With the rise of the real estate market, more and more people are going to be searching harder for the best deal they can find, making it even more competitive than ever for sellers.

If you are getting ready to sell your house or condo, be aware that many buyers not only look at your property but also the neighborhood you live in. They may even go as far as researching the crime statistics in the area. All of this can then be used as deciding factors when choosing a new home to make an offer on.

If you don’t already have a home alarm system or have an older one, installing or upgrading an alarm system can potentially put buyers at ease and reassure them that their new home, and everything in it, will have an extra level of protection.

It Can Happen in Your Neighborhood Too

Even if the overall crime rate in your area is low or even non-existent, professional criminals are well schooled on signs that a home is protected by a monitoring system or not. They go looking in higher income neighborhoods and scout areas that could be easy targets from complaisant homeowners.

These are the areas where bars on the windows are not needed because amateurs doing smash and grabs aren’t prevalent. The concern is the professional robber who knows how to blend into the neighborhood, possibly using an official-looking truck or van and who knows how to be in and out of a home in minutes.

A neighborhood full of protected homes can go a long way in discouraging well-organized robbers from targeting the area.

How A Professionally Installed and Monitored Security System Increases Your Home’s Value

Homeowner’s Insurance Discounts

Most insurance companies see home security systems as a valuable addition to your home. Just by installing one, you may be able to save as much as 20% on your monthly premiums. To see what discounts you may be eligible for contact your insurance agent.

If you are in the process of choosing a security company, check with your agent to see if they give bigger discounts for some companies versus others. Also, check to see if you get a bigger discount with the more “bells and whistles” installed in the system.

It’s a Fantastic Selling Point to Add to a Listing

If a buyer has looked at several similar homes in the same area that are around the same price, a security system installed already may make their choice much easier. It also may create a situation where several buyers decide to bid higher in order to secure a home that already has a security system installed.

If you can take “installing an alarm” off their mental To-Do list of things, you’ll be way ahead of those sellers who don’t have such systems in place. Additionally, the ability to show buyers how a system works and how thorough it is will make a good impression as they view the home.

When a prospective buyer can begin to calculate the cost of the improvements and upgrades they won’t have to deal with if they purchase your house, you have a better chance of getting at or above your asking price.

Some Items to Consider Including When You Have Your System Installed

• Hardwired Systems That Stay with the House After the Sale
• Reinforced Front and Back Doors
• High-End Deadbolts on all Exterior Doors
• Sash Locks on Each Functional Window
• Motion-Detection Outside Lights
• Surveillance Cameras
• Remote Appliance Interaction Attachments
• Doorbell Camera
• Company Monitoring that includes Smart Phone App Technology

When you take the time and money to invest in security precautions, you not only qualify for insurance discounts but also are set up and ready with an extra appeal to potential buyers when it’s time to sell and move on.

Let’s Not Forget the Importance of Peace of Mind

Having a home alarm system installed on your property will provide you with a level of peace of mind that really can’t be measured.

The ability to feel safe in your own home is something everyone should be able to experience. And, when you’re not at home, knowing that your property and everything in it is protected lets you keep that peace of mind wherever you go.

Overall, there are a number of reasons why installing or upgrading your home alarm systems is a good idea. Taking this step will increase your home’s value, get you peace of mind and ensure safety for you, your loved ones, and everyone else who will live there after you are gone.