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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

8828 S 167th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$472,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,943 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6642078

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**SELLER IS OFFERING CONCESSIONS for the right offer. Welcome to your dream home in the heart of the Estrella Mountains! The neutral palette sets a sophisticated tone, providing the perfect canvas for your personal touch in this almost-new home. With a comfortable floor plan, abundant great room living space, and unexpected added storage spaces, every corner exudes warmth and functionality. Stepping into the backyard, you will appreciate the $17,000 investment that has transformed the space with perfectly sculpted pavers, synthetic grass and stone. The common area behind provides an added sense of privacy. Indulge in luxury resort-inspired living within this coveted community with an array of amenities, including 2 Residents' Clubs, Restaurants, Community Centers, Water Park, golf, hiking, biking and much more. Your Estrella Mountain retreat awaits!

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18770 W Shangri La Road Surprise, AZ 85388

$472,500

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685362

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come and see this Gorgeous home in the serene Zanjero Trails community. At only 5 years old, this home still feels brand new and is in Turn-Key condition. Offering 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms all wrapped up in 2,313 sqft, the open floor plan makes this home feel large and inviting. Key features include brand new interior paint, new carpet, new fixtures, pavers in backyard, professionally cleaned tile, all appliances included, owned water softener, over height garage door, RV gate, utility sink plumb in laundry room, and so much more. Ideally located with North/South exposure, this home is secluded enough to avoid big city noise, but is less than 15 minutes to shopping, dining, and highway access. It is also less then 1/4 mile to the new city pool and firefighter themed splash pads.

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4022 S 178th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$472,222

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,997 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691476

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CYPRESS PLAN! 1997SF., 3 BED, 2.5 BATH, OVERSIZED TANDEM GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL SLATE CABINETS - GRANITE COUNTERTOPS - LUXURY VINYL TILE THROUGHOUT - STAINLESS STEEL GAS APPLIANCES - TILED KITCHEN BACKSPLASH - DOUBLE SINKS EXECUTIVE HEIGHT AT OWNERS BATH - TILED OWNERS SHOWER - END LOT!!! THIS HOME WILL BE READY FOR JULY CLOSING! PHOTOS OF MODEL NOT SUBJECT.

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12426 W Levi Drive Avondale, AZ 85323

$472,173

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,723 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690949

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the difference in this home and buying experience! Under construction Rockrose design at Highland Sage. 2-story includes an open-concept floorplan boasting an inviting kitchen and bright great room that opens to the private, covered outdoor room, the two-car garage leads you into the drop zone, front covered porch with downstairs bedroom and bathroom, bonus room upstairs with 4 other bedrooms. $38,000 in upgrades are included in this home! Special financing is offered. Alamar is a new kind of master-planned community in the West Valley spread over 1,150 acres in Avondale, just 18 miles from Downtown Phoenix.

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1449 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$472,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,723 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662409

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Do not miss this gorgeous, remodeled Barcelona floor plan. The kitchen has been completely reconfigured in a modern touch with a beautiful island added for entertaining or storage. A room off the kitchen was added for formal dining or an office space. The kitchen opens up to the vaulted ceiling, large living room with beautiful wood looking, easy care, luxury vinal flooring. The huge back patio is covered and enclosed with brand new screens. The bathrooms are tastefully updated and all 3 bedrooms are huge. Everything has been touched. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and much more!

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3842 E Westchester Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

New

$472,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,894 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702134

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

UNBELIEVABLE VALUE! 3rd LARGEST FLOOR PLAN PRICED TO SELL. Updates are needed so home is priced accordingly. SPLIT 2-BR plan is SPACIOUS w/office, dining (multi-purpose) & great room. Smoothtop electric stove, m/w & ALL APPLIANCES CONVEY even the refrigerator, washer, dryer & freezer in laundry room. NEWER HVAC. Interior NORTH/SOUTH lot completely enclosed by STUCCO'D BLOCK FENCING, EXTENDED COVERED PATIO w/GUTTERS, TURF, storage shed, raised gardens & easily maintained landscaping. Interior is mostly original but in GREAT CONDITION. All this in popular, GATED, 55+ Solera w/full recreational facilities: 2 heated swimming pools, spa, golf, pickleball, fitness, tennis, ballroom, dance/exercise classes, social activities...no excuse to be bored. Live your best active adult life right here.

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2948 W Stradling Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$471,995

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,757 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685192

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Radiance at Superstition Vistas, a brand new community located on the border where Mesa meets Apache Junction. This is a rare opportunity for optimal living - to have the convenience of City living while enjoying the breathtaking Superstition mountains! Small town feel meets modern amenities at its best! Under construction now are the amazing amenities that include a resort-like pool area, 11,000 sq ft clubhouse w/fitness center, splash pad & park! walking trails and parks throughout the community as well! 1757 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath adorable, energy efficient single level home with a HUGE YARD in which you will find 12X24 tile in all common areas, 9 foot ceilings & on trend extra bright white walls. The kitchen has gorgeous maple cabinets, granite countertops & large island

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4233 E Samkay Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$471,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated in the amenity rich community of Bella Vista Farms. Residents enjoy an amenity-rich lifestyle with exclusive access to an onsite swimming pool, picnic area, splash park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court and greenbelt. The local area is host to the San Tan Regional Park, where locals enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and more.

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3381 S 177th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$471,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,079 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700850

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE IN READY WITH LOW RATES TO BOOT! Welcome to your new home! This charming 4 bedroom/ 3 bathroom home offers spacious and luxurious living just for you! Featuring a beautiful open floor plan, perfect for entertaining and spending time with guests. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, gas range, granite countertops, darker shaker style cabinets and plenty of storage. Carpet in bedrooms with wood look tile throughout. 9 ft ceilings and 8 ft interior doors. Only single story homes around you! Double gate for easy access to backyard. Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and fun. Conveniently located near shopping and dining options. Don't miss your chance to make this yours!

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18157 W Navajo Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$471,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6604053

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This single-story home features an open concept floor plan that includes 9-ft. ceilings and a large great room. You'll also find Emser® tile flooring throughout the great room, dining space and kitchen, and Shaw® carpeting in the bedrooms. The expansive kitchen offers 42-in. upper cabinets, granite countertops, a center island and Whirlpool appliances. The private primary suite at the back of the home includes an oversized closet, and the primary bath boasts a separate tub and shower, a dual-sink vanity, and a door at the water closet. This home also includes a 40-gal gas water heater.

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12126 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$471,990

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,113 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6625862

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about builder incentives! The single-story Sterling plan at Alamar offers 3 bedrooms plus a study, 3 baths, a 2-car garage, and outdoor living. This well-designed home features a great room layout with a stunning kitchen featuring Quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets with underlighting, stainless steel gas appliances, recessed canned lighting, a walk-in pantry, and a spacious kitchen island with a breakfast bar. The cozy primary suite is generous in size featuring an ensuite bathroom with a dual sink vanity, separate shower and tub, and a huge walk-in closet! Discover Alamar, an exquisite master-planned community designed to cater to your active lifestyle. With sports courts, neighborhood parks, a resort-style pool, and a sprawling 9.5-mile trail system, outdoor adventures awaiting. Additionally, you'll be delighted to find a 40-acre regional park with a serene catch-and-release lake nearby, along with plans for a future K-8 elementary school. Structural options added include bedroom 4 in place of tandem garage, study in place of bedroom 3, multi slide glass door at gathering room, garden tub, and separate shower at owner's bath, garage service door, and soft water loop. The backyard and interior of the home have been virtually rendered.

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6308 W Villa Linda Drive Glendale, AZ 85310

$471,950

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,436 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685499

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is your opportunity to own this incredible home in a desirable neighborhood surrounded by beautiful mountain views. 3 bed 2 bath home with a large family room. The kitchen has dark wood cabinets and new granite countertops. All stainless steel appliances convey and the washer and dryer. Laminate flooring in all the main areas except the bedrooms. Large master bedroom with room for all your needs. The other 2 bedrooms are also spacious. The garage has epoxy flooring and storage cabinets with a workbench. Enjoy the mountain views in your backyard while you entertain your guests. Don't miss this opportunity to make it yours!

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