“There’s no place like home”
Dorothy may have made that saying famous in the Wizard of Oz but any homeowner can vouch for the truth behind the sentiment. Our homes should be a safe haven to relax after a long day. It’s even better when that sense of security can extend beyond the walls of your house and into your neighborhood. Creating a safe environment for your family should be a top priority in and out of your home.
Not everyone can afford the luxury of installing a home security system but making your home and neighborhood a safer place doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Here are some simple steps you can take to make your neighborhood a safer place.
Get to know your neighbors
Our pre-COVID world might have made it difficult to get to know our neighbors. It’s not easy to stop and chat when your schedule is packed tighter than sardines in a can. But knowing your neighbors is a great way to make the neighborhood safer. People watch out for people when they know them. Watchful neighbors are usually helpful in an emergency and can look out for your property when you are out of town.
Participate in neighborhood groups
Many Charlotte neighborhoods have their own Facebook group that makes it easy to keep your finger on the pulse of the neighborhood. Other neighborhoods utilize Next Door or Watch groups. These types of groups are a great resource for any suspicious activity or sharing information.
Maintain your yard
A well-maintained yard typically has fewer places for a criminal to hide. Homeowners who keep a well-maintained yard also tend to be more invested in the community as a whole. If you want to take it a step further, consider organizing a community cleanup.
Keep windows closed and doors locked at night
Do your part to prevent unwanted guests from getting into your house. Open blinds at night give burglars a free look into your house and its layout.
Add outdoor lighting
Adding outdoor lighting to your home is a good deterrent for crime. If you don’t have security or motion detector lights, consider leaving your porch light on at night. It’s even safer if your neighborhood has well-placed street lamps too.
I like to recommend taking a walk around your neighborhood whenever possible. There are a lot of good reasons this is a helpful habit and safety is one of them. Walking your neighborhood regularly allows you to notice any changes that could pose a safety risk.
I know the value of feeling safe and secure in your home. As a real estate agent, safety is often a concern for homebuyers. If you are in the market for a new home, make sure to discuss the safety of a neighborhood with your real estate agent or do some research on your own before making an offer. I’d be happy to share my insight.
