Home security might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In its simplest form, it merely involves identifying what your weak points are and then working to resolve them. It is something important that every homeowner needs to pay attention to because it will determine just how safe you and your family will be in your new home.

Since this is your first time buying a home, it will undoubtedly be your first time establishing your home security as well. That is the reason why this simple guide exists—to show you what you need to go over as you start down your path of home security as a first-time buyer.

Become Familiar With Your Neighborhood

Many people make the mistake of thinking that home security is a stand-alone construct that is merely meant to take care of your home and everything in its immediate vicinity. However, it is important to understand that home security has further reaching implications, and it can be affected by things that are not so close to home.

One of these things is the state of your neighborhood. The neighborhood that you live in factors into your home security by helping you to identify weak points that might be inherent in your area, and also helping you to fashion safety plans with appropriate exit routes and meet up locations.

In addition to this, becoming familiar with your neighborhood allows you to become familiar with your neighbors, who are an extension of your home security. They can alert you to danger before you see it, or they can keep a watchful eye out for your home when you are out of town. Think of your neighbors as roommates that live in another house.

Analyze Your Exterior

Analyzing the exterior of your home is essential as you continue to shape your home security. Your home’s exterior is your first line of defense and it should be utilized as such. It is important to make sure that you have a clear line of sight from your home to your exterior. For example, if there are any overgrown bushes or ample hiding spots that a burglar could make use of, you want to make sure that you get rid of them.

The process of checking out your exterior also gives you the opportunity to find the best place to position motion sensor floodlights and other security measures that will help you keep your brand new home safe from theft. Furthermore, this process allows you to employ some nifty DIY tips that will maximize your home’s security.

For instance, some homeowners grow thorny plants under their first-floor windows in order to make it challenging for anyone who decides to try and climb through your window.

Change Your Locks

Now, this is an extremely important part of the buying a new home that many homeowners overlook. Chances are, you are not the first person to live in the home that you currently reside in, and there is a possibility that someone might also have a copy of the keys to your house such as a previous homeowner, contractor, or realtor. A big part of keeping your home secure is keeping proper control over your keys, and one of the best ways to do this is to change your locks.

When you move into a new home, make sure that you hire a locksmith to replace your locks or rekey them so that each of your locks works with a new set of keys. In the process of determining whether you are going to rekey your locks or replace them, you will be able to take a look at the locks you already have in place and see if there is anything that you can do to upgrade them and make them more secure. This can either be done by buying high-security locks or by utilizing some DIY methods.

In addition to changing the locks on your doors, make sure that you also evaluate the locks on the windows of your home. This is something that homeowners often forget to do, but it is important to be aware of both your windows and your doors since these are two very common entryways that burglars use.

Perform a Maintenance Check

Performing a maintenance check allows you to compile a list of everything that might not be in working order so that you have an opportunity to fix any issues. This list could contain anything from a burnt out exterior lamp to a rusty garage lock. It is important to realize that nothing is too big or too small and a burglar can capitalize on the least amount of room that you give them.

These maintenance checks will help you identify the weak points of your home and bolster them. For instance, many homeowners overlook the security of sliding glass until they perform a maintenance check.

Invest in a Home Security Alarm or Surveillance System

Security systems and surveillance cameras were once a luxury that could only be bought by a small percentage of people. However, thanks to the advent of DIY surveillance systems and cheaper forms of home security systems, they are now features that any homeowner can take advantage of.

A home security system will help alert you if a burglar is in your home, in addition to alerting you of looming danger, and helps you to contact the authorities if anything goes wrong.

Surveillance cameras also help give homeowners an additional eye around their home as well as the ability to monitor their properties even if they are away. Home security systems and surveillance cameras can cast a much wider security net, and this helps to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Securing Your First Home

Joining the elite club of homeowners is a big accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself. In all of this excitement, just make sure that you don’t lose track of what really matters.

Home security is important, and it needs to be taken care of and maintained to ensure that you are receiving the best output from it.

What home security measures do you prefer?

Ralph Goodman is a professional writer and the resident expert on locks and security over at the Lock Blog. The Lock Blog is a great resource to learn about keys, locks, and safety. They offer tips, advice, and how-tos for consumers, locksmiths, and security professionals.

Posted by Brittany Foster

Brittany is a writer, editor, and content manager interested in law, marketing, and technology. She's been writing for LawDepot since 2014.

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