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New Homeowner? Why You Need a Vivint Home Security System

Jan 28, 2021|

If you recently took the leap from renter to new homeowner, congratulations! The months or years of saving, planning, and house hunting have finally paid off. 

As a new homeowner, you probably have a lot of things on your mind—including how to make your new home as safe and secure as possible for you and your family.

We know it can be overwhelming, so we've gathered up some of the best security tips for your new home, many of which can be done in a weekend.

Safety tips for new homeowners 

There are a few steps you can take right off the bat as a new homeowner to help you get the lay of the land and make your home safer in general.

vivint home security system
The simple act of introducing yourself to your new neighbors is a great way to protect your home.
 
  1. Research the area. Real estate agents aren’t able to disclose facts on crime and demographics of your neighborhood due to Fair Housing laws, so researching the neighborhood will be up to you as a new homeowner. In addition to looking at things like crime statistics and sex offender registries, pay attention to things in your neighborhood like lighting. For example, if there are few streetlights, installing motion lights can help make your home safer by deterring potential burglars. 
  2. Meet the neighbors. There are lots of benefits to introducing yourself to the new neighbors. Not only will it help foster a sense of community, but it can also make your home and neighborhood safer. If your neighbors know who lives in your house, they’ll be more likely to notice if someone who doesn’t live there is lurking around on your property. If you ever go out of town or need a pet sitter, it’s also nice to be able to rely on your neighbors for help. 
  3. Look for vulnerabilities around your home. Take a walk around the inside and outside of your home and examine each point of entry, including doors, windows, or doggy doors. Make sure they are all in good working order and test each and every lock to ensure they work. Since 35% of all burglars enter a home without force through an unlocked door or window, locking up is one of the easiest ways to keep intruders out. 
  4. Prepare for emergencies. Hopefully, you never need to make a quick exit from your home in case of an emergency, but you should still have a plan in place. For example, put together a fire escape plan for your family that includes two exit points, and practice as a family. You can also keep lists of emergency contacts easily accessible. 
  5. Don’t forget the landscaping. Landscaping is designed to make your home more attractive overall, but it can also make your home more appealing to a burglar, as well. Large, overgrown shrubs and plants that cover windows make it easier for intruders to case your home or break in unnoticed. Trimming bushes and shrubs is a quick and easy way to make your home look great while keeping intruders away. 
vivint home security system
Trimming the bushes and shrubs in your front yard is a simple way to protect your home from burglars.
 

Home security tips

Inside your home, there are a few must-dos for new homeowners to make your home safer and more secure. (Hint: some of these also make great gifts for new homeowners!) 

Change your locks 

This should be the first thing you do upon moving in. While you probably received the previous homeowners’ keys at closing, you never know who else may have a key to your home. Changing your door locks will ensure only you and the people you trust have access to your new home. 

Vivint smart locks make it easier than ever to change your locks and control access to your home without having to make copies of keys. Instead of a physical key, you can lock and unlock your door right from your smartphone. You can also create codes for each member of your family, so you know who’s coming and going and when. You can even create codes for visiting friends and family members, and then delete them when they leave.

vivint smart lock
Installing Vivint smart locks is one of the best ways to protect your new investment.
 

Add protection for water damage

Water damage from leaks inside the home, such as a burst pipe or broken dishwasher, can be surprisingly expensive to fix—the average claim is $2,582. And while it’s true that homeowners insurance will probably cover damage, prevention is much easier (and affordable).

With a Vivint Water Sensor, you’ll know immediately if there is a leak in your home and can act quickly to help prevent damage. These small devices can be placed anywhere around your home that is prone to leaks, such as a water heater, toilet, or washing machine, and will alert you if moisture is detected. The built-in temperature monitor can also help prevent burst pipes, another avoidable headache for new homeowners. 

Let’s be neighbors.

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Replace your smoke and CO2 detectors

By law, all residential homes are required to have working smoke detectors. And according to FEMA, they should be replaced every ten years. Moving into a new home is the perfect time to upgrade your smoke detectors. 

While you’re at it, it’s also a good time to add carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is also odorless and colorless, so a CO2 detector is a must-have to keep your family safe. 

Vivint Smoke Detectors and CO2 Detectors are quick to detect smoke, excess heat, and CO2 and sound the alarm so you and your family can get to safety. As part of a Vivint system, they are also connected to Vivint’s 24/7 monitoring team so they can immediately send emergency personnel. 

vivint smoke detector
Moving into a new home? Now is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your smoke and CO2 detectors.
 

Install a security system

If you really want to protect your home from intruders or break-ins, a complete professional security system is your best bet. And since burglars want to get in and out of a house as quickly as possible without being seen, even the presence of a security sign in your yard acts as an effective deterrent. 

When choosing a security system, look for one that includes the basics, but can also be customized to your needs. 

A Vivint security system offers everything needed to protect your home inside and out, including: 

  • Door and window sensors, including glass break sensors
  • Motion detectors for inside your home 
  • 24/7 professional monitoring 
  • Professional installation  
  • Access and control of your home wherever you are via the Vivint app

You can also customize your system based on your budget and needs. For example, you can add other smart security devices, including surveillance cameras, garage door control, and smart locks, or include home automation for convenience around the house.

Top 5 Security Essentials Ebook

Download our guide to home security.

Home is everything, so protect it. In this free guide you’ll find the information you need to create a safer, more secure home with the added convenience and comfort that come with smart automation.

Make your new home safer today

With these tips, you can help make your new home safer and more secure, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on what's really important—enjoying your new home and creating memories with your family.

Ready to learn more about home security? Contact our Smart Home Pros today at 800.646.1469 and find out how you can create a custom security system for your new home.

Get a free quote today.

A Vivint Smart Home Pro will contact you within 24 hours. Or skip the form and call now: 844.481.8630.

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*Offer Details

Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.

Third-Party Financing Options Available

Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.

Vivint Systems & Services

System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.