Whether you’re heading out of town for the weekend or packing up the entire family for an extended vacation, taking the time to make sure your home is protected before hitting the road is crucial. By taking the following tips into consideration, you can go on vacation knowing that your home will be safe and sound while you’re away.
1. Make it look like someone is home. Install timers on interior lights so they turn on and off periodically. There are also products available that are capable of varying the time that your lights turn on. You may even want to consider leaving a radio on and tuned to an all-news or talk show station.
2. Disconnect and remove all exterior electrical decorations to reduce the chance of fire and theft. If you don’t already have them, install exterior lights controlled by motion sensors to make your home a more difficult target for prowlers.
3. Make a plan for the newspaper and other deliveries. If you provide enough notice, you can put your newspaper delivery on hold. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to grab your paper and any other circulars or brochures that may be left on your front stoop. Likewise for any unexpected UPS deliveries.
4. Have the post office hold your mail. If you can’t arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, notify the post office up to 30 days in advance of your vacation; at minimum, two days will be needed to process your request.
5. If you have an alarm that is monitored, tell the alarm company you’ll be away. If possible, provide a phone number where you can be reached.
6. Nothing beats a good neighbor. Ask your neighbor to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and possibly even park their car in your driveway, if yours is on the road with you or at the airport. If police regularly patrol your neighborhood, give law enforcement authorities your schedule so they can watch for suspicious activity. If there's a crime-watch program, notify the person in charge.
1. Make it look like someone is home. Install timers on interior lights so they turn on and off periodically. There are also products available that are capable of varying the time that your lights turn on. You may even want to consider leaving a radio on and tuned to an all-news or talk show station.
2. Disconnect and remove all exterior electrical decorations to reduce the chance of fire and theft. If you don’t already have them, install exterior lights controlled by motion sensors to make your home a more difficult target for prowlers.
3. Make a plan for the newspaper and other deliveries. If you provide enough notice, you can put your newspaper delivery on hold. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to grab your paper and any other circulars or brochures that may be left on your front stoop. Likewise for any unexpected UPS deliveries.
4. Have the post office hold your mail. If you can’t arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, notify the post office up to 30 days in advance of your vacation; at minimum, two days will be needed to process your request.
5. If you have an alarm that is monitored, tell the alarm company you’ll be away. If possible, provide a phone number where you can be reached.
6. Nothing beats a good neighbor. Ask your neighbor to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and possibly even park their car in your driveway, if yours is on the road with you or at the airport. If police regularly patrol your neighborhood, give law enforcement authorities your schedule so they can watch for suspicious activity. If there's a crime-watch program, notify the person in charge.
I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.
I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry. As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele. If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.
I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.
For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.
For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com
My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors, Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.
I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979. I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren. My son in law is my business partner in real estate. I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.
Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William Counties. Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont. Cell 703.727.9885 Office 703.574.3800
Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.
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