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Making Your Albuquerque Home More Secure

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
by Sandi Pressley

In Albuquerque the security of your home remains a paramount concern. To ensure that your sanctuary remains inviolable, a comprehensive approach to home security is essential. Here's an expanded guide to making your Albuquerque home a bastion of safety:

Advanced Lock Systems: Begin by assessing all entry points into your home. Replace standard locks with high-grade, ANSI-rated deadbolts. For tech-savvy homeowners, smart locks offer convenience and control, allowing you to manage access through your smartphone and receive alerts for unauthorized attempts.

Window Reinforcements: Windows are often the weakest link in home security. Upgrade them with impact-resistant glass or apply security film to make them shatterproof. Window bars can be a visual deterrent, but for a less intrusive option, consider robust locks and vibration sensors that alert you to any tampering.

Perimeter Lighting: A well-lit exterior is a simple yet effective deterrent against intruders. Install motion-sensor floodlights that illuminate dark corners and pathways, making it challenging for anyone to approach unnoticed.

Comprehensive Alarm Systems: Modern alarm systems offer more than just loud sirens; they connect directly to monitoring centers that can dispatch law enforcement swiftly. With features like door/window sensors, glass break detectors, and panic buttons, these systems provide a robust defense against break-ins.

Strategic Surveillance: Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras serve as both a deterrent and a means of evidence collection. Position cameras to oversee all access points and common areas, ensuring that there are no blind spots on your property.

Community Vigilance: Engage with your local community through neighborhood watch programs. These initiatives promote cooperation and communication among residents to report suspicious behavior promptly.

Perimeter Defenses: A secure fence can serve as the first line of defense for your property. Complement this with well-maintained landscaping; keep trees and shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential hiding places for would-be burglars.

Security Best Practices: Cultivate habits that bolster your home's defenses. Always lock doors and windows before leaving, even if it's just for a quick errand. Be discreet about your absence on social media and arrange for mail collection to avoid signs of an empty house.

Secure Valuables: Invest in a high-quality safe for storing valuables and important documents. Choose a safe that is fire-resistant, waterproof, and anchored securely to your home's structure.

Regular Maintenance: Ensure that all security devices are in working order through regular maintenance checks. Replace batteries in sensors, test alarm systems monthly, and keep an eye on the health of your surveillance equipment.

By embracing these practices and investing in quality security measures, you can transform your Albuquerque home into a fortress of tranquility.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

308 Plaza Muchomas, Bernalillo, NM 87004
Welcome to this wonderful home in the Sundoro South community. Big open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, three way fireplace. Kitchen offers stainless appliances, eat in bar, ample cabinets and countertops for food prep. Kitchen flows nicely into the dining room and great room. Through the sliding doors, find yourself in the best backyard party ever! Covered patio, plus the built-in BBQ grill, two smokers and a disc cooker. Great place to enjoy our NM weather. Back inside, Split primary suite, separate shower, garden tub, dual vanities and walk in closet. 2 more good sized bedrooms that share a bathroom. There is an additional flex space that could be used as an office, hobby room or home school. Beautiful Park just down the street, easy access to I-40.

Impeccable custom T&R built home, in wondrous gated community inBosque Encantada..Upon entering you will be in awe of the customcraftsmanship, from elegant inlaid tile entry, hand crafted fireplace, and ofcourse an incredible cooks kitchen, ss appliances, 2 hi end dishwashers, and anamazing pantry that is accessible from the garage (into the kitchen) .This homehas a custom built green house and workshop attached, fitness room.Masterdown with incredible shower separate closets, with a safe room (forsecurity),Upstairs are additional bedrooms (with their own bathrooms), andbalcony with impressive views of the mountains and surrounding communityLets make new memories, in your exciting new home.

Learn More!

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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

 

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Protect Your Albuquerque Home with These Cybersecurity Best Practices

Sunday, January 21, 2024
by Sandi Pressley

The security of a new home in Albuquerque goes beyond physical barriers. While homeowners prioritize visible precautions like sturdy locks and security cameras to establish safety, they often neglect cybersecurity measures that safeguard the home network. However, failing to secure the digital entry points into a home can leave it vulnerable to intrusion. Just as strong locks deter physical intruders, proactive cybersecurity deters hackers from exploiting weaknesses and gaining access. A truly secure home requires protection for both the physical property and the digital one.

To better secure your home network and protect your personal information, take these key steps: Change the default Wi-Fi name and password, keep your router software updated, disable SSID broadcasting, and implement additional practices like using a firewall, encrypting data, and enabling two-factor authentication. Taking these precautions will prevent unauthorized access, stop hackers from stealing private data for financial gain, and strengthen the overall cybersecurity of your home network.

Risks of having an unprotected home network

Your home network is vulnerable to cyberthreats like data theft, identity theft, and malware without proper cybersecurity. Any device on your network could be compromised. The growing Internet of Things (IoT), with connected devices like smart TVs, thermostats, and refrigerators, introduces new risks. The biggest is the lack of encryption—if an attacker accessed the network, they could steal credentials and data sent to and from devices.

New homeowners must implement key security measures to protect their home network from cyberthreats. The best practices include:

1. Getting a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent way to protect your smart devices by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This prevents unauthorized access to your connection by hackers, software, and web browsers. Most VPN providers are easy to set up on routers or offer DNS features that allow installation on devices that don't natively support VPNs, like smart TVs and game consoles. A key benefit of a VPN is the ability to virtually relocate to other countries, granting access to region-restricted content. For budget-conscious users, an affordable monthly VPN subscription makes this essential cybersecurity tool very accessible, providing reliable protection without being costly.

2. Changing the default passwords on all your smart devices

Keeping the default passwords on your internet-connected devices poses a major security threat. Hackers can take control of your smart devices by gaining unauthorized access and stealing private data or using them for illegal activities like botnets. Botnets are networks of infected devices that hackers control to steal information, distribute spam, or launch cyberattacks. Consequently, changing the default passwords on all your smart gadgets is essential to improve your home's cybersecurity.

3. Installing antivirus software

Antivirus software provides crucial protection by detecting and eliminating malicious viruses like malware and spyware that infiltrate devices. Viruses can enter through email attachments, downloaded apps, web links in texts, or online ads. Once activated, malware damages system data, steals confidential information, spies on system resources, and slows performance. Antivirus software blocks and removes viruses and malware while warning users about dangerous websites, apps, attachments, and links. Installing antivirus software helps secure home networks and smart devices from cyberthreats.

With cyber-attacks on the rise each year, it is crucial for new Albuquerque homeowners to implement cybersecurity practices that protect their homes from threats. Simple yet effective measures like using a VPN, changing default passwords on smart devices, and installing antivirus software can help homeowners establish a sense of safety and cyber defense in their homes.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

1526 Vassar Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Welcome home to this precious house in the heart of the UNM corridor! Charming wood floors lead the way to the open living room plus light and bright kitchen featuring eat-in space and gas range. Featuring FOUR Bedrooms, this one has room for everything. 4th Bedroom also showcases a separate outdoor entrance for potential Air BnB use. Newer TPO Roof (2020) and Electrical Panel Upgrade (2021)...plus a HUGE yard situated on almost 1/4 acre ready for your ideas and projects. Enjoy the convenience of both an attached garage and a U-shaped driveway all while being close to UNM, Green Jeans and the new Whole Foods. Come see this today!

Learn More!

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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

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Keep Your New Albuquerque Home Safe

Friday, January 29, 2021
by Sandi Pressley

Now that you've moved into your new home in Albuquerque, one of the first things you should consider is its safety. You probably carefully inspected the house and neighborhood before you bought it, but there are some other factors to consider now that you have moved in to ensure your family is safe.

Change the locks

You may have been handed the keys to your new home, but are all the other keys accounted for? Perhaps a friend or family member will have a key. Even if it is a brand new home, someone may have had a key from the builder. In order to be sure, change the locks.

Install a security system

Even though you may live in a pretty safe neighborhood in Albuquerque, it is still a good idea to have a security system in place. You can start with a basic system that has four or five cameras and some lights, and add more as necessary. Technology has really brought the price down to get a good system, so it's definitely worth the investment.

Get to know your neighbors

It helps to have good relationships with your neighbors. Since you're new to the neighborhood, it's good that they know who you are and you know who they are. Good neighbors can see things from an outsider's point of view and give you a chance to react. You can do the same for them.

Case the joint

Pretend you are breaking into your own home and find the spots where an intruder could break in. Make sure you secure any of those spots where they could break in.

Give it a once over

Check all through the house to make sure door and windows work as they should. Check for any loose wires or other hazards. Make a list and get these items fixed as soon as you can.

Outdoor safety

Make sure your property is clear of things that can cause injury, such as a rusty gate or fence, or other things left by the previous owner that can be tripping or stabbing hazards.

Check smoke detectors

You can't be sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good condition unless you check them. They could be old and need fresh batteries.

Dryer vents

Make sure that all the vents to stoves, gas pipes, and dryer vents are all clear and working properly. This is something that should be checked regularly to prevent dryer vent fires.

Light it up

Burglars like the dark. Don't let them have it. Make sure all of your entrances are well lighted, and make sure there is sufficient lighting elsewhere. If there's an emergency, the number of your home should be clearly visible to emergency responders. You can also place timers on some of the lights in the house to make it look like someone is home, which is a good option if you're going on vacation.

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!

13504 DESERT ZINNIA Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $1,050,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4556 Square Feet

Highly Sought after High Desert Contemporary Southwestern Beauty. Custom built for Original owner. Well Situated on .86 acre lot to maximize the spectacular Mountain and City views! Incredible floor plan features 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms all with private bathrooms, Dual Masters, with the largest one on main level. Gorgeous, sunny kitchen with quartz counter tops, opens onto bright, light breakfast nook and family room. Complete with kitchen island, double ovens. Soaring ceilings throughout - with walls of windows to enjoy the views from every room. Approx 1500 sqft of wrap around decks/patios on front and back of home can be accessed from all bedrooms. Gorgeous serene courtyard with water feature. Spectacular low maintenance landscaping front and back! Newer TPO top of the line roof.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

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Photo of The Sandi Pressley Team Real Estate
The Sandi Pressley Team
Coldwell Banker Legacy
10400 Academy Rd. NE Suite 100
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-980-2999
505-263-2173 / 505 293-3700
Fax: 505-212-0729
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Quick links to this site are also SandiSells.net or SandiSellsHomes.com