Choosing a Home Security System

Choosing a home security system may be dizzying, what with all the possibilities, but the good news is that there's a system for every budget and personality.

Gone are the days in which the only security systems available were the ones with all the clunky wires that had to be put throughout the house. Systems are now offered by Internet providers and cable companies. But choose carefully.

Wireless

• These often include do-it-yourself installation.
• The provider may or may not yield an equipment charge.

Get the police involved.

• Ideally the system should automatically send an alert to a call center who dispatch the police. However some home security companies don't offer monitoring services that trigger a call to the police when the alarm is tripped. Look into this.

Smartphone

• For not much more than $25-30 a month, you can have a basic system that includes motion sensors using an application for your phone.
• With your mobile device connected to your home, you can monitor it in real time, get alerts, control other functions or arm your system if you forget to do it after you leave.

Customer Service

• The industry of home security systems is highly competitive. Basically they offer the same things, so a good company will try to stand out by offering superior customer service.
• It would be wise to check out reviews before committing to any service.
• One thing to keep in mind is that customer service should be available 'round the clock.

Home-made Security

• Until you get an official home security system, you can buy security company stickers off of eBay and put them on your windows to fool burglars into thinking your house is protected.
• Use timed lighting devices so that your house never looks dark and unoccupied.
• Timed devices can also produce flickering light to simulate a TV being on.
• Keep shrubbery away from windows so that intruders can't hide in it.
• Always keep the lawn well-kempt. An overgrown lawn suggests that the home's occupants have been away on vacation.