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LEAVING FOR VACATION? READ THESE 6 SECURITY TIPS BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Jun 13, 2019

EVEN RENTERS NEED TO KEEP THEIR HOME SAFE

Today, it’s more important than ever that renters take an active role in protecting their belongings – especially while they’re away from home. And luckily, there are no shortages of security tips, products, and services available at the push of a button. Making a rental home more secure is often much easier than you may think. Before you leave for that summer vacay, make sure you take care of the following security tips from Realty Times:

  • Leave the lights on
Start by making sure your rental appears to be occupied in your absence. This can be done in a variety of ways, including leaving a television or radio on in the home, using motion activated lighting and placing interior lights on timers. There are even apps you can download, including one that loops random barking and growling sounds, which might seem silly, but when asked, most burglars say they’d stay away if they heard a big, loud dog. One criminal called it a “deal-breaker.”

  • Hold your mail and stop your newspaper
“According to a US Postal Service official, mail theft is on the rise, with the objective of getting access to financial information to exploit for personal gain,” said ABC 10. A stack of newspapers at your front door will also signal crooks that no one’s home. If you get regular deliveries of things like coffee, office supplies or diapers, be sure to call and cancel while you’re gone. Packages piling up at your front door can invite theft of your home, and the stuff you ordered.

  • Hire a dog sitter or close the doggy door
One of the top obstacles to home break-ins is a barking dog. Rover is a great place to find a qualified dog sitter in your neighborhood who can stay with your pooches and watch your house at the same time. Use this code to get $20 off your first booking: SUSANH12405. If you board your dogs, be sure to lock up your doggy door while you’re gone. You might also want to place a chair or a plant in front of it for extra protection.

  • Tell Your Neighbors
No list of home security tips would be complete without this one: Make sure your neighbors know the dates of your trip so they can keep an eye on your home. Also, leave your house key with a trusted neighbor for emergencies and tell them how to get in touch with you. If you leave a key hidden under the mat or in the planter next to the front door, security experts advise you to remove it. Thieves are looking for an easy way in and a hidden key can be the invitation they’re looking for.

  • Install a security system
A security system continues to be the No. 1 deterrent to break-ins. From battery operated alarms installed on doors and windows, to monitored sophisticated alarms with video, the choices are wide-ranging. One of the fastest growing and most popular components of home security systems today is indoor and outdoor cameras. Cameras can be mounted outdoors to monitor property, at entryways to keep track of deliveries and visitors, and even inside the house to keep an eye on pets and monitor interior security.

  • Don’t advertise your absence.
Avoid announcing your absence publicly on social media. Keep lawns mowed. Leave a radio on in your absence. A talk radio station can be particularly effective in creating the illusion someone is present in the home. There are even apps you can download, including one that loops random barking and growling sounds, which might seem silly, but when asked, most burglars say they’d stay away if they heard a big, loud dog. One criminal called it a “deal-breaker.”

By following these 6 home security tips, renters can relax and concentrate on having fun while away from your residence. If you’re looking for a new place to live in Ventura County, contact the premier full-service Property Management, ReMax Gold Coast. We represent premier long-term rentals in Hollywood Beach, Silverstrand, Mandalay Shores, Port Hueneme, Oxnard Shores, Seabridge, Westport, Mandalay Bay, Oxnard homes and condos, Ventura Keys, Pier Pont, Faria, Solimar & Rincon BeachPark beaches and Ventura and Camarillo. Please call us at +1 (805) 832-4075.

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By Kristina Brewer 25 Mar, 2020
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By Kristina Brewer 23 Mar, 2020
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By Kristina Brewer 19 Mar, 2020
Since the coronavirus outbreak, more and more people are working from home. That means our renters need a workable home office. Here’s how to create a snazzy one that will make you look forward to clocking in. 1) The essentials Some experts have said there are only two essentials for a functional home office: a comfortable chair and a door that closes. Most people, however, probably have a few more requirements. Basic elements of designing a room include smart space planning, adequate lighting and sufficient storage. When setting up your home office, also consider functionality and comfort. 2) Get horizontal Start with your work surface. Stock desk units come in a variety of materials but may be difficult to fit in with your room. Modular office furniture is more flexible and comes in many styles. Or look to repurposed furniture. With some judicious changes, you can turn flea market finds and antiques into acceptable home office elements. Don’t hesitate to make a piece your own with a simple coat of paint in your favorite color. 3) Take a seat Chairs need to be functional, but an office chair isn’t your only choice. If you’ll be spending a lot of time working in the office, consider including a lounge chair or chaise. It will make a comfortable spot for reading or coffee breaks. For your desk, choose a chair with an adjustable seat and armrests to protect your spine and help reduce aches and injuries. To personalize it, add a throw pillow to coordinate with window coverings or other decorative elements in the room. 4) Essential details Make a list of everything you need, from pencils and paper clips to research materials and file folders. Pick a color scheme and purchase the necessities in your favorite palette. Measure all the electronic equipment you’ll require to determine where it will fit best. And make sure you add some favorite framed photos or artwork to inspire you. To create softness and texture underfoot, layer on an area rug to anchor your space. 5) Light it up Natural light is great, and we have it in abundance here in Ventura County. But you’ll still need ambient and task lighting too. Here is another opportunity to add a bit of personal style to your space via lamp shades, crystals and fixture finishes. Watch out for the possibility of glare, especially when finding a place for your computer screen. If your office space doesn’t have a door, you can establish a sense of privacy by the way you orient your work surface or by using a screen or file cabinets to mark off the area. RE/MAX Gold Coast represents home rentals in prime areas of Ventura County with the perfect space to set up your home office. Our portfolio includes the Boat Dock Unfurnished Home located in Mandalay Bay pictured at the top of this blog. With 1510 square feet, and three bedrooms, three baths, there’s plenty of room in this fully furnished rental. Upstairs, you’ll find custom built office space complete with bookcases and a desk. Or, if you need more than one office, you could covert one of the three bedrooms into a fully functioning office. We have other rental homes in prime spots from Hollywood Beach, Silverstrand, Port Hueneme, Oxnard Shores, Seabridge and Westport, to Mandalay Bay, Oxnard homes and condos, Ventura Keys, Pier Pont, Faria, Solimar & Rincon BeachPark beaches and Ventura and Camarillo. Just call us at +1 (805) 832-4075 and we’ll help you find the perfect home for you to set up the perfect home office. Share your favorite ways to spruce your office space — we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
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