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2021 Blogs

Keep Your Vacation Property Safe While You’re Away

Investing in a vacation home is another way to invest in yourself because that vacation home is a place for you to relax, escape, and unwind from the stress of life in the city. That vacation home is a special place for you to recoup with your family and your grandkids, for you to enjoy the simple pleasures that come with stepping away from the concrete jungle to rejuvenate. But what happens when you’re back to work and your vacation home sits empty, waiting for your next getaway? Here’s how to keep your property safe while you’re away!

 

Security 

If you haven’t already installed a security system for your vacation home, now’s the time to do it. Motion sensor lights around the property, along walkways and around main access points is a good way to deter unwanted company on the property. If the home lights up when approached, this is an excellent deterrent for possible thieves. Having a timer on for lights inside the home makes it look lived in which is another way to prevent invaders. There are many security systems that you can now operate via your phone, allowing for remote locking, lighting and camera access.

 

Double Check Windows and Doors

As a rule, always double-check you’ve locked every window and door of your vacation home. Many break-ins happen simply because a window was left unlocked by accident. Consider installing doors with keyless locks and if there are sliding glass doors on the property, make sure to use a security bar. A security bar can be used in almost any window sill, but a two-by-four or a broom handle cut to size in the basement windows will also do the trick if you don’t mind how it looks. Be sure to secure that doggy door too, if you have one!

 

Make Friends With Neighbors 

Besides the wonderful social aspect of getting on with your neighbours, fostering a good relationship with those that live close to you provides extra protection when you’re away from your vacation home, as well as collecting mail or newspapers. Watchful neighbours are an extra set of eyes to report suspicious activity, lowering crime rates in the entire area. It pays to know your neighbours!

 

A few extra tips to keep your vacation home safe include hiring a landscaper to keep up with overgrown grass or plant life on your property and refrain from hiding a spare key somewhere obvious. It’s a good idea to just switch over to keyless locks as this removes an extra key from the equation, making the house just that much more secure. We, at Gleniffer Lake, take care of our own and keep an eye out for each other when necessary. If you’re looking for a safe place to own a vacation home, this is it! Visit our available lots today

Categories
2021 Blogs

What To Look For In A Vacation Property in Alberta

Many folks are desperate to stretch their legs and experience something other than their own city and backyard this summer! Some are turning to campgrounds and RV excursions while others are considering investing in some much-needed recreational real estate. The demand for a vacation property closer to home is high right now, but don’t let that deter you from finding your second home! Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a vacation property in Alberta.

 

Know The Area

Before you make any decisions on a home or a piece of land, make sure you do your research about the property you’re considering. This includes knowing the area around the desired property, such as where is the closest hospital or grocery store? Visit the area off-season and chat with locals to get to know the details of the area from the folks actually living it. In our case, come stay at one of our gorgeous rental properties and experience paradise for a few days!

 

Hire Local

Try to hire a local real estate agent, especially one that either owns a property where you’re looking or lives nearby and understands the neighbourhood. This goes for renovations to your vacation properties as well! Not only does this help the local economy, but it offers you a chance to get to know the people living and thriving around you. After all, vacation homes are a place for us to escape the concrete jungle and that small community allure is something many Albertans are chasing.

 

Before you jump into any purchase, ask yourself these questions. Are you looking for a turnkey property or are you willing to do some renovations after you purchase? Is it important that your vacation home is within two hours to make for easy getaways? Are you hoping to spend a little less compared to the Canmore market while still holding on to the idea of a lakeside property? We might have something just for you! Schedule a tour with us today and we might just find your perfect vacation property, close to home and right alongside the beautiful shores of Gleniffer Lake. We can’t wait to have you join us!