Protecting a Vacant Home

It has become more common for homebuyers to move before selling their prior home; perhaps the home took longer to sell, the homeowners may be waiting for a better time to sell, or perhaps the plan is to renovate before selling the home.  There’s always a risk when leaving a home vacant; it is important to protect it while unattended.  Vacant homes are vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Regular homeowners and landlord insurance policies do not cover vacant homes; if a home will remain vacant, it is important to purchase a Vacant Home Insurance policy. In the meantime, the following tips may help protect and safeguard your home.

1. Lock all windows and doors   It goes without saying that all windows and doors should be locked, not only when moving out but when you leave the home for just a short while.  The most important item on a final checklist should be to walk through the home and make sure that all windows and doors and locked and secured.  It would also be a good idea to close any shutters or curtains so that the interior of the home isn’t visible from the exterior.

2. Give a trusted neighbor or friend an extra key  Whether moving near or far, an extra key left with a trust friend, neighbor or relative will go a long way in the time of need.  If some type of emergency arises or if a repair is necessary, the trusted person could be very helpful.

3. Keep the yard maintained  If you’re trying to sell your home, there’s no doubt you’d want to keep up the yard for prospective buyers to view.  In the case that the home may remain vacant for a while without a specific plan, you should maintain the yard so that the home doesn’t look vacant and neglected.  A vacant and neglected home may be an invitation for vagrants or criminals.  A good gardener would be well worth the investment to maintain the yard and a person to keep an eye on the home who may alert you if he notices anything out of the ordinary.

4. Make sure motion detector lights are working  Motion sensor lights work well over the garage, the entry area and both sides of the home; they are very affordable and great protection to keep the house well-lit on the exterior at night should someone approach. Criminals are less likely to strike at night when there is a bright spotlight on them.

5. Do not leave any valuables in home  If your plan is to stage your home with furniture while you’re gone in preparation for sale, it is best to take all valuables away with you.  Staging furniture doesn’t need to be too fancy; it wouldn’t be a great idea to leave a vacant home filled with high-end electronics and TV screens. It is recommended to leave a couple of table lamps hooked up to a timer in 2 different rooms which will come on for a few hours in the evening.

6. Display home security system sign out front  It is a good idea to leave your security system signs clearly visible at the front of your property; it is an even better idea to keep your monitored alarm service connected; for a small monthly service charge, you would have further assurance that the authorities will be called in the event of a security breach.  Security companies usually make signs and window decals available, this is actual a deterrent to some criminals who may not want to take the chance of tripping the alarm system.

7. Keep a list of repairmen  You may want to keep a short list of repairmen who you or your neighbors may have used in the past;  a handyman, a plumber, an electrician etc… If you are away from the home and there is a sudden need for a repair or assistance, the list will come in very handy.  If the house is listed For Sale, it may be helpful to share this list with your Real Estate Agent.  This way, in case of leaking faucets, kitchen appliance problems or other simple home repairs, you’ll have someone nearby who can quickly and efficiently fix your problems. After all, if you’re showing your home to potential buyers, you don’t want to show them a house that’s falling apart.

8. Park a car in the driveway  Quite often, you may have a neighbor parking a vehicle on the street; you may offer them to park their car temporarily in your driveway to show that there may be someone home.  This would be especially helpful if thieves are casing the neighborhood to select any soft targets. Burglars are more likely to break into a home when the residents are away. By temporarily parking a car in the driveway, you’ll be adding an extra layer of protection for your vacant home.

9. Consider purchasing vacant home insurance  Vacant homes can be insured by ‘Vacant Home Insurance Policies’; although the usual Preferred Insurance Carriers do not insure vacant homes, there are specialty carriers available who underwrite Vacant Home Insurance Coverage.  Most vacant home insurance plans will offer the option of covering acts of vandalism, in addition to certain disasters, such as fire, lightning, wind, hail and more.

Ready to move?

Once your home is safe and secure, you may be seeking a reputable company to facilitate your move.  Moving.com has an extensive network of reputable movers making it simple to find the best moving company for your relocation.  All companies in network will be licensed and insured, but always do your due diligence.