R E S I D E N T I A L
REAL ESTATE
BE HOMESMART THE BATSON TEAM – FROM OUR VIEWPOINT By Al and Jean Batson
M
ontreux Update (from Statesman Builders) about their pre-leasing schedule: Construction is on target for move-ins late Spring 2019, with their second and final building slated for moveins August and November 2019. The Montreux pre-leasing office trailer is now open. Marketing material and floorplans are now available. Their floorplans will range from 803 square feet – 1,517 square feet with rents starting at $1475 per month. PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND SAFETY: Last month we talked about having your “ducks in a row” insofar as having your legal documents current – do you have a Will or Trust? Healthcare Directives? This month we’re delving a little more into safety in your home; personal and property safety. Our resources indicate that the majority of home burglaries happen during the daytime when people are at work. This has been said many times before, but we all need to take steps to protect our homes and be observant. Posting on the NEXTDOOR website has been very helpful. There have been postings of suspicious vehicles and people complete with details.
Keep your valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank; or if you’re going to have a personal safe, be sure it is fire and waterproof and very heavy so a burglar can’t just pick it up. Today, exterior AND interior cameras are popping up everywhere as evidenced by the news showing those “porch pirates” stealing packages. It’s become an epidemic. If you work all day, can those packages be delivered to your workplace? Or to a stay-at-home neighbor? Cameras are certainly helping the Police in identifying these thieves and sometimes can be a deterrent. RING video door bells seem to be the rage. It might be worth looking into. And rear yard/ patio cameras showing other areas of access would also be a good place to place them. Vehicles have also been a rising statistic; so many times, they hit at night when cars are parked on the street or in a driveway. They go first for those left unlocked and/or those with obvious valuables to steal. If your garage is full of “stuff,” maybe it’s time to clean out and organize so your vehicles can be parked safely inside. Always be sure there are no valuables in your vehicle and the car is securely locked. Make it at least a little difficult. When your vehicle is outside, please be sure your garage door opener is not in view. Put it in the glove box or a side pocket rather than on the visor. Thieves love to break the window, get your address from your registration (you can legally redact your address) and head to your home to rob it. We have friends that experienced that when they were visiting someone at the hospital. The thief saw them go in, broke in, got their address and headed over to clean out the house while they were gone. Get an alarm system – and use it. Most burglars will pass on a home that is posted to have alarm protec-
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tion and head to one that doesn’t. Exterior motion lights can be helpful as well. Make sure windows are closed and locked and patio doors have a pole in the door track. A security front door screen is also helpful in putting another layer between you and whomever is at your door. There are screens that can’t be cut through which are expensive, but valuable. Start a Neighborhood Block Watch – know your neighbors and keep an eye out for each other. If we’re going to be out-of-town, we notify our
neighbors and mention, “If you see a truck pulled into our driveway and they’re loading furniture, please call 9-1-1 because we’re not donating the contents of our home.” It’s sad that there are so many people who have absolutely no remorse about other people’s property or safety. All we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If you have any questions about real estate, please email me at: Jean@ AlandJeanBatson.com
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NORTH TATUM TIMES • February 2019 • 17
