Ways To Keep Your Home Safe

by admin on April 9, 2012

If you think back to your childhood and how you felt about your home, it is likely that you remember it as the most comfortable part of your world. As a child, your home is where your parents are, where you sleep every night, where you play after school, etc. It follows, therefore, that as a parent and a homeowner, you should attempt to do all you can to preserve this sense of comfort for your family. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that your home remains a safe and secure environment. So, with that in mind, here are a few tips for how to build and maintain a secure environment in and around your home.

• Security System – Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when considering securing your home is home security systems! Modern systems can come equipped with a number of features, including motion sensors, alarms, video cameras, smoke detectors, etc., which, all together, can form a virtually impenetrable web of security around your home. These systems are completely essential if you want to make your home as safe as possible.
• Exterior – There are a number of things you can do to the outside of your home to decrease the likelihood of any criminal activity. To begin with, along with your security system, put a sign in the front yard indicating the fact that you are protected. Additionally, keep windows and doors closed at night and when nobody is home, and try to have a car in the driveway or visibly in the garage at all times – these little things make it obvious that your home is occupied and protected, and thus make it a less appealing target for criminals.
• Neighbors – It may seem like a concept totally unrelated to home security, but forging relationships with your neighbors is one of the best ways to create a safe and secure environment around your home. As you bond with your neighbors, you can trust them to work with you to keep your neighborhood safe, and you can be assured that they will tell you if anything seems wrong in or around your property. This can particularly be helpful if you have to be out of town for any amount of time.
• Vigilance – Finally, there is simple, practiced vigilance on your part. The most significant aspect of home security is how well you perform at keeping your house safe. This means locking doors at night, not opening the door for just anybody, and even teaching your kids how and when to lock doors and set the alarm, etc. It is your responsibility, after all, to protect your home whenever you are inside it, and maintaining vigilance can make your home the comfortable and secure environment that you need it to be.

- Max Neufeld is an online blogger and professional freelance contributor to multiple social media outlets. He contributes to marketing campaigns for websites like HomeSecuritySystem.com.

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There was a rise of 12.8% on existing home sales within the month of December. This meant that the increase was 5.28 million units, and the brainerd-real-estate-talkforecast was a rise of about 4.1% or about 4.87 million units (The National Association of Realtors is responsible for collating these figures). In the event, the actual figures have surpassed expectations. On the other hand the supply of homes in December fell to 8.1 million units. This is the lowest recorded level since March in the previous year.

An overview of the trends [click to continue…]

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Please find the response the GLAR REALTORS have provided to Crow Wing County in regards to the proposed ordinance.

“We encourage you to share this information with anyone you feel may be interested and suggest providing comments to the County prior to December 20, 2010.

Land Use Revisions

Here is a peak into the .PDF files,

Revision Requests:

1) Issues Related to Existing Lots, Uses, and Structures.

2) Issues Related to Standard for Impervious Area and Shoreline Vegetation Buffers.

3) Issues Related to the County’s Administration of the Proposed Ordinance.

4) Various Other Specific Aspects of the Proposed Ordinance.

[click to continue…]

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Minnesota Foreclosure Video

by Jeff on December 14, 2010

MinnesotaFaceofForeclosure.com has an excellent video on Minnesota Foreclosures.

Minnesota Foreclosure VideoTalking Points:

* Foreclosure Process

* Resources & Who to Turn To

* Foreclosure Counseling

* Additional Tools

SEMAR Presentation Minnesota Foreclosure Slideshow

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Promising Year for Minnesota Homeowners

by Jeff on December 14, 2010

The mantra amongst aspiring homeowners in the Minnesota region seems to be “Now, we certainly can!”. According to various specialists, 2011 should be the year when the realty industry finally emerges from a four-year decline, bringing new hopes and promises. However, are people ready to take the leap of faith, or will everyone write this off as just another ploy meant to stir the hopelessly stale real estate markets?

Welcome to Minneapolis

Judging from the latest reports issued by the GLAR (Greater Lakes Area Realtors), it certainly seems the industry is gradually healing in certain regions of the USA, Minnesota being a shining example. With an unique alignment of historically low interest rates, rising wages and of course remarkably moderated home values, this may be the perfect opportunity for prospective home buyers to take action and realize their dreams. [click to continue…]

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2010 Crow Wing County Zoning Meeting

November 23, 2010

Ordinance revisions,  part of the County’s Future Land Use Map Project, can be viewed on the County website at www.co.crow‐wing.mn.us. All comments submitted will be added to the official file and also will be handed off to the policy-makers. County staffers will analyze the public comments over a 30-60 day period. Another public hearing will [...]

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Choosing Lake Home – Five Points to Ponder

November 9, 2010

Tips for Buyers: Selecting a Lake home Nothing beats waking up in the morning and having a cup of coffee on a balcony that is overlooking a beautiful lake. Imagine..  Just laying back on your chair, take a sip on your coffee then close your eyes and take a deep breath of fresh air, it [...]

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Win $10,000 and Prizes – Brainerd Rotary Reverse Raffle

October 12, 2010

Brainerd Rotary Club’s Reverse Raffle Win big with the 2010 reverse raffle hosted by the Rotary Club of Brainerd Minnesota. Proceeds from the raffle go to the Rotary and help support local organizations which help kids. What a great way to help local children and have a little fun in the process. Purchase tickets from [...]

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The Monthly Skinny – August 2010

September 30, 2010

Minnesota Housing Market Overview Maintaining interest rates for long term periods Economy is driving housing market

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Minnesota Monthly Real Estate Reports in August 2010

September 10, 2010

Brainerd Real Estate and Surrounding Areas. The realty market in the Minnesota area is steadily growing and it has been the backbone of the local economic development. Courtesy of GLAR (Greater Lakes Area Realtors), there is a comparative analysis of the foreclosure reports between July 2009 and July 2010.  Since the web is full of [...]

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