“Women have been buying homes in record-breaking numbers”, per the Joint Center for Housing Studies. Because of these statistics, more and more home builders and city planners are changing the way they plan housing communities.
The increase in single female homeownership has brought it to their attention that most aren’t planned with the security of single women in mind. Here are 10 tips to help you buy a home that provides better safety for you:
- 1. Attached Garage
- 2. Community Gates
Make sure the gates in your gated community are set to not allow a second car to enter. You also want to make sure they change the gate codes regularly. This ensures that people who no longer live there, can get access.
- 3. Lights are Important
Neighborhoods with lots of street lights, including motion sensors, provide added security when you want to take a walk or nighttime jog. Steer away from neighborhoods that have dimly lit streets.
- 4. Security Alarms
Find out everything you can about your pre-installed security alarm. Ask things such as:
- How is it wired?
- Which doors and windows are monitored?
- Who answers the alarms?
- Are you leasing or do you own the system?
- 5. Secure Doors
Is the door jam damaged? Are the door locks new? If so, ask why. Make sure all doors have deadbolts that unlock from the inside using no key. Also, for warm summer nights, install a secure screen door that includes a lock system for added protection.
- 6. Higher Floors
When buying a condominium, keep in mind that higher floors may provide more protection from burglars. They can be discouraged by the idea of taking flights of stairs or even the building elevator.
- 7. Secure Windows
Make sure windows are secure. Dual panes are stronger than single panes. Doors with windows should have doorknobs and locks that can’t be reached by sticking an arm through the window if broken.
- 8. Beware of Alleyways
Alleys provide a quiet, dark, easy way for a criminal to get close to, maybe even inside your home without anyone seeing them. They also furnish quick escape routes. Look for neighborhoods that have shut off public access to alleys.
- 9. Nearby Area Crime Reports
Go online to the city’s police department website. You should be able to locate local crime stats there. Also, be sure to check the FBI’s national registry for sex offenders that may be registered in the area. If there are many, don’t this is not a good neighborhood for a single female homebuyer.
- 10. Fenced-In Yards
Have a yard that’s surrounded by a secure fence can really help. Fences deter criminals, making your home less accessible. For added security, get a dog to roam around the yard. They provide added security as living burglar alarms.
Shop for a Safe Home
Townhouse, condominium and housing communities, as well as neighborhood parking structures, streets and sidewalks, bus stops and train stations, in general, do not provide adequate security for these homeowners. Until the housing construction market makes necessary changes for single women to feel safer in their own neighborhoods, you must shop wisely. Buy a home in a community that’s safe for a single woman to live in happily and securely.
This article was provided by Vickie Nagy a Danville CA Realtor. If you’re a single women looking for a luxury home, you can check out the amazing Pleasanton CA homes for sale on Vickie’s website. You can also check out some of the other areas including San Ramon CA homes for sale and Danville CA homes for sale.
