How to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

While your mind may already be in vacation mode, taking time to run through this home security checklist will ensure your home is safe and sound so you can truly relax and enjoy your time off!

Invest in a Budget-Friendly Home Security System

You may feel like you live in a safe neighborhood, but a home security system is your first line of defense against anyone who wants to get in your home while you’re away. With new advances in technology today, home security doesn’t have to have an extravagant cost. New home automation devices controlled by a tablet, computer or smartphone allow you transform and tailor your home into a smart, secure home.

Keep Your Plans Hush-Hush

While going on vacation is an exciting time, you should avoid the temptation to check-in or post on social media to let everyone know about your venture. Instead, hold off on posting your vacation photos until you are safely at home, or change your privacy settings to ensure only friends can view them. Don’t mention the dates you’ll be away and keep any work voicemail or email autoreply messages vague.

Reschedule or Cancel Deliveries

Schedule any package deliveries to arrive before you leave or after you get home from vacation. Deliveries left on your porch aren’t just a temptation for porch snatchers, they’re also a clear indication that nobody is home. If you have a trusted neighbor nearby, let them know if you are planning to go out of town and ask them to keep an eye on your house, pick up your mail, and report any suspicious activity while you are gone.

Remember to Unplug

Save a little on your electric bill and reduce the risk of a potential fire by unplugging TVs, coffee-makers, and other non-essential electronics while you’re away. This will also protect these appliances and devices from a power surge. In addition to unplugging, turn off the water main to avoid damage from any burst pipes or other water problems. Finally, make sure motion detectors, cameras and smoke detectors batteries aren’t in danger of dying while you’re at your favorite destination.

Keeping Up Appearances

Smart switches and programmable lights are especially handy when you’re away as they can turn on a light or television to make it appear as if someone is home. Burglars will scratch your house off their checklist if you have any exterior motion-sensor lights that will illuminate your house when someone is nearby. Before leaving, make sure to close your blinds or curtains so no one can see inside your home.

Now relax and enjoy your much-needed time off! If you are looking for the peace of mind when it comes to getting a mortgage, contact one of our mortgage experts today!­