Real estate investors who decide to invest in rental homes do so with the goal of getting the best ROI possible. While home renovations, maintenance, and extras will inevitably contribute to getting a higher rental fee, security benefits should not be overlooked. Security measures do require an investment but can be exceptionally cost-effective and will allow you to get a better return from your property investment.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of our top home security tips to get investors a better ROI.
Why is property security important to your investment?
Security is an important aspect to consider when investing in a home property. Neglecting or underestimating security’s role and importance can open the door to numerous issues. Investing in security systems will bring multiple benefits for successful real estate investors.
The principal reason security is so important is that it protects your investment. Properties that have no security or minimal security are more open to burglaries, vandalism, and crime in general. Another major benefit is that a good security strategy affords investors a certain peace of mind. Having to worry constantly about an investment property can be distressing and distracting.
Insurance premiums may also be reduced aiding you in regaining money spent to pay equipment and installation expenses you may have had to cover during the upgrading of your property’s security. Regardless of whether you have invested in a residential apartment complex or have a need to stage open homes for rental purposes, a robust security system is in the best interest of investment protection and returns.
Finally, your property value may increase due to the extra security tools you install.
Where to begin
Begin by researching the area where you plan on investing, or if you’ve already invested, it’s recommended to gather as much information about the locality as possible. This should include both pros and cons. Knowing any drawbacks will help when planning safety and security measures.
Before you can enact any security upgrade to your investment property, the home needs to be inspected for vulnerabilities, beginning with the perimeter. Performing a security audit can help you identify weaknesses and hiding spots. Any spot that is at risk for intrusion or other safety considerations should be noted. In addition, your security strategy should include options for shoring up any of these vulnerabilities.
Next, your attention should focus on the entrance and access points to the home investment property. The proper choice of locks can afford your tenants a greater sense of security. Keep in mind that property locks should be changed whenever there is a change of tenants, or you can opt for an access control system that allows you to electronically change credentials without changing locks. Evaluate outdoor lighting. Here are our most important home security tips for your consideration.
1. Use secure door locks
Home security begins with locks, and you shouldn’t use just any lock but a secure one. High-security door locks will not only render a home property more secure but will increase the home’s value. Locks, in particular, may be able to lower your property’s insurance premiums because the home features higher security equipment.
What qualifies as a high-security door lock? Ideally, it is a deadbolt lock that has an ANSI Grade 1 rating. The lock’s body should also be grade 1 so that it features a higher rating for fire resistance. These locks should also feature anti-pick, bump, or snap mechanisms so that they cannot be bypassed. Choose a respected locksmith who can provide and install a high-security lock to increase the home’s protection! Be careful with spare keys and don’t leave one under the flower pot.
2. Consider the windows
Windows need to be resistant and secure, especially ground-floor windows. Burglary and theft often take place because a window or door is left unlocked. For this reason, install window locks! If you have resources available, install safety, laminated, or tempered glass. If you have invested in a location with higher crime rates, consider metal grills outside your property’s windows.
3. Install security surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras can be a very attractive feature that can command a better investment return. Finding an expert for your business-grade security camera installation may involve more expense but will nonetheless improve the investment return. Video monitoring ensures that the home property is being watched 24/7 and this is a major crime deterrent. Security cameras see what people, both tenants and neighbors don’t. remember to keep a camera pointed toward driveways or potential parking spots as well as pools or other property amenities.
Should the property experience a break-in or vandalism, video recordings can prove to be an important investigative tool. Newer camera systems can also be integrated with other smart home systems so that investors can create a security network for their property. The integration of smart home systems brings the added benefit that if one device fails, there are others in place that will continue to protect the property. To reduce energy consumption, you can opt for cameras with motion sensors so that the cameras will only record when movement is detected. Cameras can then send a clip to tenants alerting them.
4. Install a video doorbell
The installation of a video doorbell with an intercom will permit tenants to see who is at the door before they open it.
5. Design your landscaping wisely
A cost-effective method for improving a home investment’s security is the property’s landscaping. Property exteriors, yards, lawns, and premises in general should not be taken for granted as they are a fundamental part of a layered security strategy. Creating several layers of barriers can increase your security strategy and act as a deterrent to criminals as your property’s exterior is your first line of defense.
Make your property’s landscaping work to your advantage. Plant thorny bushes and hedges below windows or other secondary access points so that burglars are dissuaded from entering. Use rocks, stones, or gravel on paths and walkways so that sneaking up on your property is difficult if not impossible.
6. Consider installing fences and gates
Fences and gates can aid in keeping intruders out and off your property. Maintaining an open property where anyone can enter the premises can be dangerous. Only your tenants should have access or keys to the fence gates.
7. Install exterior lighting with security in mind
Good lighting is also a crucial defense tool. By selecting great exterior lighting, you can dissuade burglars and vandals from even attempting to enter or deface your home investment property. Efficacious exterior lighting eliminates places where criminals can hide and will afford your tenant a clear line of vision across the rental property.
Good lighting can also improve the efficiency of a security camera monitoring system when recording what happens on or at your property. Exterior lighting systems can be automated or switched on. If you prefer an eco-friendly solution, install exterior lighting with motion sensors so that lights turn on only when there is a need, which can save on energy consumption and be more cost-effective.
8. Install smart home technology
Smart home technology not only facilitates daily living and tasks but also offers security benefits. Smart home technology can improve your property’s security, and you want your investment to be secure. One example of smart home technology which can have a significant influence on security is the smart lock.
A smart lock not only manages remote access and adjusts the means of entry as needed. It also can be programmed to send alerts to local authorities, emergency first responders, or security personnel. The smart lock qualifies as an alarm system as well as a security lock. Smart locks can also inform property investors as to how they are being used so that should someone, even a tenant, attempt to bypass the lock, you the investor can be alerted.
9. Don’t forget the alarm
Alarms alone can be inadequate, but they can bolster an overall security strategy. Alarms, including smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and unauthorized entry alarms, should ideally be connected with local police or security team members. An alarm system can protect property from damage and save thousands of dollars in the process. When installing an alarm system, incorporate alarm sensors on doors and windows! Furthermore, set up some type of access control measure. Most alarm systems can be customized to meet specific requests.
10. Post warning signs
Consider posting several warning signs around the property. External signs informing the public that a security system protects your property or video-monitored can be a great obstacle to would-be intruders and criminals. They may be less likely to target your property if they think there is a good chance they may be caught, even if only on a video recording.
Conclusion
These home security tips can help real estate investors increase the value of home investment properties while increasing the property’s security. While they do require a monetary investment, effective security systems can be achieved without breaking the bank in the process. Layering security tools and strategies can produce a higher-yielding real estate investment to increase the protection of your investment significantly. Finally, don’t forget to acquire a good property insurance policy!
