No matter how safe your neighborhood is, it's still important to protect it from break-ins. How can you deter intruders from coming into your yard and attempting to break into your home? The following safety tips can help you discourage intruders from targeting your home.
Intruders sometimes target houses when they can clearly see valuable items inside. Make sure you don't keep any valuable items in areas where people can see them through your windows and doors. Store these items in secure places, or display them in areas that can't be seen from outside. For example, don't leave your purse or an expensive device close to a window, especially if it's an open window. Keep your garage door closed as well if you're storing expensive items in there.
Keeping the outside of your home well-lit can be enough to ward off intruders, since most would rather break into homes without being seen. Install lighting on the exterior of your home, such as floodlights or motion-sensor lights. These lights should be turned on all night to discourage intruders from entering your yard and trying to get into your home.
Having high-quality door and window locks can make it difficult for intruders to break into your home. Replace older or low-quality locks with new, high-quality ones on all doors and windows. Keep in mind that your exterior doors should have a deadbolt, which makes break-ins even more challenging for intruders. You should also check the hinges and frames on your doors to make sure they can't be easily tampered with.
Having a home security system with cameras and other features can provide you with peace of mind regarding intruders. These security systems can alert you if someone trespasses on your property or tries getting into your home. Having security system signs or cameras in plain view can also make intruders think twice about approaching your home.
Bushes and shrubs can provide convenient hiding spots for intruders, especially when they're near windows or doors. Keep bushes and shrubs near your home's exterior trimmed to make it harder for intruders to use them as hiding places.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with the Goss | Ferrara Real Estate Team. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
