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!
What’s Your Home Worth?
Search for Your New Home
6460 W Springfield Way Florence, AZ 85132
$474,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,176
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6688887
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
**Custom Feel Home in the award winning community of Anthem at Merrill Ranch** Pride of ownership and amazing interior design make this home feel custom and very inviting. Open floor plan with amazing finishes like wood vinyl plank flooring, archways, custom fans/lighting, gourmet kitchen with custom hood and wall ovens, stainless steel appliances, QUARTZ counter tops and much more. This is a great lot with a large, private backyard...covered patio, extended paver patio, artificial turf, gazebo and no neighbors across the street. You'll feel right at home in this beautiful home and this amazing community. Merrill Ranch has everything you're looking for...pools, water parks, fishing, golf course, restaurant, activities, clubs and more. Don't miss this one!
4330 W Irwin Road Laveen, AZ 85339
$474,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,284
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6689303
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amazing Home offering 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths and a Sparkling Pool! Seller is currently Remodeling the Home. Close to Schools, Shopping and Freeway. Seller is offering 2% concessions towards Buyers closing costs or interest rate buy down. A Must See!
17239 W Desert Sage Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338
$474,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,842
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6691853
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The search is over! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a 2-car garage, a paver driveway, and an attractive desert landscape. Discover a great room with high ceilings, a soothing palette, blinds for privacy, and durable tile flooring. The kitchen boasts granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown molding, stainless steel appliances, pendant/recessed lighting, a pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom is complete with a bathroom that includes dual sinks, a raindrop shower, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in the backyard, showcasing a covered patio and stunning mountain views. This gem will sell fast! Other upgrades Include: upgraded Refrigerator, washer Dryer inc. - RO water filter, water softener, Garage door height 8 FT- Many elect media outlet upgrades, garage walls & additional ceiling insulation, epoxy floor in Garage, garage laundry tub, tankless H20 heater, master bath shower & tile upgrades, oversized kitchen island (HUGE), Extended granite counter tops, tile upgrades throughout the entire house (no carpet), HVAC 16 seer high efficiency, window blinds, high speed fiber internet installed, Low maintenance landscaping. Great Location!!!! Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance dynamic, yet serene.. offering young couples, families and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities
501 E Phoenix Street Payson, AZ 85541
$474,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,462
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6694125
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with majestic views! Immaculate home with open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, wood floors throughout and phenomenal picturesque windows overlooking the Rim. Gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, double ovens and lots of cabinets. Great room overlooks mountain and forest views - perfect for watching sunsets or storms rolling into Payson. Primary suite with wood floors, double sinks, large shower and walk-in closet. Extended covered back patio with privacy. Inside laundry. 2 car garage with long driveway. Close to shopping, restaurants and outdoor hiking.
17815 N 64th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308
$474,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,776
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700584
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ONLY MINUTES FROM THE 101 WITH GREAT CURB APPEAL AND COVERED PORCH. DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE GREENBELT WITH A NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TRAIL, JUST A SHORT STROLL TO A COVERED PLAYGROUND & PICNIC AREA. OPEN AND BRIGHT FLOORPLAN WITH VAULTED CEILINGS, CUSTOM FEATURES AND UPGRADED VINYL PLANK FLOORING. HUGE PRIMARY AND SECONARDY BEDROOMS WITH WALK-IN CLOSETS AND CUSTOM CABINETRY. THE KITCHEN BOASTS STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES WITH UPGRADED ''LG'' REFRIGERATOR, COFFEE BAR WITH BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOP AND EAT-IN BREAKFAST NOOK. UPGRADED LIGHTING FIXTURES AND CEILING FANS IN ALL BEDROOMS AND LIVING AREAS. DON'T MISS THE CUSTOM BATH WITH PEBBLE INLAY AND LARGE FORMAT TILE. PRIVATE BACKYARD W/ COVERED PATIO, PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING! SEPARATE DOG RUN AND BRAND-NEW SHED PROVIDING PLENTY OF STORAGE!
18766 W Farmer Road Buckeye, AZ 85326
New
$474,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,001
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701897
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome home! Highly desired Egret floorplan. This 4 bedroom/2 Bath home is completely upgraded with granite counter tops, huge walk-in pantry, 20X20'' tile floors, upgraded front elevation with full front porch and full yard landscaping both front and back of the house. $35,000 owned solar system produces consistent negative electric bills. Over $40,000 in landscaping and exterior upgrades. House also contains SMART House Upgrades and Energy Star appliances. This is a MUST see with the Seller offering $5,000 in concessions.
3030 E Broadway Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85119
New
$474,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,248
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6698727
Property Type
Manufactured Home
Price Type
--
Almost 38,000 sf lot with majestic mountain views with NO HOA!!! 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Affixed Mfg home with 30'x40' detached RV garage, owned solar, new mini split AC's, painted stucco exterior and newly remodeled inside bathrooms. Relax on your 10'x30' backyard covered patio and enjoy stunning sunrise and sunsets in your private above ground Jacuzzi or hang out at the fire pit. Open kitchen with 42'' cabinets, island with bar top, newer stainless steel appliances and refrigerator. This property has a circular drive, views of the Superstition Mountains, 10 x 20 bonus storage room recently stuccoed. Incredible 30 x 40 ft. oversized Garage, car hobbyist work shop Man Cave with loft storage, and room for your toys. This Horse Property is located 1/4 mile from miles of Horse trails, just bring your corrals! Located close to the U.S. 60, Hiking, Biking, Horse trails. Amazing corner lot property with NO HOA!
8312 E Orange Blossom Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$474,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,752
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6493243
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
COME FALL IN LOVE. NEW CARPETING 6/26/23. WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE NEAR DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE. PERFECT LOCATION WITH GUEST PARKING ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF YOUR NEW HOME. SUPER FLOOR PLAN WITH LIVING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM AND KITCHEN OVERLOOKING REAR PATIO. ENJOY THE EASY CARE WOODEN FLOORS. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PRIVATE INTERIOR LAUNDRY. SUPER LARGE MASTER BEDROOM WITH WALK-IN CLOSET UPSTAIRS WITH TWO ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS AND GUEST BATHROOM. TOTAL OF 2.5 BATHS. SHADED REAR PATIO AND ASSIGNED PARKING DIRECTLY BEHIND YOUR NEW HOME FOR 2 VEHICLES. CHATEAU DE VIE 3 IS CLOSE TO SCOTTSDALE'S FAMOUS INDIAN BEND WASH SYSTEM OF PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND AWARD WINNING SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. IT'S A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD AND HOME. BATHROOM COUNT 1+3/4+1/2.
43605 W Elizabeth Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85138
$474,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,736
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6605630
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
***AMAZING HOME! AMAZING PRICE!*** Welcome to your new home in the desirable Senita Community! This gorgeous 2-story property offers a desert landscape, a mature shade tree, & a 3-car garage. Discover a welcoming living/dining room & a well-sized family room. Tall ceilings, wood-plank & stylish tile flooring, ceiling fans, & a warm palette are some features worth mentioning. The kitchen is fully equipped w/granite counters, a captivating backsplash, recessed lighting, a pantry, wood cabinetry, a breakfast nook, & an island w/a breakfast bar. Double doors open to the carpeted den/office. And there's a first floor half bathroom. Venture upstairs to find a spacious loft w/a custom dry bar that is excellent for entertaining. You'll find an oversized main retreat showcasing a sitting area, a full bathroom w/dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Three additional well sized bedrooms upstairs, all with walk in closets and another full bath. The vast backyard provides a covered patio, a built-in BBQ, pavers, a lush landscape, & a refreshing pool ready to enjoy! Don't miss out! Upgrades include: AC and Air Handler 2023, Wood look tile 2021, Granite Countertop 2022, Energy saving sunscreens throughout the home 2022!
1714 E Diamond Avenue Mesa, AZ 85204
$474,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,998
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6606094
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Good Friday Price Reduction! Look no further! This fantastic 3 bed/2 bath home, just minutes from Downtown Gilbert and the Mesa Light Rail, is a gem. It boasts a charming curb appeal, circular driveway, and a welcoming porch. As you step inside, natural light fills the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home features a spacious bonus room with a brick fireplace, perfect for cozy winter nights by the fire or entertaining with a projector. This property falls within the Community Lending geographical area and qualifies for lower rate mortgage financing due to the Community Reinvestment Act. Special Conventional interest rates for this program are below market and can save the borrower hundreds per month. (Not a land trust) The owner's suite offers a peaceful retreat with a walk-in closet and French doors leading to the yard. The secondary bedrooms are well-sized and conveniently separated from the owner' suite. Now, let's talk about the backyard, a true entertainer's paradise! It includes a large diving pool with a built-in table, a lush grass lawn, a spacious shed, a misting system, an extended back porch, (2) 250-amp outlets, an RV gate, and alley access. Several key updates have been made, including a new pool pump in 2020, a water purifier in 2018, a new AC in 2017, a roof replacement in 2014, a water heater in 2020, new grass and sprinklers in 2021, updated carpet in 2020, and fresh interior paint in 2021. This home is move-in ready and has everything you need to enjoy comfortable living and entertaining.
1701 W Clarendon Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85015
$474,900
2
Beds
1
Bath
860
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6619696
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
**Gorgeous 2-bed, 1-bath Encanto Bungalow nestled in Phoenix's vibrant heart: An Exceptional Short-Term Rental Income Gem with a Ready-to-Build ADU Expansion Opportunity. **the potential addition of the ADU will offer an extra 560 sq. ft. of rentable space, maximizing your rental opportunity. Once the ADU comes to fruition, envision a sprawling 4-bed, 3-bath sanctuary that could be rented to up to 3 separate tenants, in the heart of the city. The property provides parking for up to 6 vehicles, and its exterior is adorned with an expansive, furnished patio, capturing the essence of Arizona's refined outdoor lifestyle. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by a luminous living area, segueing into a gourmet kitchen complete with a modern coffee station and top-tier appliances. In-unit washer and dryer enhance the convenience factor. The lush outdoor area, equipped with a BBQ setup, beckons for gatherings and tranquil moments alike. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this bungalow stands as a promising and strategic investment prospect for the experienced owner.
7438 E Hum Road Carefree, AZ 85377
$474,900
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,916
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6632985
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
REDUCED. Seller Motivated! Out of state move. Spacious townhome in the heart of Carefree. Enjoy all the amenities, sport court, bocce, basketball and pickleball. Community fire pit, heated pool and spa! Plus walking distance to Carefree Sundial. This home boasts a living room with a kiva fireplace, wet bar, vaulted ceilings with a custom ceiling fan. All new stainless appliances, New flooring. New WD on bedroom floor! 2 Large bedroom suites have exterior doors to the covered patio. Loads of storage, loft in the oversized 2 car garage which leads to a walk in, stand up attic, AND direct entry to kitchen. 55+ community, small percent under 55 allowed. Nest programmable thermostat, sensors on each floor. Small, friendly community for year round/winter enjoyment. Meticulously maintained! Optimal living, refresh cabinets and countertops to your taste and this home will be your perfect retreat.