If you’ve ever bought or sold a house, you know how nerve wracking the home inspection process can be. Just when you think you’re closer to owning (or selling) a home, the deal can grind to a screeching halt!  But while every home has some issues that need attention, they don’t have to put an end to an otherwise solid real estate transaction.

If you’re the seller, having an inspection prior to listing your home allows ample time to correct any problems before they even have a chance to scare potential buyers away. As the buyer, take some time to educate yourself on the most common home inspection findings.  That will put you in a better position to negotiate the repairs or purchase price while helping you determine where the squeaky wheels are that require priority attention.

Here are 5 of the most common home inspection issues to investigate as the buyer or seller:

• Signs of Moisture. While not necessarily a deal breaker, any wet, rotted, moldy, or musty areas in the home could indicate a number of problems such as poor ventilation, grading or drainage issues, roof and/or chimney problems, and more.
• Structural Problems. Most common in older homes, damage to foundation walls, and damaged or improperly installed floor joists and roof rafters, among other issues, could pose structural and safety concerns if not remedied.
• Faulty or Undersized Electrical Systems. Outdated and overloaded systems, as well as dangerous wiring connections pose a fire hazard and most often need immediate attention.
• Deficient Heating System. Broken controls, unsafe exhaust flues, cracked heat exchangers, and blocked chimneys not only represent inefficient heating but are also major health and safety concerns.
• Poor Maintenance. Cracked or peeling painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, careless wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures and appliances often reflect the overall lack of care that a home has received over the years.

If you’re the buyer and notice a home security alarm system, be sure to ask if the system is active, when it was installed, and who’s monitoring it.  Burglars are very aware of real estate transactions so you want to be sure the system is up-to-date and monitored by a reputable firm.  And if the home you’re interested in buying doesn’t already have a modern security alarm system?  Contact Now Security to arrange to have one installed even before move-in day – you’ll enjoy the added peace of mind and appreciate our extreme focus on helping to safeguard your home and family.

The longer you live in your home, the more tempted you tend to become to give it your own personal stamp and make it better serve your family’s lifestyle. But think twice before plunging headlong into a project, especially if you’re concerned about your home’s eventual resale value.

Want the most bang for your buck when it does come time to tell? Then scratch any and all of the following home remodeling “don’ts” off your to-do list.

• Converting a garage into living space. Finishing the basement or attic to gain extra living space is often a great idea. However, one unfinished space that you should not touch is the garage, especially if accommodates only one car. Even if buyers never plan to actually park their car in it, chances are they’ll still value and desire the added storage space it provides.

• Making your home a little too accessible. More and more homeowners want a home they can keep for the long haul. And with walk-in showers, roll-out cabinets, and other “age in place” design trends, it’s becoming possible. However, it’s equally possible to pursue this trend to the extreme and, in the process, alienate a large pool of buyers. As such, you’ll do well to avoid converting all your baths to showers and lowering your cabinets and counter heights.

• Underestimating the importance of lighting. If you have a dark room in your house, look for ways to brighten it up. Reflect natural light by hanging a framed mirror opposite the only window, add recessed and under-cabinet lighting, and set the mood with lamps and sconces.

• Ignoring undesirable finishes. Those gold-toned door knobs and hinges might not bother you now, but when it comes time to sell, you can be sure potential buyers will notice. Bring your home into this decade by updating your fixtures.

• Planting fruit trees. If you plan to stay in your home for a very long time, you might enjoy being able to grab a fresh apple or pear right from your back yard. However, most home buyers see fruit trees as a high maintenance pain in the neck that attracts bugs and rodents.

• The wrong counter-top choice. While beautiful and quite popular right now, counter-top materials such as marble and soapstone require a good amount of maintenance and care. If you’re re-doing your kitchen, consider a more resilient surface like granite or engineered quartz.

• Down-sizing the number of bedrooms. Have you been dreaming of expanding your master bedroom by combining it with an adjoining room? If so, you might be greatly reducing your home’s resale value at the same time. For example, in a neighborhood of mostly 3-bedroom homes, a 2-bedroom house will undoubtedly sell for less even though it has comparable square footage.

Now that we’ve given you 7 “don’ts” pertaining to your home and its potential resale value, here’s a major “do”: and that is, invest now in a home security system. That definitely adds value to your home. Plus, the new owners are free to switch home security management companies if they’re not satisfied with your choice – and all without having to replace the equipment. To learn more about a security alarm system for your home and the management services that with them, we invite you to contact Now Security Systems today.

Take a drive through any neighborhood this time of year and you’ll notice a recurring theme – “For Sale” signs eagerly beckoning passersby from lawn after lawn. But have you ever wondered why some houses seems to fly off the market just as quickly as they come on, while others sit month after month? If you’re getting ready to sell your home, or even just thinking about it, here are 7 ways to attract buyers and get that seemingly effortless sale.

Fix potential deal-breakers. While you shouldn’t invest a ton of money before listing your home, you should take care of problems that could creep up during an inspection and quickly kill a deal. Plumbing leaks, outdated electrical wiring, roof leaks, etc., should be addressed before putting your house on the market.

Give the kitchen and bathrooms a face lift. Completely overhauling a kitchen or bathroom doesn’t come cheap. But an overly dated kitchen can scare off would-be buyers. Spend your money wisely by painting old cabinets, replacing fixtures and hardware, or updating old appliances.

Know when to call in a pro. Remember, time is money. And if it’s going to take you 4 weekends or time off from work to paint each room or refinish the floors, you’re probably better off just hiring a professional. They can get your home in tip-top shape in no time. Once the upgrades are completed, hire a professional real estate photographer to show off your home in the best possible light.

Give it a deep clean. You might have become blind to the dust on the baseboards and cob webs in the corner, but savvy buyers will see it all as if it were flashing in neon. Whether you do it yourself or hire a service, make sure you home is cleaned from top to bottom, including cabinets, closets, and basements.

Make (and keep) it show-ready. Thin out about 50% of the items from your cabinets, closets, and shelves. Keep decorative items to a minimum, and spruce up your rooms with new bedding, couch cushions, or an area rug. And because you never know when you’ll get a showing request, never leave the house without first tidying up.

Make a great first impression. Have your house power-washed if needed, make sure all windows are sparkling clean, and freshen up your landscaping.

Price it right the first time. While it can be difficult to put a price tag on the place you’ve called home for so many years, overpricing it can have disastrous results. To prevent your home from sitting on the inventory shelf month after month, consult a real estate professional and study your local market to determine the best price point.

Here’s something else to keep in mind.  Studies show that buyers are willing to invest more in a safe and secure home.  So be sure your home security system is up to date, including your monitoring service.  Don’t already have a home security system?  Contact Now Security Systems today for a free in-home evaluation and price quote to see how quickly and affordably you can make your home that much more attractive to would-be buyers.

No matter how whacky and unpredictable the weather may be, one thing is certain – spring is just around the corner. And that means it’s time to start preparing your home for the change of season ahead. So throw open those windows, blast that music, and bring some organization back into your home after a long, semi-cold winter with these 8 March Must Dos.

• Take a walk around the exterior of your home and do a visual inspection of the roof, gutters, siding, foundation, and driveways. Make a plan to take care of any necessary repairs and start scheduling quotes as needed.
• If you have a patio or deck, give it a thorough cleaning and check if any repairs are needed. Use a pressure washer to remove gunk and grime, and schedule a time to have it stained, painted, or sealed if necessary.
• Pick up any broken branches and rake any leaves that you might have found their way onto your lawn. Get a jump on weeds before they germinate by applying an organic herbicide.
• Clean your lawn furniture by spraying it with a hose or washing it with a mild detergent. Inspect metal furniture for rust or paint erosion and use a spray enamel to prevent further damage from the elements.
• Make your house lighter and brighter by cleaning the windows inside and out. If you left screens on all winter, remove them, check for and repair any damage, and clean them with a mild detergent. Allow them to air dry on a flat surface before putting them back in place.
• Celebrate daylight saving time by changing the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure the pressure is at the recommended level. And if you don’t have one, get one and familiarize yourself with how to use it.
• Get a jump on spring cleaning and focus on those areas of your home that often get neglected, like baseboards, ceiling fans, window and door frames, and the tops of cabinets.
• Organize a closet or bedroom that you’ve been neglecting all winter long. Purge what you no longer need or use and come up with a neat and practical storage solution for the rest.

How about your home alarm system? Does it contain all the elements to help you and your family feel safe in your own quarters? If you have any doubts or even just want a second opinion, contact Now Security today for a free and no-obligation review of your current system and/or your home security needs. We have all the technology and management expertise to give you the affordable and attentive home protection every family wants and needs.

Do you find yourself browsing through home remodeling magazines wishing that your kitchen could look like the designer showpiece on page 72?  Conversely, does your kitchen look more like the setting of a 1980s sitcom than a granite and stainless steel show stopper?

Either way, you’re not alone. Kitchen remodeling is at the top of the to-do list for many home owners, especially in and around New Haven County where we have many older homes. But with the high cost of renovation – upward of $50,000 for a higher-end remodel – it’s not surprising that many homeowners decide to delay starting this project, sometimes indefinitely.

Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your retirement income for a kitchen filled with modern style. A little creativity and a DIY attitude can turn your kitchen from lackluster to lovely without breaking the bank.

Add a pop of color.

Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint on the walls or cabinets – or colorful accents – a little color goes a long way. Apply the 60-30-10 rule when it comes to color; 60% of a main color, 30% of a complimentary color, and only 10% of an accent color.

Opt for inexpensive upgrades.

Update the cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and even sink and faucet to give your kitchen a face lift without a huge investment. Add in a few simple decorative accents and a new window treatment to pull the look together.

Rethink kitchen materials.

If your kitchen is begging for hard wood flooring or marble countertops but your checkbook begs to differ, consider more economical options like laminate or vinyl plank flooring. Today’s products are engineered for beauty, durability, and affordability, and come in countless design and color options.

Think outside the (big)box.

Check local flea markets and online swap sites for furniture and accessories. For example, an old cabinet or server could become your new kitchen island. Check local specialty stores for clearance, returned, or overstock items like tile remnants, lighting fixtures, and more.

Also, don’t forget to make room for a fire extinguisher either inside or nearby your remodeled kitchen.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 162,400 home structure fires per year – from 2009-2013 – that involved cooking equipment.  A home fire extinguisher can help save your home and protect your family.  For more about home security and security monitoring, talk to the pros at Now Security System today.

Is there ever a bad or wrong time to start your holiday season shopping?  Of course not.

The idea is to do your shopping when it’s most convenient and when and where you find the best deals.  Equally important is establishing an up-front budget and sticking to it – assuming, of course, you care about such “little” details.

Well, here are a few more tips to the wise, especially when little ones occupy a big chunk of your holiday, birthday, or any other shopping list.

I want it! Ok, if the kids are saying I really want THAT, well, that’s a big hint! So keep a list of their wants and, every now and then, show it to them so they re-prioritize or even have you purge a list item or two, especially aftern you give them “We don’t always get everything we want” speech.

I need it! The practical present may not be as glitzy as the fun presents, but if it’s something they’ll get a lot of use out of, it will be appreciated. Clothing, sports equipment, a hobby related item, or accessories are always useful!

I’ll read it! If you know the types of books they like to read, go for it! But you can also consider a magazine subscription, a bookstore gift card, or an electronic book reader. Magazines are a double gift because kids love mail, and something coming to their home every month truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Let’s do it! A family gift is one that makes the whole family happy. Gifting a family with a membership to a museum, tickets to an event, movie tickets, craft items, or something simple like board games for game night are all presents the whole family can enjoy.

I’ll remember it! Giving a keepsake item is gift that lasts a lifetime. Ornaments, photo albums, or a family heirloom are all wonderful ways to pass on memories, and family traditions. You can also make items such as a handprint picture from the child, photobook, or picture frames.

You know who else loves the holiday season?  Grinches, aka household burglars.  So what better time to get yourself a gift:  a brand new security alarm system to help you keep what’s yours, and keep would-be intruders out.  For more information and a free in-home consultation, contact Now Security today.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a single parent and child, three generations living under one roof, or a blended family – no matter – a family is made up of people who love, encourage, and support each other unconditionally.

Every year, the five-week span between Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day is officially designated as National Family Month. Created by KidsPeace and recognized by Congress in 1998, National Family Month provides an opportunity for parents, grandparents and caregivers to recognize the importance of family involvement in the lives of their children. Because it coincides with the end of the school year, National Family Month also encourages families to spend time together, renew relationships, and grow and strengthen the family unit over summer vacation.

Here are 5 simple ways to spend more quality time with your family this month, and all year long.

Start a new tradition.

Whether it’s hosting a cousins’ sleepover the last Friday of the month, a Sunday family dinner, or planting an annual vegetable garden, traditions connect and give us something to look forward to and pass down to future generations.

Reach out to extended family.

If you have family that you see seldom see, reach out to them. In today’s world, there’s no excuse for not staying connected.

Get the kids involved in household chores.

While they might not be so eager to dust or fold the laundry, involving kids in household chores at an early age will foster responsibility and help instill a strong work ethic. Plus, since many helping hands make for lighter work, everyone can enjoy more time together when the chores are completed.

Give your family your undivided attention.

Put a ban on electronics during family time. The emails, phone calls, and games can wait, as can other distractions. Being physically and emotionally present for 30 minutes is more impactful and important than being physically present but distracted for 2 hours.

Here at Now Security, ours is a family of home and commercial security professionals dedicated to your safer and more secure environment.  And if that contributes even a little to a happier home life for you and yours, that’s the icing on the cake that adds meaning to everything we do.  Don’t already have a security system or unhappy with your current security management company?  Give us a call and request a no-cost proposal designed to meet your particular security needs.

Once again, ‘tis the season for festive decorations, family gatherings, and holiday merriment. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for home fires. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency states that a home fire is most likely to occur during the months of December and January, and that’s directly attributable to various holiday season activities.

So, as you prepare to welcome friends loved ones, follow these 10 safety tips to help ensure your home is a warm, inviting and safe place to gather.

• Opt for a fresh-cut vs. pre-cut tree as the former is less likely to dry out and become brittle. Still, if pre-cut is how you roll, cut 2” off the bottom just before placing it in the stand so it will absorb more water.
• If you’re buying an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire-retardant.”
• Real or fake, place your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace, candles, radiator, or heat vent.
• Purchase only those holiday season light sets certified by an independent testing laboratory, such as UL.
• Prior to hanging lights, check each strand to make sure it works. Also, inspect it for loose connections, frayed wires, or cracked bulbs.
• Consider switching over to LED lights, a more energy efficient choice that’s also cool to the touch.
• If you’re adding a little holiday sparkle outdoors, use clips – not nails – to hang your lights. Also, use only those lights and wires designated for outdoor use.
• To prevent over-heating, avoid connecting more than 3 strands of traditional lights into a single extension cord (LED lights allow for more). Also, avoid using more than one extension cord for each string of lights.
• As tempting as it may be to leave your Christmas tree and outdoor lights on at night, turn them off before going to bed or when leaving the house.
• Discard the Christmas tree once it starts drying out and dropping needles. A dry tree is a serious fire hazard.

For your added protection, now is a great time to test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.  Or, how about replacing those with hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for your heightened peace of mind.  Now Security not only installs but monitors fire prevention alarms 24/7, which means someone’s always watching out for signs of trouble, even when you’re asleep or not at home.  Contact Now Security today for more information and a free in-home quote.

December is that time of year for all kinds of new and interesting things, including new pets. Sure, “Let’s get the kids a kitten and teach them responsibility along the way” is an oft-repeated refrain during the holiday season, and a great one at that.

But we’ll let you in on a little secret: no matter how much you think your children might learn by suddenly becoming pet owners, you probably have as much to learn as they do – especially if this is your first pet or, at least, your first new pet in a long time.

Let’s take kittens, for example, and one of their very favorite habits: jumping up on your kitchen counters and any other similar surface within their leaping range, which is considerable. And yet young, not-totally-trained cats love kitchen counters more than any other surface you might consider out of bounds, even if there’s nothing there for them to eat.

And while you might find that behavior cute at first, it’s one to be discouraged from the get-go to help prevent your new kitten from accidentally breaking dishes or ingesting something that could cause them harm. Plus, it’s more than a little unsanitary, no matter how faithful you are in keeping your cat clean.

So from our house to yours, here are several tips for “teaching” your kitten that your kitchen counters are strictly off limits:

• Cats hate the feeling of aluminum foil on their paws, so by lining your countertops with aluminum foil, you’ll encourage a bunch of quick exits. When it’s time to prepare a meal, simply fold up the kitty training aluminum foil and save it for later. Otherwise, this could become a pretty costly training method.

• Despite what you may have heard from others, spraying your cat with water isn’t terribly effective. Yes, they don’t like it, but not so much that it deters their hunting and exploring instincts. So here’s what one enterprising cat lover came up with as an alternative: grab a cookie sheet or two and place them on your countertops so only about half of their surface area is on the counter, with the other half hanging over the floor. Once a cat jumps up on one of those, it’s bound to go tumbling to the floor, cat and all, with a good loud crash to keep it company. Turns it out it’s a very effective teaching tool.

• Cats also hate the feeling of sandpaper on their feet, so if you have the patience, you have the means to discourage cat-on-the-counter syndrome until Fluffy finally gets the idea that jumping up on the kitchen counter is not going to be a pleasant experience.

• You can also make your kitchen counter less inviting in the first place. You know, doing things like closing your blinds so the counter doesn’t invite sun bathing, and clearing dishes immediately rather than leaving them in the sink.

• And lastly, cats are not overly found of peppermint spray, so by spraying some on your countertops, you will be helping to keep them on the floor and in search of some other area for mischief making.

If you’re a cat owner who has to leave your pet unattended all day while everyone’s off either working at school, you might want to consider installing one or more video inspection cameras so you can effectively keep your eye on them, especially while they’re still in the new kitten phase and not quite used to rules of the house. For information about video cameras and monitoring, or any other home security or surveillance product, contact Now Security Systems today.

You want to protect your home, and the people in it. That goes without saying.

Still, did you know that you could be making some very common mistakes that make your home a relative easy target for burglars? A great first step to improving your home’s security is to look at it through the eyes of a criminal and ask yourself these questions:

• Are there any areas around my home that would allow a bad guy to break in without being seen?

• Is my house well-lit at night?

• Are any doors or windows unlocked? Can valuables easily be seen from the street?

• Do our daily routines make it easy for a burglar to figure out the best time to hit my house?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re got some work to do, starting with these common-sense home security tips:

• Install window and door shades to make it a little more difficult to see if someone is home.

• Upgrade locks on all doors and windows and keep them locked when you’re not home or going to sleep. Choose an exterior door solution that includes a grade 1 deadbolt.

• Set interior lights and TVs on timers to create the illusion that someone is home even when they’re not.

• Install motion-controlled outdoor lighting.

• Trim back overgrown plantings to prevent intruders from hiding behind shrubs while prying open a door or window.

• Keep garage doors and sheds closed even when you’re at home. Otherwise, thieves can spot items they may want to steal later.

• Keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times and never leave valuables in plain sight.

• Put home improvement tools and ladders away. Otherwise, a burglar could easily use a ladder to access an unlocked upper story window, or use a hammer to pry bar to gain access into your home.

Also, if you don’t already have a home burglar alarm system, now might just be the time. At Now Security, we custom design each system, one at a time, for residential and commercial applications. We even have our own app that allows you to keep an eye on things with your phone or tablet from from any place with a Wi-Fi connection. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote on a burglar alarm system, or to discuss switching your current system over to Now Security Systems.