Tips from your top realtor in New York and CT: Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home

1. Set up a security system

Your new home should have some form of a security system, whether it’s a basic DIY system or one that comes with professional monitoring and home automation features. Today there are plenty of home security options for every budget and every level of protection.

To choose a system that you’re comfortable with, Dr. Stickle recommends evaluating the needs of your neighborhood and your house. "Once you know the likely risks," he explains, "evaluate your home to see what is needed to protect it."

You can contact your local police department for neighborhood crime statistics and help doing a home security evaluation of your home.

2. Secure the doors

Don’t help a burglar stroll in through the front door (34% of them do!).2 Inspect all of your exterior doors to make sure the door frames are strong, the hinges are protected, and—if your door has a mail slot—that someone can’t reach through it to unlock the door.

If you're moving into a residence that someone else used to call home, change the door locks. That way you won't have strangers out there with a key to your house, and you can make sure your locks are the best on the market.

3. Lock the windows

According to theft expert Dr. Ben Stickle, windows are "a common entry point for criminals" and may be left shut but unlocked by the previous homeowner. Plus, manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective—and sometimes they’re downright flimsy.

If you don’t like the looks of your window latches, beef up security with aftermarket window locks or key-operated levers. But you don’t have to stop there.

4. Light up the landscape

Vandals, burglars, and other criminals don’t like to be in the spotlight. Keep them at bay with ample outdoor lighting. Place lights around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the garage and other outdoor structures. Not only will you make intruders skittish, you’ll also cut down your risk of a stumble on your way up the front steps.

5. Don’t forget the garage

This entry point to your home is becoming more popular with criminals. And even if they can’t access your house, chances are you have plenty of good stuff stored in the garage. Make it a habit to lock all doors to the garage—both interior and exterior.

You may also consider keeping your garage door opener in the house. That way, a burglar can’t grab it out of your car. And if you use a security code to open the garage, make sure you keep it secret and never enter it in front of delivery people, neighbors, or anyone else.

6. Lock down your Wi-Fi network

Your home wireless network is a doorway to your personal and financial information. And if you use home automation, it can also make your house vulnerable to a break-in. If your Wi-Fi network is connected to smart home gadgets or your security system, it could give criminals direct access to your home.

7. Eliminate hiding places

Trees and shrubs may give your house curb appeal, but they also give burglars a handy place to hide. Trim down trees and plants close to your home that could be used for cover. Opt for smaller flowers and bushes instead. If you have trees near windows, either remove them or reinforce those windows with extra security.

8. Add security cameras

You’ve probably seen headlines about burglars and porch pirates being foiled by security camera footage. This is one home security solution that works as both a deterrent and a means to get justice. You can get security cameras that are part of a complete home security system, or you can use cameras that work on their own.

Whichever way you go, we recommend using a security camera with a mobile app, so you can see footage in real time and store it if you ever need to go to the police. Take proactive measures to protect your cameras from hackers too.

9. Get a safe

In the event that someone gets by your other home security strategies, make sure that valuables are protected. An in-home safe is a secure depository for everything from jewelry to vital documents like passports. You want a safe that is fire-resistant, waterproof, and heavy enough that a thief can’t walk away with it.

10. Use home automation

If you’ve been tempted to turn your regular house into a smart home, security is one compelling reason to follow through. Home automation gives you remote (or scheduled) control of lights, door locks, security cameras, smoke alarms, and other safety devices. You can get real-time alerts about suspicious activity so you can respond quickly and thwart potential thieves.

11. Prevent house fires

Do what you can to prevent a fire in your new home.

Inspect current fire alarms and CO detectors to make sure they're working.
Install new detectors where necessary.
Check the charge and expiration date on current fire extinguishers.
Buy new fire extinguishers if necessary.
Call a professional chimney inspector before using the fireplace. Here are some more fireplace safety tips.

Don't forget to make a new fire exit plan based on your home's layout, complete with fire escape ladders for second-story bedrooms.

Final word

Figuring out how to secure your home doesn’t have to be a chore. Use these tips to get started. And relax—you don’t have to do everything at once.

Identify which strategies are most important to you, and make a plan to add the rest later. Being aware of potential security risks and taking action early is the best way to keep your home and loved ones safe.