Untitled Document

Home Buying & Selling Advice

Leaving It All Behind
Preparing your home for your summer getaway

If you haven't already made your vacation plans for this summer, you're probably
thinking about doing so. Amidst all of the decisions about where to go, where to stay,
and what to do when you get there, taking some time to plan for leaving your home safe
and secure will give you added peace of mind while you're away.

Here are some useful reminders and tips for getting your home ready for your
departure:

Make your house looked occupied by using timers on a few lights throughout the house,
scheduling them to turn off and on at various times after dark. You can also use a timer
on a radio to provide background noise that can deter potential intruders.

Suspend delivery of your newspaper and have the post office hold your mail, or ask a
neighbor to collect them for you each day. A buildup of mail or uncollected papers is an
obvious sign that no one is at home.

Advise your friends and trusted neighbors of your travel plans and when you're expecting
to return. Provide your cell phone or other number where they can reach you in an
emergency.

Use caution when communicating about your vacation dates via Facebook and other
networking sites. Information spreads quickly, and you don't want it to get into the wrong
hands.

Ask a neighbor park in your driveway on occasion so it looks like there is someone at
home.

Turn off the ringer on your telephones so they can't be heard from outside. Leave a note
on at least one of the phones as a reminder to turn them back on when you return.

If you're going to be gone for more than a week, arrange to have someone mow the lawn
in your absence.

Close the window coverings on any ground-level rooms where displays of silver or other
valuables are visible from the window.

Unplug appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, video systems, stereos,
televisions, and computers. Be sure to leave the refrigerator and freezer plugged in.

To avoid the potential of water damage from an unpredictable leak or a burst hose, turn
off the water supply lines for the toilets, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher, and ice
maker. It's easy to do and can help avert disaster.

Turn the water heater to its lowest setting or to vacation mode if it has one. Maintaining
the hot water at its everyday temperature while you're away wastes energy and money.

If possible, pack your vacation gear into the car while it's in the garage so that you're not
announcing to passersby that you're leaving for vacation.

Lock the garage, gates, and storage structures. Don't forget any standard entry doors to
the garage, either from the house or to outside.

Enjoy your well-deserved time away, knowing that you've taken these smart
measures to keep your home safe and secure. This article is courtesy of Pillar To Post
Professional Home Inspection. www.pillartopost.com