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

220 N Rock Street Gilbert, AZ 85234

Open House

$480,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,262 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705871

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The one you've been waiting for! Jewel box home in prestigious lake community has been lavished with quality upgrades. French oak LVP thruout (no carpet). Custom eat-in kitchen w/soft close cabinetry, quartz counters, Whirlpool stainless appliances, gas range, farmhouse sink w/designer faucet, pot rack, breakfast bar. Updated lighting and ceiling fans. Vaulted ceiling in family room. New windows and sliding glass door in 2023 w/warranty. Both baths beautifully upgraded. Heat pump replaced 2019. Primary suite features vaulted ceiling and magazine-worthy ensuite bath, separate water closet. Rear patio features screens, TV, bistro lights & chiminea. Turf in rear yard is perfect for play area or alfresco dining. Epoxied double garage floor. Minutes to Freestone Park & Downtown Gilbert.

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15541 N 174th Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$479,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,147 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662424

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful single level home in Surprise Farms. Very open floor plan with wood and tile floors throughout the home. Kitchen features granite counters and stainless appliances. Fabulous backyard with pool, palm trees and covered patio. Plenty of parks and restaurants in the area. Also, easy access to SR303 for commuting to work.

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15624 W Gelding Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$479,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,408 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669935

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Worth the look! Home has had some upgrades recently and could use a few more. 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, den/office and loft area! Large greatroom open to kitchen area. Kitchen has tons of countertop space, stainless appliances,, walk in pantry and views of the entire backyard! Large Primary bedroom and bathroom, 2 sinks, 2 large walk-in closets and private toilet room. Newer flooring in most of the home, the 3 bedrooms and stair need carpeting! home offers blinds, ceiling fans, upgraded flooring. Home needs a little TLC, nothing major. 2 car garage w/ open and built-in cabinets. Oversized backyard was made for entertaining! Covered patio, green turf, storage sheds and mature trees. Minutes away from dining, shopping, and freeway for easy access to anywhere with the 303 freeway close by!

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20032 W Exeter Boulevard Buckeye, AZ 85396

$479,995

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,270 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663801

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The ranch-style Augusta offers thoughtfully designed living space . The foyer leads to an open floor plan with a Gourmet kitchen, a great room, that has center meet doors to covered patio. This home offers a split floor plan with 2 bedrooms and a full bath and another bedroom in center of home next to the convenient laundry room. The Lavish Primary Suite is on the other end of the home, with a beautiful bathroom and walk in closet. Home is complete with soft water loop and tankless water heater! A must see!!

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17761 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$479,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,090 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679433

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4 bed/3 bath with en suite Emerald model shines as brightly as its namesake. An airy, open layout showcases the kitchen, dining room and the great room which leads to the covered patio via double slider center-meet door. This plan is a great option for multi-generational living with the en suite, featuring a living room and a private bed, bath wet bar and lounge area. Included features such as an inviting covered entry, a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; an impressive primary suite showcasing a nice shower with bench, generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also features 9 ft ceilings, 8'6 paneled interior doors, additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and beautiful tile flooring in select areas. Located in the fantastic community of Desert Oasis features parks, playgrounds and a community pool. This beautiful home is done right and has so much to offer! COME CHECK OUT THIS GEM TODAY!!!

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27967 N 177th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$479,995

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,040 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679830

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The inviting ranch-style Sapphire floor plan welcomes guests with a covered entry. Off the foyer, you'll find two bedrooms, both with walk-in closets. The extended entry leads to an open layout with a kitchen with a center island, a dining area, and a great room with a center-meet door leading to the covered patio. The owner's suite is adjacent, and showcases dual walk-in closets and an attached bath. A fourth bedroom and a second bath are a few steps away, as well as a fifth bedroom. Explore this exceptional Sapphire home, ready for quick move-in by year end on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features such as an inviting covered entry; a bathroom in lieu of two closets; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; an impressive primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also features 9 ft ceilings, 8'6'' paneled interior doors, additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select areas. Located in the fantastic community of Desert Oasis features parks, playgrounds and a community pool. Close to the new Frys marketplace with convenient access to the Loop 303 and US-60, nearby Lake Pleasant, Surprise Stadium, Wildlife Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in the fast-growing NW Valley. This beautiful home is done right and has so much to offer!

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11528 E Sebring Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$479,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,969 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693482

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Simple irresistible! This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the Desert Valley Community is the one you've been looking for. Discover an impressive living room featuring glossy wood-look tile floor, neutral color palette, recessed lighting, and arched doorways. The well-appointed kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite counters, wood cabinetry, a convenient center island, and two breakfast bars. End your long and busy day in the main bedroom, offering a full ensuite with dual sinks, a separate tub/shower, and a walk-in closet. You will find a lovely backyard showcasing easy-care landscape and two covered patios ideal for outdoor relaxation! What's not to like? Don't let this opportunity slip by!

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10842 W Grant Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$479,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,090 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694065

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this Emerald home, ready for quick move-in. Included features: a charming covered entry; a well-appointed kitchen boasting quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and 42'' upper cabinets; an open dining area and an adjacent great room with a bonus window; a guest suite with a living room, bedroom and private bath; a lavish primary suite showcasing an attached bath and a walk-in closet; a convenient laundry room; three secondary bedrooms and another full bath. This home also offers a covered patio with a gas connection, concrete driveway pavers and front yard landscaping.

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2857 W Monte Way Laveen, AZ 85339

$479,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6642248

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This two-story home features an 8-ft. entry door and 9-ft. first floor ceilings. The open concept floor plan includes a spacious great room with access to an extended covered back patio. The kitchen boasts granite counters, an expansive center island, and 42-in. upper cabinets for added storage space. You'll also find porcelain tile flooring and a bedroom with full bath on the first level. Moving upstairs, the bedrooms and common areas feature plush carpeting, with porcelain tile flooring in the laundry and baths. The spacious laundry room also includes granite countertops, a deep-set sink, and linen closet. sq./ft. lot with a generous side yard and spectacular views of South Mountain.

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17715 W Pueblo Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$479,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,137 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691887

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender.'' The Barletta floor plan boasts 4 bedrooms, a den with double doors, a 2-foot garage extension, a soft water loop, and an 8-foot garage door. Additionally, this home will showcase built-in appliances in a chef's kitchen, a gas stub both in the kitchen and for BBQ, a side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator, washer dryer set, and 2-inch window blinds throughout. Anticipated completion is in May 2024.

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4524 N 91st Drive Phoenix, AZ 85037

$479,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,968 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655543

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFUL CORNER LOT SINGLE LEVEL HOME IN A GATED COMMUNITY. FEATURES 4BEDS, 3BATHS, 2CAR-GARAGE, AND A BONUS ROOM. UPGRADED 42' CABINET, STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES, REFRIGERATOR, AND CORDS COUNTERTOPS. TILE FLOORING ALL THE RIGHT PLACE. INSIDE LAUNRY ROOM WITH WASHER/DRYER. LOW MAINTENANCE FRONT/BACKYARD WITH PAVER AREA. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR LOOP 101, 5 MINUTES DRIVE TO THE WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISSTRICT WITH MANY SHOPPING ANE RESTAURANTS NEAR BY THAT MAKE HOME IS GREAT FOR FAMILY OR INVESTMENT POTENTIAL. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MANY SMART FEATURES IN THE HOME SUCH AS SMART LOCK, MYQ GARAGE DOOR OPENER, PROGRAMABLE THERMALSTAT WITH ALL WIFI CONNECTIONS.

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10814 W Luxton Lane Tolleson, AZ 85353

$479,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,075 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680643

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FULLY UPGRADED MODEL HOME FOR SALE!! This stunning Craftsman elevation - 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom plus a den is our model home which included our signature level Rockwell Palette featuring 42 inch white upper cabinets with 3 inch crown molding, 2-tone paint, ceiling fans in every bedroom and plenty more! Pull into your pavered driveway, step into your walkway and feel secure with your smart home security ring package upon entry. The Rockwell features 6X36 tile flooring, dark grey carpet pair well with a one of a kind kitchen with a granite countertop and beach sand backsplash. Step into the 8 ft door and witness the foyer space with 9 ft ceilings throughout the home. Finishes include matte black fixtures with rectangular vanity bowls in every bathroom.

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