4 things burglars look for!

4 things burglars look for!

  Every 13 seconds there is a burglary happening somewhere in America. Most targets are found in dense urban environments like t Queens, New York! It is unfortunate but it can be prevented! With a little attention to detail and time you can make your house burglar proof.

 Before we can do that we have to think like a burglar. What do they look for when trying to coordinate the perfect score?

1)    The Presence of Home Security

 60% of burglars will choose a different target if they see any indicator of a home security system. The fact is a simple security sign in the yard makes a difference. It deters up to 60% of home invaders. So it might be a good idea to invest in one.

2)    Possible Witnesses

 So Noise neighbors are not always a bad thing. Neighborhood watches are a strong deterrent of burglars statistically burglars are less likely to target a home that could have someone watching them.

3)    Visibility of the Home

 Although nice big trees and bushes give you privacy they also allow burglars to move undetected through yards and homes. If it hard to be seen from the street it is a prime target for someone looking for an easy job.

4)    Multiple Escape Routes

 Corner lots are easier targets if they have a driveway on both sides it is easy to get in get out. Mix that with a lack of security and tall shrubs blocking your home from public view makes it burglary heaven.

 It is important to have a couple of different measures in place to prevent this from happening to you or your family. You families safety and peace of mind is worth more then anything in the world so be careful out there.

  If you are in the market for selling your home it is a good idea to hire a professional who has a security checklist. It helps you have peace of mind that your realtor knows how to best protect you and your family’s belongings when selling your property.

4 Things to do to protect your home when on vacation

4 Things to do to protect your home when on vacation

  You are planning your trip and your excited about some get serious R & R. You have worked hard to earn this time off for your family not to mention all the planning! Unfortunately most people don’t plan for the worst case in regards to security of their biggest asset. Here are 3 things that will protect you from the cat bandits out there.

1.    Don’t overly show off on Social Media. 

 I know you are excited to tell everyone you know that you will be out of town living your life to its fullest with a fruity drink in your hand. Unfortunately, It is also inviting unwanted guest to potentially have an underground action at your house. So boast at your own risk.

2.    Motion Detector Camera’s

 In the age of smart home motion sensor cameras are becoming more popular. Many people use these to track pets and keep and eye on the babysitter but it can also be useful to protect your home from potential thief’s. Some motion deter cameras now sync to your phone so if you have an unwanted guest you will now and can call authorities on them.

3.    House Sitter

The most traditional way of preventing the wet bandits (home alone reference) from ruining your homecoming is hiring a house sitter. Have a trusted friend or neighbor check in on your house every so often at random times. Offer them free beer or food to help prevent anything bad from happening.

4.    Upgrade your home security

Security systems are getting more and more effective. Doing some research can really help you with setting your mind at ease when away. Your home is your biggest asset it would be horrible to violate your right to privacy.

Enjoy your vacation and stay safe!

Queens Homeowners: 5 Tips to Airbnb Riches

Many homeowners are using Airbnb to help pay off their mortgage. If you live in Queens or Brooklyn, you could be making a ton of extra cash by renting out that spare basement or bedroom for a couple of days a week. 

I know it might be scary having a stranger in your dwelling but for the most part, privacy is the key. If you are worried about thieves or being the next inspired horror film on Netflix, it's wise to use the following safety tips.

AIRBNB SAFTEY TIPS:

• Lock up pricey things out of reach of your guest (s) . 
• Stay at a friends house while renting out your space
• Use the buddy system by always telling a friend or family member about what's going on.
• Have a plan. 

As an Avid Airbnb-er in most cases, I never had an issue with my host.  

Focus on Price. Price it Right.

Research your area and make sure you are not overpricing the space you are renting out. Make sure you price low at first and raise your price little by little as the reviews come in! 

Clean the Space.

I've walked into an Airbnb with the nicest host. He was friendly and accommodating but it looked like he didn't clean in a while which really swayed my experience. You don't have to make your home look like a hotel but make sure it's tidy and the bed is at least made.

Customer Service and Reviews Should Be Your Focus.

When you start hosting focus on going the extra mile because reviews are what's going to bring more business. So be friendly. Leave towels out. Leave enough toilet paper for their stay. Go as far as offering them food and coffee. I had one host make me French Toast. I left that guy a tip! 

Kill the Bugs.

This might seem obvious but make sure your place has no bugs! I never had to deal with roaches but if I did I would leave the worst review possible.  

Professional Pictures.

Take nice pictures with professional lighting to make your place look its best. Even if you had no reviews people will take a chance on a nice looking space. It will also make your spot more appealing compared to all the bad camera phone pictures I tend to see. 

Offer More.

Chances are you are on a mobile device or at home sitting behind a mac right now. Let's face it Wi-Fi is mandatory. Offer more than just Wi-Fi! 

Here's a couple of things to offer outside the norm:

• Netflix
• Hulu 
• Books
• Paid Tours 
• Breakfast 
• Video Games 
• Bottle of wine 

Get creative and watch how great reviews start rolling in. 

Queens Co-op Owners: Top 5 Low Light Plants

So, you're moving into your first co-op and want to bring some plants into the equation. Plants are great for helping clean the air of an apartment and also make your space look more homey. Many people first buy a plant to sadly watch it die after a short 2 weeks. Left asking themselves questions like: "What did I do wrong? Should I really get a dog if you can’t take care of a plant?"

Here is good news! It might not be completely (it might be) your fault. Some plants need to have direct sunlight to flourish, some plants need to be fed more, and some might need to spend 90% of its time hanging near a window. So as a new co-op owner, let us help you pick the one you really don’t have to think much about.

1) The Peace Lilly

Known as a great plant for improving indoor air quality, the Peace Lily is also one of the few low-light friendly options that produces flowers. It’s beautiful and needs minimal light to survive! 

2) Lucky Bamboo

This little plant is easy to come by and is great for dim rooms. It’s cute and perfect to be placed on a desk. 

3) The ZZ Plant

Are you known to be a plant killer?  The ZZ plant is known for its ability to handle neglect and great for people who don’t have the green thumb.

4) The Snake Plant

This plant barely needs a human. Place it in a dark corner and it will still survive!  

5) Spider Plant

A popular houseplant, these interesting plants breed by sending out off-shoots. They do well when their roots are crowded and can thrive in low light conditions.

Good luck and happy watering! 

5 Ways to Avoid Driving Your Realtor® Insane

Not all agents are made equally. Not all agents will be great at what they do. So it’s important to find one with a great reputation and someone who holds their business to a high standard.

SO, YOU FOUND ONE? That’s awesome; I hope your agent is treating your family with the highest level of loyalty and respect.

Like any professional relationship it’s important to be on the same page. So this is how you avoid driving your agent insane.

Being Untrust Worthy. Price Swapping.

Most buyers don’t really pay for a realtor’s time. Some buyers unintentionally or intentionally put themselves and their agents into compromising situations. If you agree to work with an agent, it is wise to stay in communication with your agent.  It is important to be upfront about your intentions. Are you not looking to work with one agent? Are you looking to find a place yourself?

One huge issue that can cause major issues is price swapping. Attempting to negotiate a deal behind your agents back is a big no-no! It not only will cause potential issues legally, but it might cause you to lose the property and sometimes lead to legal issues. So, don’t do it.

Making Unjustified Lowball Offers.

So, you walk into a fully renovated house marketed at $600k. You put in an offer for $400k just to see what the owners say. The real estate business is a business based on building relationships. There is nothing more insulting to a potential seller or agent than constantly low-balling. 

It is in your best interest to be strategic, but you must be realistic and realize that you get no where by insulting someone's biggest asset.

Unrealistic Expectations During Showings.

Demanding loads of unrealistic attention early on is a sure fire way burn a bridge with a realtor who is only trying to help you.

It’s important to educate yourself on the market. Viewing houses is not going to necessarily mean you are ready to purchase. You may be 1-2 years away from actually being ready. You shouldn’t demand so much time from a realtor if you are just looking around. Realtors are not tour guides. They are “home purchasing” consultants.

Indecisiveness

One moment you want a condo, then you want a co-op. Then you read an article and decide to buy a house. Then you realize you can't really afford the upkeep of a house and decide to go back to a co-op. Any good realtor will help you come up with a game plan – before showing your properties . Lay out all your options and help you figure out your budget.

LOOKING TO BUY A HOME IN QUEENS?

So, the next time your not sure how to proceed just ask your trusted realtor. Transparancy is the best form of business. You wouldn’t tell a doctor how to do your surgery? A good professional deserves your respect and loyalty as well.

Happy house hunting!