We had a chance to visit the Alamo in San Antonio, TX last year while on our way to see some friends in Austin. These friends of ours are coming into town to visit us this year and as I was reflecting on our trip to Texas I came across a picture that I took of the Alamo...read more.
Allen Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona
Allen Ranch in Gilbert Arizona is a wonderful community located in South Gilbert between Williamsfield Rd and Pecos Rd to the North and South, and between Gilbert Rd and Lindsey Rd to the East and West. Allen Ranch features homes between 2,000 square feet and 4,200 square feet with open and flexible floor-plans to fit any families needs...read more.
10 Ways You Can Keep Your Home Safe While On Vacation
Whether it's your annual Christmas season travel plans or that Summer time get-away, millions of Americans travel all over the Country and the Globe to enjoy their hard earned vacations. But what about your house? How do you make sure your home is the same as when you left it when you return? Here are ten ways that will help to keep your home safe while on vacation and give you peace of mind so that you can spend those precious hours relaxed and worry free:
1. Consider a House or Pet-sitter: The best way to make sure your home is safe while you're away is to have someone you trust living in it. Who knows? You may even get lucky enough to have a clean and conscientious relative who will do some of your household chores while you're gone.
2. Hold your mail: When you're leaving for more than a few days, call your post office to stop mail delivery until you get back. They will hold mail up to 30 days and in many cases you can make the request on-line.
3. Stop Newspaper delivery: Having a daily newspaper delivered to your home isn't nearly as prevalent as it used to be, however, there are still plenty of homeowners who enjoy their morning crossword puzzles. Make sure to stop newspaper delivery for the duration of you trip.
4. Ask Neighbors to keep watch: Even if you stop mail and newspaper delivery there are still flyers and advertisements that can be left on your front door. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and remove these tell-tale signs of a vacant property.
5. Put your lights on a timer: An occupied home looks lived in. Lights go on and off, and cars come and go but when you're on vacation all of that activity stops. Create the illusion that you're still home by investing in timers that turn interior and exterior lighting on and off. There are even gadgets and smartphone apps now that let you control your entire home's illumination from the palm of your hand.
6. Trim your landscaping: If you're a homeowner who takes pride in keeping the lawn mowed and bushes trimmed it's easy to come to the conclusion that you're not around if the landscaping is overrun. Hire someone to take care of the normal landscaping routine while you're gone.
7. Lock up: This seems obvious but it's an easy one to forget. Don't just check your front and back doors. Check and lock windows and sky-lights. Verify side entrances into garages are secure. If you don't already have one, place a pad-lock on your backyard gate.
8. Don't Advertise your Vacation: Show caution when talking about your trip. Your blog or your social media isn't the best place to announce where you're going and exactly how long you'll be gone. The less information you share with others the less likely it is to reach the wrong eyes and ears. Try to wait until you're home to start posting all those vacation photos you're just dying to share with everyone.
9. Pull the plug on electronics: Disconnecting the power to some of your electronics, like your coffee pot, and television, can save you money and eliminate worry that you've accidentally left them on by mistake. Unplug your automatic garage door opener so would-be thieves can't open it with a universal remote.
10. Install added Security: Installing a home security system, motion sensor exterior lighting, or interior security cameras that you can operate using your smart phone are all added ways to give you security not only while you're on vacation but can be used to keep you safer when you're home as well.
Zion Realty would love to help you with your next home sale or purchase. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Gilbert, Arizona or the East Valley contact us today.
Yik Yak is a new Social Media App causing major controversy
Yik Yak is a relatively new Social Media app released in 2013. It quickly became one of the 10 most downloaded social media apps in the country. However, some experts have called the app a breeding ground for gossip and harassment...read more.
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction Scottsdale, Arizona
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona Barrett-Jackson is the world leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. The Barrett-Jackson Car Auction is one of the most anticipated events in Arizona every year. This year alone will see close to 3,000 unique and one-of-a-kind vehicles cross the auction floor...read more.
Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-Off Locations for Gilbert, Arizona
Christmas Day has come and passed. Presents were ripped open by excited children, your favorite holiday meal was consumed with friends and family, and plenty of pictures were taken to preserve the memories. But now you're faced with the dreaded and daunting task that lie ahead of you. Taking down all of those festive lights and decorations isn't on anyone's wish list this year yet it's a duty we're all bound to do...read more.