Security systems have become more accessible and more reasonably priced over the years so more people have installed them. Knowing that the home has been protected and a plan established if the system is breached gives homeowners comfort and reassurance, but will these home safety measures increase the selling price of your home? Let’s review various security options and how they affect your home’s value.
Smart Home Technology
All areas of our lives are becoming smart: phones, televisions, computers, cars and even refrigerators. Home security is a perfect fit for smart technology. You can install cameras, motion sensors, doorbells, carbon monoxide detectors, thermostats, even flood detectors, that instantly alert your phone if there’s an issue. If you’re afraid of missing a message, you can pay to have the system monitored by a third-party company. These features are attractive to many home buyers. Consumer Reports says smart home technology could boost your home value by 3% to 4%.
Security-Driven Landscaping
In addition to installing security systems and smart home technology, HGTV suggests an easy way to secure your home is to choose the right landscaping. For example, windows are a common point of entry for a burglar. Keep your bushes trimmed low enough that the window is easily visible. You can even choose to plant a bush with thorny stems or sharp leaves, such as Windsor Hawthorne or Voodoo Rose, as an additional deterrent.
Attractive, intentional landscaping will not only help keep your home safer, but it will add value to your home when it’s time to sell. Depending on the beauty of your landscaping, it can raise your home value between 5 to 20 percent.
Physical Barrier Security
Another way to secure your home is to improve or install physical barriers. Knowing the common entry points – the front door, back door, garage and windows – you can take simple measures to fortify those points. Swapping out door handle locks for dead bolts, placing a metal rod or wooden dowel into the track of a sliding glass door, and installing reinforced window glass are all practical and inexpensive ways to secure your home.
Installing a fence around the perimeter of your home can also deter intruders from entering your property. The cost of fence installation can vary based on the length of the fence and the types of materials you use. For example, a wooden privacy fence will typically cost between about $32 and $51 per foot, while a vinyl fence averages $30 per foot.
Depending on your home’s location, Realty Times suggests also installing a driveway security gate. A gate not only helps with security, but it is also attractive and gives the impression of grandeur. Additionally, a driveway security gate can increase your property value.
Beware of Outdated Technology
While a good security system can add value to your home, an outdated one can decrease it. Just like an old kitchen is unappealing to a prospective homebuyer, so is an archaic security system. There are several ways to determine if your security system is outdated and needs to be upgraded or replaced. Modern systems utilize your phone as a hub and operate off your home’s Wi-Fi signal. If your system is hooked up to a landline or can only be accessed through a physical hub, then you should consider upgrading it if you are preparing to sell your home.
A current smart home system, cleverly-crafted landscaping, and physical barriers are all proven ways to increase the safety of your home. In the process of creating peace of mind for you and your family, you are also increasing the overall value of your property. You can enjoy these features while you live in the house and reap the rewards when it’s time to move.
Here's info on some great smart home apps from CellPhoneDeal.com.
Did you find this helpful? If so, please share with a friend and leave a comment below. If you're curious about your home's value, I'm happy to help.
This post was contributed by Suzie Wilson of HappierHome.net. Thanks Suzie!
Photo Credit: pexels.com
