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Billings, MT Real Estate Home Security Tips Part II

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“Security systems have come a long way in the last 20 years.”

We’re here with Part II of things you can do to prevent a burglar from entering your home. In our previous discussion, we talked about installing a peephole in your door, reinforcing locked doors, and keeping an eye out for open garage doors in your neighborhood. We have a few more tips for you from our security adviser.

FIRST OFF, BE PREPARED WITH A PLAN

In case the unthinkable does happen, the best defense for you and your family is a plan that outlines exactly what to do if an intruder breaks in. If you can, set up a safe room with a cell phone that can be used to call the authorities. If you have children, practice your plan just as you practice fire drills.

YOU CAN ALSO GET A SECURITY SYSTEM.

Security systems have come a long way in the last 20 years. Systems now have remote viewing access and you can adjust heat, lights, and locks from afar. The security sign itself is a strong deterrent to criminals, and most systems have a panic button that will instantly call the police.

FINALLY, TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN YOU GO AWAY ON VACATION.

Burglars often prowl neighborhoods looking for homes that appear as if someone has been away for an extended period of time. Set lights, music, and TVs on a timer to make it look like someone is home. Keep newspaper and mail deliveries going, but ask a neighbor to collect them so they don’t pile up on the front porch. You can even ask a trusted neighbor to park in your driveway to make it look like someone is home.

If you have any other questions on today’s topic, please give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

Tips from Our Billings, MT Real Estate Home Security Expert

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Today I’d like to share some tips from our security expert in order to help you deter burglars from your home in Billings, MT. Although this situation is never completely avoidable, you can take these steps to significantly reduce the chance of this happening.

THIS IS A TWO-PART SERIES, SO BE SURE NOT TO MISS THE TIPS I’LL BE REVEALING IN PART TWO!

Our security expert tells us that the best thing you can do to prevent a burglary is to make your home appear occupied. There are a lot of ways to do this, and the best one may be keeping your home in good condition. If a home is well-kept, people assume that it’s occupied. This should help to keep thieves away, but here are a few more tips for you.

Installing a peephole in your door is a very basic, simple way to protect the threshold of your home. It’s also a safe way to check for any suspicious activity.

Use extra precaution when locking doors, and you may even want to think about reinforcing them with extra locks. A staggering 40% of burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows.

Make sure to keep your garage doors closed when you’re not around, and always hide your garage door openers. You may not believe it, but people will walk right into your home if they see a garage door that’s sitting wide open.

For more tips on how you can improve your home security, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have a great security expert that I can put you in touch with if you’d like to learn more, or simply stay tuned for part 2!

Small Improvements to Add Real Estate Value to Your Billings, MT Home

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“Some minimal investments will definitely increate your home’s value”

Today we’ll discuss what home improvements add the most value for the least investment.There are a few things you can do with minimal investment that will not only increase your home’s value, but will also decrease your time on market.

Most buyers today want something that is clean and move-in ready. One cost-effective thing I recommend sellers do is to paint their house. If you need to, paint the outside of the home. Definitely paint the inside of your home, especially if there are a lot of marks on the walls or a lot of different colors. You want to neutralize your home as much as possible, and a clean, fresh look will really help it show well when people walk through.

Another little investment that helps a lot is updating your hardware throughout the house.Update the handles on your cabinets or doors. A lot of these things can be picked up very cheaply at any hardware store, and most homeowners should be able to install them on their own.

Fixing flooring, countertops, and updating appliances are slightly bigger investments that can still add some value. However, it really depends on how many of those things need to be updated, and on the price point of your house.

If you need a free in-house, no-obligation consultation, we’d be happy to discuss what you need to do in order to maximize the return on your house with minimal investment. If you’re interested in buying or selling a home, call or email us for a free consultation. We’d love to hear from you.

Your Dream Home Billing MT

Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes for a Smooth New Construction Process

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“There are things you can do to ensure a smooth new construction process.”

Are you thinking about buying a new construction home in the Billings, MT area? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three common mistakes to avoid when buying new construction:

  • Failing to hire a real estate professional to represent you: If you are going to court, would you represent yourself? If you have an ailment, would you trust a friend to diagnose you, or would you rather see an expert? A real estate professional will protect your interests when you go to negotiate a new home purchase.
  • Do your research: Some builders simply aren’t reputable; so you can’t pick one without giving it a good deal of thought. There are many ways you can find out which builders are reputable. One of the most important things you can do is find a builder who is going to stand behind their product.
  • Read the fine print: Builder contracts are setup to protect their interests. You need to ensure you are not getting fooled or taken advantage of in the contract stage. Again, working with a good Realtor is a great way to avoid problems with this part of the process.

If you have any questions about buying new construction, or if you need real estate assistance of any kind, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help you make smart decisions in your marketplace.