Real Estate Information Archive

It's not something we like to think about, but home crimes can happen to anyone at any time. As a homeowner in Albuquerque, you know doubt have already taken steps to secure your home and protect your family.

Your main goal when it comes to home security is to prevent criminals from damaging, stealing, or breaking into your home in the first place. That doesn't just mean locking doors and windows. It involves taking into account your property's security weak points and resolving any issues. And criminals are getting more clever, even using online activity to find targets.

What are some basic steps you can take to make sure your Albuquerque home is secure?

• Even if you’re home, lock windows and external doors when not in use.
• Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.
• If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately.
• Don’t put an outdoor spare key in an obvious place like under a doormat or potted plant.
• Keep a light on when you’re not home. This could signal to potential intruders that someone is inside the home, potentially deterring them from trying to break in.
• Don't leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar.
• Keep items of value, like fine jewelry and gaming consoles, out of plain view as much as possible.
• If you leave your home for an extended period of time, have a trusted friend or family member grab your mail while you’re away. You can also place a hold on your mail with the post office.

Technology Can Help

Of course, by now you've heard about smart home systems that can keep an eye on your home while you're away. You can start with a device as simple as a video doorbell, or up to camera alarms that are professionally monitored 24/7. Here's a few options:

• Easy to install outdoor motion sensors. These range from $20 - $100.
• Smart camera system to watch your home remotely through a phone app. These will alert you when they sense motion or someone trips a sensor.
• Make sure to hide any wiring, as they can be cut and could disable your security system.
• If you don't have the budget, even a fake security sign or sticker on the window can deter criminals.

How can you make sure your home is secure? You can plan to 'burglarize' your own home to discover any weaknesses in your security. The best way to protect your home from the outside is to survey it with the eyes of a burglar. If you can easily tell that a window could be pried open, a thief will definitely be able to come to the same conclusion. 

While you’re checking for vulnerable spots, take note of any expensive electronics, art, or furniture that is easily spotted through windows. You don’t have to redecorate your entire home to keep expensive items out of sight, but it doesn’t hurt to make small adjustments where you can.

If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the chances of your home being the target of criminal activity.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1541 Nez Perce Loop NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $599,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 half) / 3644 Square Feet

Stunning Views! This home will WOW your buyers! Wide open floor plan with 2 living areas, perfect for entertaining. Gorgeous wood beam accents, custom kiva fireplace & large picture windows with mountain and city views. Well appointed kitchen features granite counter tops, custom cabinets & SS appliances. Brilliant floor plan offers 2 master suites, 2 additional spacious bedrooms and 2 bonus rooms, plus a formal dining room overlooking the wrap around balcony. Master suite is a gem has a picturesque jetted tub, separate snail shower & large walk in closet. Enjoy the views from your covered patio & wrap around balcony year round! New Septic and Well in 2017 - All New Paint inside and out 2019! Hardwood floors refinished 2019! New Driveway! This home is sure to impress!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Certainly by now you've heard about video doorbells. Not only do they deter crime, they also catch hilarious clips to go viral on the internet. But most likely, you're interested in protecting your Albuquerque home and seeing who's at your door before you answer. And you can even answer the door if you're away from home. All things considered, it's a smart way to protect your family.

Before you buy a video doorbell, here's a few things to think about:

Resolution

Make sure the doorbell camera has at least a resolution of 1080p or higher. You want to have nice clear view of whoever is at your door. Because we all have seen those grainy convenience store videos on TV and wonder what the point was of even having a camera.

Night Vision

You also want clear vision at night. Not all cameras offer night vision, so make sure the one you purchase has this important feature.

Field of View

The field of view also makes a big difference in what the camera can capture. 180 degrees means that it sees in front and on the sides. A 90 degree camera can only see what's in front and a little on the sides. The wider view is obviously better.

Audio Features

Another great feature of video doorbells is being able to speak with the person at the door. This is especially handy if you're away from home and expecting an important package, as you can direct the delivery remotely.

Motion Detection

Try to get a camera that will let you define which zones react to motion. That way if you live on a busy street, it won't alert you every time a car drives by.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is the prefered choice for storing video footage. If someone does break into your home, then your footage of them is safe and ready for you to send to the police.

App Support

Check into the app support for the doorbell and find reviews if possible. If the app gets low ratings, it may not be the best choice. The last thing you need is to have a hassle with the app support.

Also, since these devices use your wi-fi, it's a good idea to place your internet router close to the door to make sure it has a strong signal. If that's not an option, then a signal booster located near the door will work.

Make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1820 34TH Street SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124  $169,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1348 Square Feet

One story 3BDR/2BA/2CG in the heart of Rio Rancho! Minutes from Intel, Cottonwood Mall, schools, parks and shopping! HUGE BACKYARD with views of the Sandia Mountains!! Tile flooring throughout!! NEW Water Heater! Oversized great room with cozy wood stove, open to the kitchen with lots of cabinets, long breakfast bar, gas stove & refrigerator. Master bdr features a walk in closet and private bath. Fenced backyard with open patio, mountain views and plenty of room for gathering family & friends!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Home security is an important consideration when owning or even renting a home. Many people have home security systems to help keep their home secure. But is that enough? A home security system can only do so much. There are other steps you can take to make sure your home is as secure as possible.

Here's a few important precautions you can take to firm up your home protection.

1. An old trick that still works is leaving the TV or music on when you're gone.

2. Reduce the amount of hiding places outside with motion sensor security lights.

3. All exterior doors should have 1-inch deadbolts installed.

4. Make sure to lock all doors and windows when going to bed.

5. Never open your door until you confirm who is there. Check you security camera or get a doorbell camera.

6. Thieves know all the hiding places for keys. If you must hide a key, don't hide it under a doormat or rock. Find an inconspicuous place or leave it with a neighbor.

7. Use a metal pipe or bar, or a wood plank or dowel to secure sliding doors. You can also install a glass break sensor on the door.

8. Keep your garage door closed, even when you're home. The garage leads straight into your home, giving intruders easy access. An overhead garage door contact can also provide further protection.

9. Make sure drapes or blinds are closed on rooms that have valuable items.

10. Keep expensive items that are not in use in a deposit box at your bank.

11. Don't leave notes on your door for family or service people letting them know you're not home.

12. If you plan on being gone for more than a few days, have someone you trust collect your mail and newspaper.

You can keep you home and family safe with just these few additional steps. Our world is becoming more dangerous. This isn't meant to scare you, just as a friendly warning to stay safe.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12009 Modesto Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM  $750,000

4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 5000 Square Feet

Exceptional Custom Ranch Home on .89 Acre! Expansive Floorplan features both formal & informal living areas, with outdoor living that includes a newly refurbished pool w/built in hot tub, deck w/views & more! Enormous 29'x28' Den for indoor entertaining w/Wet Bar & fireplace. So much more! A MUST SEE!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

We all hear more and more on the news or from a neighbor that someone had a home invasion. We all may think, “no that will never happen to me.”  But the reality is that it can happen to anyone at any time. Here are some tips and tricks to help ensure that you and your family stay safe at night.

Install a Home Surveillance System. These might be expensive, but well worth the price. But you can get a camera and a recording unit setup for under $200.  Hidden home security cameras with nighttime vision are the most recommended, while readily visible ones can be easily destroyed. To help, you can tie most of these systems right into just about any device or devices you want. Now you can find out if that strange noise was simply a stray animal or someone lurking about your home.

Motion Sensor Lights. These are handy even when you’re just coming home from a late shopping trip. These can also be of great importance to home safety at night. It might help deter a break in from someone who is easily deterred.

Always Lock Up. This may seem obvious, but many people simply forget or don’t bother to lock up all the windows, doors and even garage doors, simply because they don’t think they are at risk. Sure the neighborhood is safe and you know your neighbors really well, but the threat most often comes from outside your neighborhood. So, make sure to lock up. It could mean lives.

Safety is never overrated, so be safe and check out these other great tips and tricks for nighttime safety for your home, and most importantly, your peace of mind. Be safe!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8719 Springhill Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $299,000

4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 partial) / 3230 Square Feet

Lovely Brick Home in desired Richland Hills. Open & functional floorplan w/ soaring ceilings, cozy brick fireplace & stunning kitchen. Downstairs Suite with relaxing covered patio & oversized Master-baths & walk-in closets.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team