Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your vacant home in San Diego. Here are some of them.
Secure all windows and doors
In the busyness of concluding the paperwork, contract signing, and other details of the home-buying transaction, some people might forget to close all the house’s doors and windows, leaving them open to uninvited guests. That’s why exactly after all the hand-shaking and toasts to the end of the transaction, make sure to do a last check to secure all windows and doors before you exit.
Keep the home devoid of valuables
Having valuables just lying around in an unoccupied home can become a magnet for thieves. Don’t give these shady characters a reason to break into your new home. Instead of putting together some of your more expensive items and moving them to the new home before you do, consider renting a storage space or asking a trusted loved one to keep these items safe for you. These include electronics, expensive furnishings, as well as personal items that hold much value to you.
For other home items that you no longer wish to keep, you can donate them to organizations that can repurpose your stuff for others.
Keep security systems visible
For another layer of protection, leave security systems visible to deter trespassers. If you are considering disconnecting them (which most experts will discourage you from), it’s still recommended to leave them outside so that anyone with nefarious plans could see your cameras and think twice before proceeding with their plans.
In case an actual break-in does happen and your security system is still online, you or your neighbor can easily alert the authorities and track down the culprits.
Maintain the yard
If you cannot move into your newly purchased home just yet, it’s best to keep the yard clean and fresh to minimize the work when you finally move in. Also, consider visiting your vacant home once in a while or hiring someone from the neighborhood to maintain the yard. An unkempt yard could tip off shady characters that the house is empty, thus, making it an easy target for break-ins.
Test the home security features and amenities
If your new home has a security system, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, or thermostats already installed, be sure to test them all out before leaving it. Over time, some of these systems will need battery replacement, repairs, or upgrades. If there’s a fire extinguisher on the premises, check if it hasn’t expired yet.
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