During these summer months many of us go off to the cottage or the shore leaving the family home alone. A three-week holiday may be well deserved, but a vacant house is an invitation to disaster. There are some simple precautions to take so that coming home to an empty house doesn't take on a whole new meaning. Short of installing an expensive alarm system, here are some ideas you might find useful before you leave your abode alone:

• The best idea is to find someone at work or in the neighbourhood who would like to house sit. A co-worker may live in an apartment with roommates or a neighbour may have a responsible teenager or young adult living at home; both of which would consider staying at your place like a vacation of their own. Sometimes some small compensation for house sitting is a good idea. If not, be sure and pick up a "thank you" gift while you're on holiday.
  
  
• If you decide to leave the house alone, let a neighbour know the dates you'll be gone. Ask them to keep an eye on the place and give them a spare key, in case there are any emergencies. A leak in a water heater can cause thousands of dollars in damages if not detected immediately, so it's nice to have someone checking the house every once in a while. Again, a thoughtful "thank you" gift is in order.
  
  
• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery. A stack of newspapers by the front door is like posting a sign saying "no one home". If you think you may have a delivery from UPS or Fed Ex, have them hold the packages until you're home so your front door won't have delivery slips posted on it. Also, don't post a note saying "take all deliveries next door" on your door.
  
  
• A message on your answering machine saying, "We're away for the next three weeks." Is not a great idea. "We can't come to the phone right now" sends a better message.
  
  
• Move small valuables, jewelry, credit cards, etc, .to a safety deposit box, and larger valuables to a friend or relative's house for the duration of your vacation.
  
  
• Timers on lights and radios are a good idea to make your house look and sound occupied. Put a timer on one of your outdoor lights as well.
  
  
• Check all the ground-floor windows and french doors to make sure there are no broken panes or loose latches. Dead bolts and "beware of dog" signs do deter burglars. If you leave your car parked outside your house while you're away, remove the garage door opener from it. If your street has a "Neighbourhood Watch" program let them know when you'll be away. Also inform your local police department, they may have a program to drive by your home, test locks and walk into the back yard.
  
  
• Provide a relative or a friend a way to contact you in case of emergency.

Your holidays will be much more enjoyable knowing that you have taken some simple steps to ensure your home will be safe and sound when you return.

Return to: Home Safety TIPS

Please note: when using Del's forms please fill out all REQUIRED FIELDS, or the form will not work. Thank you. Del has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Del or click on "Ask Your Own Questions." Del can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Ottawa area. If you would like him to help you locate a home, please fill out his Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Del can also help. Just fill out his Would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, he can also offer you a Complimentary No Obligation Market Evaluation Form

Site Index: Home Page Get in touch  |   Del's Profile  |   Properties For Sale  |   Get in touch  |   The Ottawa Market Schooling in the Ottawa Area  |   Buyer's & Seller's  |   Links & Things  |   Del's Privacy Policy Testimonials  |   I Want To Buy A Home  |   I Want To Sell A Home  |   Site Map Email Del

Royal LePage Team Realty is Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage Copyright 2007 www.DelSmith.com. All Rights Reserved. Site Designed & Maintained by: John Smillie/Lasting Impressions