Recently, my partner went to pick up our lock box and sign from a property we had just sold. While there, he noticed the door to the crawl space was off and looked as though someone had been under the house. He figured the new owner had sent someone over to take a look and didn't think anything of it. Because of the location of this property (well lit, busy street, nice neighborhood with a low crime rate) we didn't think it was necessary to lock down the house as we typically do.
Big mistake. A few hours later I get a call from the new owner informing me that someone had stripped all of the copper plumbing from underneath the house including the sewage line. I've dealt with so much property drama in the past that honestly, Fernandes ravelle nothing really surprises me anymore. I did however; feel bad for the new owner since we had just closed the day before. I wholesaled the property to him and I am sure he didn't incorporate a new plumbing system under the house into his budget.
The upside to such an unfortunate event is that it creates an opportunity for me to think of creative ways to deter criminals from destroying my investment. The lesson learned here for me, is that no matter how great the neighborhood, I always need to properly secure the property and do my best to make sure a theft or vandalism does not occur. We all know that if someone wants to steal from you they will find a way regardless, but that doesn't mean I can't make it harder for them. I've created a list (some I've used, some I intend to incorporate) of cost effective ways to secure an investment property.
Contact your local Police Department and see if they offer a vacant house check program. You inform them the house is vacant and officer's patrolling the neighborhood drive by the house and make sure everything looks OK from the outside.
Place new blinds or curtains on the windows of the house to give it that lived in look.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
Change the locks to heavy duty deadbolts.
Place motions sensor flood lights around the exterior of the house.
Make sure the grass is kept trim. An overgrown yard is a good indicator a house is vacant.
If there is a neighborhood watch or community association, notify them the house is vacant. They are typically more than willing to report suspicious activity to you or notify the police.
If possible, ask a neighbor to park their car in the drive-way periodically, and keep a lookout. Offer an incentive for doing so (Lowe's or Home Depot Gift Card, Gas Gift Card, Restaurant Gift Card).
If a contractor is doing work on the house, ask them to set up all equipment in the backyard, so it isn't visible from the street that work is being performed.
Light Dimmers/Timers are a great way to make a vacant house look like someone is there. Set timers in several rooms and have them go on and off at various times during the night. I've had great success with these timers at rel=nofollow X10.
Security Systems can get expensive, but for a small one-time investment you can purchase a security camera hidden in a smoke detector like this one over at rel=nofollow Super Circuits. It's easy to install/uninstall, so it can be used at several properties.
Protecting your property doesn't have to be a huge expense.
Alicia Rountree is a professional real estate investor and partner with 1-800-Buyer-HR, Hampton Roads #1 House Buyer. http://www.1800BuyerHR.com
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