Prescott Az Homes

Summer Months Bring Highest Rates of Burglaries

(Prescott, AZ – July 19, 2011) While the summer months are a perfect time for a vacation getaway, unfortunately, they are also a perfect time for a home robbery. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the summer months of July and August have the highest rate of burglaries. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises homeowners looking to secure their property, to do their research when choosing a home security system.

Although no home security system makes a home completely burglarproof, it can reduce the chances of a burglary and give some peace of mind. According to an Academic Study of Home and Business Security by Temple University, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) claims that homes without security systems are about 2 to 3 times more likely– depending on the value of the home - to be broken into than homes with security systems.

“It’s important to investigate the purchase of a home security system with the same care you would any major purchase,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO. “There are many door-to-door salespeople offering home security systems that don’t always have your best interests at heart.”

BBB advises consumers the following when looking to invest in a home security system:

Don’t give in to pressure. Some company representatives solicit neighborhoods door-to-door offering a “one-day only” or a “free” alarm system in exchange for placing the company’s sign in the front yard. Even though the equipment may be at no cost, there is generally an installation charge, monthly monitoring fee, and a multi-year contractual agreement. While the offer may initially sound tempting, consumers should compare all costs as they may find that the company offering the “free” system costs more over the length of the contract. Also, many cities and townships require that door-to-door solicitors have a Peddler’s License. If a salesperson knocks on your door, ask to see and examine their Peddler’s License identification and if the individual will not present it, notify local law enforcement. Do not allow unsolicited door-to-door salespeople into your home. Choose a professional installer. Contact the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at 602-542-1525 to verify licensure requirements for the company or contractor installing the system.

Real Estate Report, Time to Buy Prescott, AZ Area Real Estate ...

Time to buy Prescott, AZ area real estate. Affordability levels have never been better, at least not for over 30 years. The bursting of the housing bubble created a huge increase in inventories, a decrease in home values, and a more-than-reasonable mortgage climate. Of course there is a snag, if a buyer is not paying with cash then he has to qualify for a loan first, which may be difficult.

According to an article from Realty Times, today’s home buyer is paying roughly 17% of his salary to own a home. This average has been 25% since 1975. This is a significant difference in affordability levels, one which makes buying now a smart move for anyone who has been waiting on the sidelines and can afford to do so.

Those with good credit and cash for a down payment are in the driver’s seat these days. DISCLAIMER: Tim Anderson disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance upon information, products or services contained in this blog, or for accuracy of comments or opinions posted by visitors to my blog, or for links to other websites and the content, products or services that may be offered on or through those sites.