Your Guide to Choosing a Home Security System
In today’s world the local real estate
market is extremely competitive. As a
Coldwell Banker Sales Associate I can
By using the many marketing tools
TV promotion on The CW Network to
today to let me help you navigate this
CHRISTOPHER “CHRIS” SCOTT Realtor®-Associate
Cell: 732-241-8716 | 732-671-1000 | EFax: 862-345-1717
christopher.scott@cbrealty.com | chrisscottrealty.cbintouch.com
®
16 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY CLAUDIA M. GREENHUT
Most of us are spending more time home these days and perhaps focusing
a little more on the things that make us feel comfortable there.
Some of our friends are investing in pools or home gyms, since they aren’t
going on their annual family vacations or visiting their neighborhood gym
fence. For my family, it was a home security system. Isn’t adulthood exciting?
When we moved to the suburbs last year, the thought of being
Shortly after we moved, there was a string of car thefts which started
to make headlines in Monmouth County. In May, video surfaced of
thieves in broad daylight stealing a Range Rover from a garage in Middletown.
Then, in July, more reports surfaced of stolen cars in Holmdel. Home security
suddenly became a priority for me. Looking back, perhaps it was the one thing
that could provide safety and control during a time of such uncertainty.
The previous owners of our home had an ADT system, so I thought that
would be the easiest choice for us in terms of choosing a provider. I researched
ADT and up came a phone number. I called and arranged for a technician to connect
the previous homeowner’s system. We discussed the price for a plan, which
would be around $50 a month, since the system was already was installed. All
we had to do was hook up the existing system – easy. This price seemed reasonable
and in line with what friends of mine were paying, so I went for it.
The technician arrived at my home. Upon arrival, I was told all of my
$150 to $200 per smoke alarm, none of which was mentioned during
my initial call with the agent. Suddenly, this brought the original price
up $1,200. While not all authorized dealers conduct business this way,
-
tract with any provider. If you sign on with some authorized dealers and
become unhappy, it’s almost impossible to get out of some of those
ask if service visits are included in your plan. Many retailers charge extra
for this service.
Here are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing
a home security system:
Buy Your Own Smoke Alarms
If you are considering a new security system and your current
smoke alarms are expired, you may want to buy your own smoke alarms
-
cian to come to your house. This can save you hundreds of dollars, since
a security company will generally charge you $150 to $200 for each
smoke alarm replacement. If you purchase them on your own, you can
buy a six pack for as low as $60.
Utilize Those Apps
Many security systems have a user-friendly app that enables mobility.
I have the ADT pulse app and can arm and disarm my house with ease from
my phone in seconds, and from anywhere in the world. This sort of mobility
is something I found extremely valuable when choosing a provider.
Inquire About a Personal Concierge
Ask providers if they offer a personal concierge system. This is a great
advantage! I have the cell phone number of a personal ADT employee who
will visit my home for free whenever I have an issue within the time frame
Know Who You Are Calling
Be careful who you call. If you intend to reach ADT, don’t just look
up ADT. Many times, an ad for another security company will come up
and can easily be confused with ADT. If you want to reach ADT, visit adt.
If you would like to consider alternatives to ADT and support small
businesses, ask friends for referrals and do your research. Going to local
security companies in your area could be an advantage because they
are generally based nearby and can get to your home quickly if you
experience any issues.
Be wary of any company that asks for your social security number.
Even if it is for a legitimate reason, this credit check could affect your
credit and could compromise your personal information.
Take Your Time
Wait for a special. The longer I dragged my feet, the better deal
I got. I saved hundreds by waiting a few weeks after my initial inquiry.
There’s always a sale down the pike.
/chrisscottrealty.cbintouch.com
/TheJournalNJ.com
link