I find this alarming. The device we love to hate!

I love statistics and I often poll my clients to see how they feel about home related items...

I conducted this poll of my last 21 listings that have alarm systems; 

• Out of the 21 houses;only 20% use the system daily.
• Out of the 21 houses; 17 paid for monitoring, average cost $24 per month...
• Out of the 21 houses; 4 knew what doors and windows were covered...
• Out of the 21 houses; 3 knew how to make temporary pass codes. 18 gave out the master code...

Out of the 21 houses; The main reasons for getting the alarm system;

• 6 homes couldn't remember
• 6 homes said it was already installed
• 7 homes said for Peace of Mind
• 2 homes said they had been burglarized then bought their system

Out of the 17 monitored houses; only 8 could remember the emergency phrase to give if the alarm went off and the company called to verify. In those 8 homes; only 3 spouses also knew the code... 

• 4 had been charged for false alarms by their city or county

The top five reasons for not using the alarm;

5. Can't afford the false alarm fee

4. Afraid it might go off

3. Forgot code

2. Just forget

And the number 1 reason

It's just too inconvenient!

After all of this only 4 homeowners could remember changing the locks on the doors after they purchased the house; how many changed the codes? 

How many keys are still out there?

 

This post was authored and picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2012, All Rights Reserved , This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA.

Courtesy of Paul Henderson, Realtor®, ABR,CRS,CDPE,GRI

 with RE/MAX Professionals
As a Relocation Specialist, I sell homes in DuPont, Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Hartstene Pointe in Washington State.
Please visit my website at http://www.phenderson.net to search for homes and information
 All information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed or warranted in any way
Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated, Thank-you

(As a member of the NWMLS, this blog post is intended to comply with NWMLS rules as pertaining to blogging.)