Article brought to you courtesy of Tricia Zwirner, Windham State Farm Agent
If
your former home hasn't sold, your vacant property could fall victim to the
elements, system failure, vandalism, or burglary. Take steps to lessen the risk
for potentially costly issues.
1)
Maintain
the exterior. Don't let your property look neglected. Make arrangements to have
your lawn mowed, or in winter, your driveway shoveled. Trim branches that could
fall and damage your roof during a storm and clean out clogged gutters to avoid
water damage. Check that exterior lights are working.
2)
Take
precautions with the interior. Install working deadbolts on exterior doors, and make
sure all windows are securely locked. Set your thermostat at a constant
temperature (high enough in winter to prevent freezing) and replace the
thermostat's battery. Seal up pet doors to keep out pests, animals, and other
potential intruders.
3)
Enhance
the vacant property's security. Add motion-sensor lights and entry alarms. Keep
bushes trimmed to remove potential hiding places for burglars. Close the
curtains and blinds to prevent people from seeing in. Use timers for lights and
consider adding a unit that simulates a flickering TV to deter criminals.
4)
Round up support. Enlist neighbors or friends
for additional vacant property protection. Ask them to alert you of any
concerns and occasionally park in the driveway to help make your home seem
occupied. Notify the police and the fire department that the house will be
vacant and leave your phone number with them.
5)
Protect
your investment. Be aware that if your home is vacant for a month or more, your
homeowner’s insurance may not cover losses that occur while it's vacant. You
may need to add a vacancy endorsement to your policy. Talk with your homeowner’s
insurance agent about your options.
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