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Alarm systems, the buzz that stresses me out...

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty Washington LLC

What's the point?  Alarm systems...

What's the point of a ten digit alarm code on a vacant house?  I find it hard enough to punch in a four digit code after unlocking the door however a ten digit code I feel is overkill.

Granted, alarms are suppose to keep the homeowner feeling safe and secure. If my alarm system went off in the middle of the night, I'm sure I would  have a coronary before any evil doer could do me harm. In my opinion an armed alarm system on a vacant house makes me question how safe the neighborhood is as a whole.

It would also be useful in most cases to note where the keypad for the alarm system is in the listing.  I was showing a new construction house the other day and the code was in a key box however I couldn't find a keypad.  The keypad was located on the alarm box sitting secured to the kitchen counter.  I knew I was getting close to detonation because the alarm tone went from a intermittent chirp to a constant beep.  Now that is stressful when your clients have already split up into separate directions and I'm still battling the alarm code.

I believe in alarm systems however I think they complicate showings and since most homeowners require an appointment, I feel the alarm should be off for that short amount of time or disabled on vacant homes. 

How do you feel about alarm systems...

photo taken by Paul Henderson. ©2013, All Rights Reserved

 

This post was authored and photo taken by Paul Henderson. ©2013, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul HendersonRE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 

Posted by

 and courtesy of 

Paul S. Henderson, Residential Real Estate Broker 

Tacoma Washington 

Realtor ® BPOR, CRS, GRI, CDPE

Fathom Realty WA LLC

Serving

South Puget Sound in Washington State

 

 

 

 

Paul's Service Area


 

 

As a Residential Broker and Relocation Specialist, I sell homes in or around ,Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Steilacoom,  University Place, DuPont and Hartstene Pointe in Washington State.
Please visit my website at http://www.hartstenepointe.com to search for 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.)

isspfmtysmily

iaa

 

Comments(7)

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

IMHO * alarms are more for the insurance carrier's peace of mind.....I have had high-end homes that require that the residents maintain the alarm system which are USELESS when the power goes out...UKH!

Apr 11, 2013 07:34 PM
Scott Fogleman
New Home Team - Richmond, VA

I am not big on alarms- when selling a house its complicates the process.

Apr 11, 2013 07:51 PM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Paul,

The alarm instructions for showings never seem to be as accurate as they should. I can't imagine a 10 digit code.

Rich

Apr 11, 2013 08:49 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Paul. I absolutely agree with you. I have been met by police with guns drawn when an alarm system malfunctioned:nofun.

Apr 11, 2013 09:15 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Paul.... alarm systems should be disarmed when a property is on the market..... period.

Apr 11, 2013 09:58 PM
Nancy Conner
Olympia, WA
Olympia/Thurston County WA
Paul - showing a home with an alarm system that I have to disarm always turns me into a bundle of nerves! I remember one that was actually supposed to be off but wasn't - after a panicky call to the listing agent.....oops out of town.....next call the agent covering for her....oops she wasn't given the code for the alarm since it wasn't supposed to have been on.....my buyers and I got to meet most all the neighbors who came over to see what all the earsplitting noise was about....not sure my ears stopped ringing until the next day - aaaarrrrggggghhhhh!
Apr 12, 2013 01:53 AM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Paul, I say forget the alarms---just buy the stickers for the windows :)

Apr 12, 2013 10:15 AM