The real estate market is booming! Last year, home sales reached their highest point in 14 years, and that trend has continued this year as well.  So, if you are in the market or recently purchased, you know there is a lot to think about.  One of the items that should be at the top of the list is evaluating your new home’s security.

Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that your new home, as well as the people and things in it, are safe and protected.

Once you have the keys to your new home, do a walk-through and take a look at your doors and windows. Check each one to make sure that they are doing their job and actually locking. Some people overlook checking their window locks, but it’s extremely important. Especially for ground floor windows where it is easy for an intruder to climb in.

If you purchase a house that had previous occupants, it is crucial to change all of the entry locks immediately.

Do you have enough exterior and interior lighting? Are they placed properly? Do they provide enough coverage in areas that you will be using a lot at night, such as walkways, entryways, and driveways?

You may want to consider installing exterior lights that illuminate any large trees or shrubs close to your home, where a potential intruder could hide. Having proper lighting around your home can help deter criminals. Motion-activated lights on a timer are always a great option.

The number of windows that a home has can be one of its biggest assets, and perhaps one of the reasons that you bought the house in the first place. However, big beautiful windows and doors with glass in or around them can also be one of its biggest weaknesses when it comes to security.

If you are concerned that your windows can be easily seen through from the road, sidewalk, or a neighbor’s home, consider installing privacy film. Privacy film is a translucent window coating that lets natural light in while keeping prying eyes out. You can either install it yourself or have the professionals take care of it for you.

Having easy-to-read numbers on your house or mailbox makes it easier for the authorities to identify your home in the event of an emergency situation. Every second counts in an emergency.  Time shouldn’t be wasted looking for your house number.

One of the best ways to keep your new home safe is to let the professionals at a home security company keep an eye on it for you. Consider getting a professionally installed smart security system. It will make your new home security checklist much easier to tackle.  Smart home automation makes managing home access, door locks, and lights easy!  Even automatically store video clips of triggered events.  Manage everything from an app on your mobile device.

Also, keep in mind that every home is different, and so are every homeowner’s security needs. It’s important to have a reputable company inspect your home and make recommendations about the best home security solutions for your home and your lifestyle.

Interested in learning what a smart security solution can do for your home? Contact us today and get the conversation started!