Home for sale, real estate market, seller's market, house sale

Homebuyer Journey Concerns in a Seller’s Market

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Home for sale, real estate market, seller's market, house sale

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire or any state right now, you must be aware that this is a serious seller’s market. In fact, in 2021 the number of homes for sale has decreased, but the average home price has soared.

Buying in a seller’s market means you’re likely going to encounter a bidding war – and the bidding wars are about more than just sellers picking the buyer who offers the highest price. In order to sweeten the pot and make offers more attractive buyers are waiving the home inspection contingency. This can lead to serious issues down the line in the form of unforeseen electrical, roof, foundation, or plumbing problems. In fact, unexpected repairs and maintenance issues topped Zillow’s recent list of homebuyer regrets.

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What to Teach Your Kids and Teens About Good Home Security (That Won’t Scare Them)

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

The majority of break-ins happen during the summer – the time when children are free from school and often home alone. While there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of a burglary, it is also important to teach your kids good home security practices to further protect them from potential harm. 

Teaching both your younger children and teens about home safety can empower them, but you want to make sure you share the right information in the right way. 

Here are 6 essential ways you can teach your kids about home security without scaring them. Implement these in your home to help all the members of your family to be safer and more secure even when left alone.

Let your children know they’re safe

Explaining to your child that there are things they need to do to stay safe at home might scare them. So, first and foremost, ensure your children that they are already safe and secure. 

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Landscape design with plants and flowers at residential house. Scenic view of nice landscaped garden in backyard.

How to Equip Your Yard and Garden for Better Home Security

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Landscape design with plants and flowers at residential house. Scenic view of nice landscaped garden in backyard.The average burglary costs a homeowner $2800. That’s a family vacation, half a year’s worth of car payments, or a new update you needed to make on your home gone in one moment. You don’t want that. No one does. What can you do about it?

One major thing you may not have thought of yet is to secure your home’s garden. This includes your front and back yards, shed, and any other part of your outdoor property. 

Securing your yard and garden works to deter burglars because most burglars are looking for properties with easy access. If your home’s exterior is clearly protected, you’re less likely to be burgled. 

Check out these five ways to use your property’s exterior for better home security. Implement them right away to ensure you and your belongings stay safe in your home.

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Backpacker crossing a stream in the mountains

Outdoor Hiking Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Backpacker crossing a stream in the mountains

Hiking and backpacking are fun, adventurous pastimes, but they do not come without their share of risk. Avoid any potential dangers this season by following these simple outdoor hiking safety tips. A little preparation and mindfulness will help each of your outdoor excursions to be successful. 

Hiking Safety Tips

Carry the Proper Mapping Tools

Pack GPS technology as well as a traditional map and compass while out on the trail. This will cover you in areas where there is limited service or your battery runs out. Learn how to use your technology and familiarize yourself with the map before you go to ensure that you are ready for the hike ahead.

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Camping tent in a forest

Outdoor Camping Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Camping tent in a forestCamping is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, but it does come with some risk. Plan in advance and avoid any potential dangers this season by following these simple outdoor camping safety tips. With the right preparation, each of your outdoor adventures can be safe and enjoyable.

Camping Safety Tips

Pack the Essentials

There are a few standard items you want to make sure to always have with you before you camp. Build or follow a checklist to ensure you have everything you need. Going on a hike as well? The “Ten Essentials” list is also a great resource to use when planning what to bring hiking.

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Woman Stealing Clothes From Store

Shoplifting Rises During April School Vacation

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Woman Stealing Clothes From Store

New England store owners lose billions of dollars annually in stolen merchandise. In Massachusetts alone, shrinkage due to shoplifting reached approximately one billion dollars last year. While the largest spike in shoplifting occurs during the holiday season, April is also a month in which shoplifting is more common, as youth are usually on spring break during this time.

The majority of shoplifting crimes are committed by people ages 35-54. However, approximately 25% of all shoplifters are under the age of 18. This means that your store needs to take extra precautions during the month of April, when teens are out of school and therefore have more opportunity to shop – and potentially shoplift.

If you want to protect your business from an increase in shoplifting, or if you’d like to work to eliminate instances of shoplifting, take a look at the following tips. These actionable pieces of advice can ensure that your business remains as profitable as possible this April and beyond.

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A tree surgeon arborist expert working on removing a tree branch with chain saw and heavy equipment.

Spring Home Safety Checklist

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

A tree surgeon arborist expert working on removing a tree branch with chain saw and heavy equipment.Spring is nearly upon us and that means it’s time to get your home in shape for nice weather and even nicer activities. From prepping for a good outdoor barbecue, to ensuring your home’s air is clean and fresh, this spring home safety checklist has you covered. Plan a “spring cleaning” weekend and mark all these items off to ready your home for a fantastic spring season. 

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Snow covered Boston Public Garden.

Winter Safety Topics for Your Next Workplace Meeting

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Snow covered Boston Public Garden.The holidays are behind us but winter is here for a little longer. As your company progresses through the new year, it is important to include winter safety topics as part of your next workplace meeting. Certain health and safety risks are elevated in winter and your team needs to be informed about what you are doing – and what they can do – to avoid illness and injury.

Take a look at these four major winter safety topics you should bring up at your next meeting. A little time spent in these areas now can pay off big time in terms of employee health and happiness.

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visualized data map on top of clouds

What Will 2021 Hold for High-Tech Security in New England?

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

visualized data map on top of cloudsThere is no doubt that in the last year the security landscape has changed for New England businesses as well as businesses across the globe. 2020 brought with it an upheaval of long-held business practices, forcing many companies to rethink the way they operate in order to survive. Greater reliance on technology was the immediate and natural response, but this came with a series of security issues such as increased phishing and malware scams that threatened many companies.

This rise in cybersecurity threats has pushed security tech companies to devise new or evolved ways to combat cyber and physical security bad actors. As we enter 2021, there are several clear high-tech security trends that have emerged. Let’s take a look at a few of the major ones that are expected to radically change how businesses operate in the future.

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Car drives under dangerous trees weighed down by ice and powerlines after an icestorm. The weight of ice can easily snap power lines and break or bring down power/utility poles split trees in half and turn roads and pavements into lethal sheets of smooth, thick ice

Preparing for Ice Storms Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Car drives under dangerous trees weighed down by ice and powerlines after an icestorm. The weight of ice can easily snap power lines and break or bring down power/utility poles split trees in half and turn roads and pavements into lethal sheets of smooth, thick iceIce storms are notorious in New England. The famous ice storm that swept New England in December of 2008, for example, left over a million people without power and cost 2.5-3.7 billion dollars in damage. Major storms like these have a devastating impact on residents and businesses, even minor ice storms can cause serious problems. Hypothermia and other illnesses, hazardous road conditions, and freezing pipes are just some of the ways an ice storm can disrupt your daily life. 

However, with a little awareness and preparation, you can reduce the likelihood of an accident or emergency in your home or business. The following guidelines will help to get you ready and keep you prepared for an impending ice storm.

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