Security Systems We Trust
As you get ever closer to living in your dream home, it’s time to decide if you’d like a home security system installed. Nearly 75% of homes do not have this key feature, putting them at risk of burglary and other serious crimes. With over one million homes burglarized each year, it’s well worth the peace of mind in having that extra protection. The benefits do not end there, however, sweetening the deal even more.If you’d like a little help deciding if a home security system is right for you, here’s a look at how they work and all the top benefits of making this smart investment.How a Home Security System WorksA home security system features a series of window and door sensors that connect to a central control panel. Advanced systems may also have motion detectors in other key locations plus camera equipment you can view in real-time.If the sensors, motion-detectors, or cameras detect any motion, they send a signal to the panel and trigger the alarm. Most security systems have an audible alarm plus a notification system. The notifications may go to a professional monitoring company or straight to your phone if you have a DIY system in place.
Top Benefits of a Home Security System
When you have a home security system installed, you can enjoy all the following benefits.
Protect Your Valuables
Since home security systems go off upon detecting windows and doors opening or movement in the area, they often send burglars scurrying before they can steal anything. Your valuables will remain right where they belong, saving you from coming home to serious losses. On average, burglary offenses leave victims with $2,799 in losses, which is enough to pay for a rather fancy security system and professional monitoring several times over.
Increase Safety
If burglars manage to get inside while your family is at home, there’s a 26% chance of someone ending up the victim of a violent crime. With a security system blasting the alarm and alerting you to the danger, it’s possible to avoid a truly frightening situation.
Check on the Crew
Advanced security systems let you check in on the household while you’re away, so you always know that your crew is doing well. You can simply look through the cameras, for example, or even use the two-way chat feature to check-in.
Decrease Insurance Rates
Homeowners insurance companies often offer a discount on their annual rates for homes equipped with security systems. You can save up to 10% from most companies, keeping $200 more in your pocket on $2,000 annual policies.
Improve Remote Control
With all the smart devices on the market today, it just makes sense to invest in a central hub for their control. Your alarm can serve as that hub, letting you control your door locks, cameras, thermostat, lights, and so much more. You can then check that you locked your doors and turn on and off the lights while on the go to improve your security even more.
Get Total Peace of Mind
In the end, home security systems greatly improve peace of mind whether you’re at home, at work, or on the road. You can rest assured that you’re doing all you can to keep burglars and other criminals at bay. Plus, it gives you a chance to check-in and see how things are going whenever you feel the need.With all these benefits on your side, it just makes sense to invest in a home security system for your new build. Although that’s an easy decision, it might be a bit more difficult to choose between all the best brands.
Choosing Between DIY and Professional Monitoring
Before you pick your favorite home security system, you have to decide if you want professional monitoring or prefer to go the DIY route. With a professionally monitored system, your company of choice comes in to create a custom system, and then installs it in your home. After that, they respond to all alarms by contacting law enforcement, notifying you of the problem, or a combination of the two.DIY systems allow you to piece together your system using a variety of components, including cameras, window and door sensors, and motion detectors. If you go this route, you can slowly piece together your system, and then monitor it yourself. As the alerts come through your phone, you’ll need to decide how to respond to the situation and call the authorities yourself if need be.
Best-Selling Home Security System Brands
There are dozens of DIY and professional home security systems available, making it difficult to choose the best one. If you’re having trouble choosing a system, you really cannot lose with any of these top five best-selling brands.
Vivint
Often applauded as the best home security system overall, Vivint is a professionally installed and monitored system with smart capabilities. The system starts at $599 and monitoring costs $29.99 per month. They don’t require a contract.
ADT
ADT allows you to get a professionally monitored alarm installed with no upfront cost, but you do have to sign a 36-month contract. Monitoring services start at $28.99 and go up from there. The alarm connects to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart devices.
SimpliSafe
With SimpliSafe, you can keep things wholly DIY or install the system yourself, and then sign up for professional monitoring. Either way, the smart alarm equipment starts at $229, but there’s no need for a contract. If you want to go with monitoring, then it’ll cost between $14.99 and $24.99 per month.
Ring Alarm
While it all started as a doorbell camera, Ring has entered the alarm industry. Their DIY home security system starts at $199.99 and connects to all their cameras for a clear view of your home and property. You can monitor the alerts yourself using your phone or sign up for professional monitoring for as little as $10 per month.Once you have the right home security system brand in mind, you can go ahead and have it installed in your home. From there, it’s just a matter of keeping an eye on the alerts – or letting your professional monitoring team do the work – to ensure that your household stays safe and sound.
Watson Homes Inc.
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