patio, beautiful water feature & built in BBQ. Low maintenance synthetic grass, extended paver patio, orange & lime trees! Paver courtyard leading to casita & main entry. 2.5 car garage has a 4 ft ext., epoxy, built in cabinets, sink & service door w/a security door. Den has built in shelving. Spacious laundry room w/lot of cabinets. Bay windows in the master & guest room. Great room has a gas fireplace & built-in shelving. Too many upgrades to list them all. This home comes fully furnished, everything stays & is move-in-ready!

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