Securing Vacant Homes: 4 key steps

Vacant Property Protection: Easy Tips for Investors

Investing in real estate can be a rewarding journey, with your investment property representing not just a financial asset but also a symbol of your hard work and vision for the future.

There will come a time when your investment home remains vacant, whether you're in between tenants, undergoing renovations, or simply waiting for the right market conditions. In these vacant periods, your property is susceptible to a range of risks that can impact your bottom line and disrupt your investment strategy. This is particularly concerning when insurance policies  have specific requirements for vacant properties to maintain coverage.

This blog is your comprehensive guide on how to protect your vacant house, allowing you to minimize potential losses and maximize your returns. We will explore proven strategies, industry insights, and innovative solutions to help you fortify your property investment. By the end of this journey, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently navigate the challenges of maintaining a vacant property, ensuring it remains a secure and profitable asset in your portfolio. There are several more steps a person can take to protect their vacant home, this guide is simply to take you through some of the things I have personally done to keep my vacant properties safe. Let's dive in and learn how to be the guardian of your investment, one step at a time.

Fake vs. Real Security Cameras: Weighing Your Options

Real Security Cameras

Real security cameras, equipped with motion sensors and functioning as part of a comprehensive security system, offer a tangible layer of protection for your vacant rental property. They serve as both a visible deterrent and an active surveillance tool, making them one of the most effective ways to protect access points around your property.

The mere presence of these cameras can discourage potential trespassers, vandals, and burglars, as they know they are being watched. In the event of any suspicious activity, real security cameras can capture high-quality video footage, helping to identify and apprehend culprits. They provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you can monitor your property remotely and have evidence if an incident occurs.

Real security cameras are a genuine investment in the security of the property, ensuring you can respond promptly to any issues that may arise. However, the costs of real security cameras can be quite substantial and might not be the best way to protect every investment, especially for properties like empty lots or vacant buildings where the risk level may not justify the expense.

Fake Security Cameras

While fake security cameras lack the capability to record or transmit real-time footage, they are a cost-effective way to create the illusion of surveillance. These dummy cameras are often designed to look identical to their real counterparts, complete with blinking LED lights and authentic casing.

The primary advantage of fake security cameras is their ability to deter potential threats at a fraction of the cost, making them an effective solution for properties where full surveillance is not feasible. They are ideal for property owners on a tight budget or for those looking to enhance the security measures of their real cameras by adding decoy units.

Fake cameras, when strategically placed, can make your empty buildings and vacant properties appear well-protected, potentially convincing would-be intruders to think twice before attempting any unlawful activity. However, relying solely on fake cameras requires you to check your home on a regular basis or hire a security company to take a look at it once in a while to ensure the security of the property is maintained.

Both real and fake security cameras can help protect your vacant rental property by serving as a visual deterrent. Real cameras offer the added advantage of actively monitoring and recording incidents, which can be invaluable in the event of a security breach. On the other hand, fake cameras are a budget-friendly way to create the appearance of surveillance, discouraging potential threats while keeping costs low. Your choice between the two depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of security you wish to maintain for your investment property.

Window Privacy Solutions for Your Vacant Rental

To safeguard your vacant rental property and maintain its privacy, it's crucial to take proactive steps to prevent outsiders from looking into its windows. Start by installing window coverings like blinds, curtains, or privacy film in your empty property. These options not only enhance the property's aesthetics but also shield the interior from prying eyes. Make sure all windows, including those on lower levels, are properly covered to minimize the risk of anyone peering inside.

Alternatively, you can consider using temporary barriers like window guards, boarding up windows with plywood sheets to block the view from the outside. This not only discourages potential intruders but also sends a clear message that the property is secure and not an easy target. It also protects your windows from potentially getting damaged. If your property is vacant for an extended period, investing in security shutters can provide an extra layer of protection. This differs from adding blinds due to the fact that we are now making it obvious that it is vacant but we are now protecting our windows. We may choose to do this in areas where vandalism is high. Your city could have some rules about boarding up windows you may want to look into before doing this one.

Creating the Illusion of Occupancy: The Power of Timed Lighting

Lights on timers can be an invaluable tool in protecting your vacant rental property by creating the illusion of occupancy. By setting up lights on timers, you can give the impression that someone is home, deterring potential burglars and vandals it's a basic step that an save you thousands. Timed lighting systems can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times of the day, simulating the typical routines of occupants. This prevents the property from appearing vacant and vulnerable, reducing the likelihood of break-ins.

Timed lighting can save you money on energy bills while ensuring the property remains well-lit, enhancing its overall security. In addition to timers, you can consider using smart lighting solutions that you can control remotely, allowing you to make adjustments even when you're not on-site. By strategically placing these lights in key areas, such as living rooms and bedrooms, you can create a lived-in atmosphere that discourages unwanted attention, making your vacant rental property a less appealing target for criminal activity.

Burglar-Resistant Back Doors for Vacant Properties

Reinforcing your back (side) door, or any exterior doors, is a crucial step in enhancing the security of your empty properties. Back doors are often seen as a vulnerable entry point for burglars and intruders due to their relative privacy. By fortifying this access point, you can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in. It's a good idea to start by upgrading to a solid and well-constructed back door made from sturdy materials, such as solid wood or metal. Reinforced doors are more difficult to kick in or force open.

In addition to a strong door, consider installing deadbolt locks with long throw bolts that extend deep into the door frame. Reinforcing the door frame with metal strike plates and long screws will make it even more resilient to forced entry attempts. What I like doing on my vacant properties is screwing in two to three 2 x 6's across the door into the frame, inside the home helping strengthen the door. Moreover, peepholes or windowless door designs can maintain the privacy of the property, preventing potential intruders from scoping out the interior. These measures collectively contribute to a more secure back door, ensuring that your vacant rental property remains well-protected, even during extended periods of vacancy.

Investor's Guide to Protecting Vacant Properties: Simple Steps for Security

As we conclude this guide, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to protect your vacant investment property with some simple safety measures. Real estate represents more than just financial assets; it embodies your hard work and vision for the future. Whether your property is between tenants, undergoing renovations, waiting for market conditions to align, or simply an unoccupied property the security and maintenance of your investment are paramount.

In these pages, we've explored my key strategies and some innovative solutions, each designed to fortify your property investment during vacant periods. From security cameras to window coverings, timed lighting, and backdoor reinforcement, these steps empower you to minimize potential losses and maximize your returns.

By becoming the guardian of your investment property, you can confidently navigate the challenges of property management, ensuring that it remains a secure and profitable asset in your portfolio. If you find this guide helpful, I would love to hear about it. I would also like to hear how you keep your property safe while vacant.

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