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Homeowners: Protecting Your Home During Vacation Season
Whether you are heading out of town this summer or planning a weekend getaway, your home deserves the same careful attention you give it every day. Our agents at Cressy & Everett Real Estate are proud to serve buyers and sellers across South Bend homes for sale and St. Joseph homes for sale, and we know firsthand how much your property means to you — which is why we want to help you keep it safe while you are away.
Secure Your Home Before You Leave
One of the most important steps before any trip is to conduct a thorough walkthrough of your property. Unlocked doors and windows are among the most common access points for break-ins, and a quick inspection can help eliminate those vulnerabilities before they become a problem.
Before you leave, be sure to:
- Lock all doors, windows, and garage entrances
- Set exterior lights on timers or motion sensors
- Pause mail and package deliveries, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them
Protect Your Systems and Utilities
When a home sits empty for several days, small utility issues can turn into major problems fast. A burst pipe or a malfunctioning HVAC system can go unnoticed while you're away, leading to costly damage and stressful repairs by the time you return.
Take these precautions with your home's systems:
- Shut off the main water supply if you will be gone for an extended period
- Set your thermostat to a safe holding temperature — not off entirely
- Unplug non-essential appliances to reduce the risk of electrical issues
Use Smart Technology to Stay Connected
Smart home technology can give you extra peace of mind while you're away. Whether it's checking your front door from your phone or adjusting the thermostat remotely, these tools make it easy to stay connected to your home no matter where you are.
A few smart features worth considering include:
- A video doorbell or outdoor security cameras
- A smart lock for secure, keyless access for trusted friends or family
- A monitored security system that sends alerts directly to your phone
Enlist a Trusted Neighbor or House Sitter
A lived-in appearance is one of the most effective deterrents against opportunistic theft. Homes that look occupied — with lights on, cars in the driveway occasionally, and regular activity — are far less likely to attract attention than those that appear empty for days at a time.
Ask someone you trust to help by varying how your property looks throughout your absence. Even small gestures, like moving outdoor furniture or checking on the landscape, can make a meaningful difference.
Plan for Lawn and Exterior Maintenance
An overgrown lawn or an overflowing mailbox can quickly signal that no one is home. Keeping up your property's appearance while you are away is not only important for curb appeal — it also plays a key role in home security. Arrange for lawn maintenance to continue on its normal schedule, and use timers for outdoor lighting to create the appearance of regular activity after dark.
Review Your Homeowner's Insurance Before Every Trip
Before you leave town, it's a good idea to take a quick look at your homeowner's insurance policy. Knowing what's covered in situations like a break-in, storm damage, or a system failure can give you one less thing to worry about while you're away. And if you notice any gaps in your coverage, it's much easier to take care of them now than deal with an unexpected surprise later.
Your home is one of your most valuable assets — protecting it while you travel is simply an extension of the care you put into it every day. When you are ready to buy, sell, or explore what is available in the area, the team at Cressy & Everett Real Estate is ready to help — contact us today to get started.
Note: a subscription to the Do Not Call list does not apply when requesting information from our company.
