Home Security Systems Boost Home Values

Are you faced with the prospect of selling your home in today's tough real estate market? Any real estate agent will tell you certain value-added features help you sell your home faster and for more money. One of the most affordable is a home security system.

When considering whether to install a security system, many property owners are shortsighted about the benefits. Try thinking of your home from the viewpoint of a potential buyer.

Chances are there are comparable homes on the market in the buyer's desired area. Perhaps the square footage and floor plans are identical, the appliances are similar and homes in your area are basically in the same condition.

With that in mind, wouldn't it make the buyer look twice at your home if it was the only one featuring a combination burglar, carbon monoxide and fire alarm system? State of the art security systems, such as those offered by Honeywell, employ discreet, dependable components that will blend into any style home.

Not only will an alarm system add to the impression of safety and security to buyers, it may also help them secure lower homeowners' insurance rates. Make sure the listing real estate agent points out that benefit when showing the home.

Let's look at one more reason to increase the value of your home by installing a burglar and fire alarm system. At some point in the future, you may decide to lease your home to a tenant and purchase elsewhere. Another real possibility, given current real estate investing trends, is that someone else will purchase your home to be used as rental property.

Not convinced that's happening in your area? Let's look at two large cities' housing trends, to give you up-to-date facts. According to HouseAlmanac.com, almost eighteen percent of the homes being sold in Houston are eventually leased to tenants. In Dallas, they report investment rental property has an even larger share of homes purchased, more than one in five in 2008!

What that means to you, as the owner of a rental home or one that may become a rental, is that you need an edge to make your property more attractive. Home security monitoring built into the rental price allows landlords to rent homes more quickly and at a higher price. In fact, Houston home security companies report one of their fastest growing markets is in condos and rental homes.

Property investors look for benefits that will give a return on their investment. Having an alarm system already in place is definitely a plus to those looking for investment property. This is especially true in urban neighborhoods or affluent suburbs with higher burglary rates.

Whether you're planning to live in your home for years, or purchased it strictly as rental property, real estate professionals suggest you protect your investment with a home security system. Find a security monitoring firm with a great reputation and reasonable pricing and add this valuable feature to your property. It's always a great investment.