Summertime is known for traveling, and of the summer months, July is the most popular for vacations. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, or a month long sabbatical overseas, there are certain things to know about protecting your home while you’re away.
Smart Technology
An empty house can attract unwanted attention from intruders. However, this risk can be mitigated with smart technology that helps create the appearance of a home being occupied.
Firstly, address the lighting in your home by placing your lamps on a timer. Two ways to do this are through the use of plug-in smart wifi switches or smart light bulbs. If you want to take it a step further, consider investing in smart window shades that can be controlled to open and close at natural times.
The two together will be a powerful way to disguise your absence.
Even if you aren’t worried about the Home Alone burglars staking out your house, you may want to consider smart technology in the form of a smart water-leak detector and/ or smart smoke detector.
Recommendations for all of these smart technology products, and so many more, can be found here. By the way, Amazon Prime Days are coming up on July 16-17. Ring Doorbell Alarms will be half off!
Extended Trips
For long trips, consider asking a friend or neighbor to check on your house regularly. During these visits, the person should pick up mail or newspapers, and put away your trash can. You may also opt for USPS to hold your mail during the dates you’ll be away. Likewise, packages can be rerouted to a pickup location, rather being delivered to your doorstep. You will also want to ensure that your lawn is being mowed even during your absence.
Home Insurance
The most basic of steps to remember in protecting your home is to ensure that it is properly insured. For any questions in this regard, we recommend reaching out to our local partners at Blue Marlin Insurance.
Staycation
Perhaps you’re planning a staycation this summer instead. Florida is in the top 3 most popular states in which residents choose to stay local. We live in a vacation destination afterall!
There is so much to do in Jacksonville Beach.
A few of our favorite spots, highlighted in our last monthly newsletter, include: Beach Bowl (now open after a multi-million dollar renovation), Gemma Fish + Oyster and Mayport Garden Club!
(Side note: If you aren’t already receiving our newsletter, let us know to add your email address to the list.)
And, if you’re feeling ambitious during your staycation, check out our recent post about summer lawn care and backyard DIY projects.
Fluid Realty
The Fluid Realty Team is Jacksonville’s top real estate group and local boutique brokerage. We provide a full-service experience with the best realtors in the area. Our expertise includes luxury beach real estate within the four Beaches of Jacksonville, FL: Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach.
