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C'mon People, Stop Posting Vacation Plans On Facebook

Reblogger Roger Johnson
Real Estate Agent

Dan and Amy Schuman wrote this great article about what NOT to do with your holiday plans.  DON'T POST IT ON FACEBOOK!  As they say, this can easily be an open invitation to thieves, so please be thoughtful about what you post.  There's five other quality "to do's" for your holiday trip as well.  Enjoy.

Original content by Dan and Amy Schuman

C'mon People, Stop Posting Vacation Plans On Facebook

Is your vacant home safe while on vacation?

 

After recently watching the movie "Home Alone" with my kids, we were reminded that the holidays are the most popular time for break-ins. Although this movie obviously had a funny theme, the dangers of leaving your home unattended are all too real.

Over the last few days, I've seen a ton of posts from my "friends" about their upcoming vacations. Things like: "2 days to Florida...can't wait", "Entire family headed to the airport---1 week of fun in the sun".  

Remember, your posts are not as private as you think and telling the whole world that your home will be empty is an invitation for trouble.  In the spirit of security, we wanted to share a few tips to make sure your home is safe and secure this holiday season.

 

1.     Make Sure All Doors and Windows Are Locked. - Yes, I realize this is pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people rush out the door without checking every single entrance to their home. Some locks stick, especially in older homes, so be sure to check everything before leaving.

2.     Cancel Your Newspaper. - Nothing screams vacant home better than newspapers piling up in your driveway.

3.     Keep Lights On With A Timer. - My grandparents always used timers and I thought they were silly, but actually make a lot of sense if your home is empty.

4.     Tell Your Neighbors. - Let your neighbors ( provided that you like and trust them of course ) know of your plans so they can be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

5.     Have A Friend Check On Your Home- Having someone stop by to make sure things are ok is a smart idea.  I actually have a friend who has someone pull into and out of his garage when there is a snowfall, so that anyone driving by will see the new tracks, giving the appearance that someone is home. A little paranoid perhaps, but not a bad idea.  

Oh, and a another suggestion, please don't post while you are actually on vacation, because this is just as bad. Share the pictures of you on the beach after you get home.

Enjoy your vacation, just be smart.

 

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman live on the East side of Cleveland and specialize in Cleveland Luxury Homes, working with buyers relocating to Cleveland, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Cleveland Oh real estate and homes see  Cleveland OH real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235 or email.

 

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C'mon People, Stop Posting Vacation Plans On Facebook is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©December, 2010

 

Posted by

__________________________________________

Hickory Home SearchForeclosure Hunter

 

Roger Johnson is a Realtor with CENTURY 21 American Homes in Hickory, NC.

 

I service the Catawba and surrounding counties, and the Hickory, Newton, Conover, Taylorsville, Claremont, Statesville and Charlotte, NC real estate markets.

Visit us on the web at: www.HickoryNCHomes.com

You can contact me via Email or give me a call at 828-381-9245 or 828-568-2121 ext 310

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Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros

I cannot believe people do this. I ll be they get there mail picked up and have their lights on timers and yet they post their vacations !! Wow

Dec 20, 2010 07:34 AM
Jimmy Katz
Wynd Realty & Katz Realty Group - Alpharetta, GA
"REAL Solutions for Real Estate!"

just wait until insurance companies stop paying out for losses incurred to negligence such as posting vacation plans on social media sites.  they would have an excellent claim that the homeowners encouraged the act

Dec 20, 2010 07:37 AM
David Kent
The Real Buyer's Agent - Mount Pleasant, SC

It seems like such common sense, but its amazing how many are so careless!

Dec 20, 2010 07:38 AM
Colleen Boyle Jolin
Keller Williams - Easton, MA
YOU CAN COUNT ON COLLEEN & COMPANY

That is really good advice.  It is easy to forget that there are criminals everywhere and they are always one step ahead of the good guys!

Dec 20, 2010 07:38 AM
Roger Johnson
Hickory, NC

I see it all the time, Charlie.

Wow.  Now, I hadn't thought of that one, James.  I can definitely see that one in the future.

Dec 20, 2010 07:39 AM
Roger Johnson
Hickory, NC

I think it's just a matter of not thinking much about it, David.  In this digital age, many people post their life history online, so vacation plans aren't a "big deal."

Unfortunately, you're right, Colleen.

Dec 20, 2010 07:41 AM
MJ Olsen
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS - Austin, TX
A Realtor with Moving expertise!

Thanks for the reminders... and great tips.  Have a safe holiday!

Dec 20, 2010 07:47 AM
Ilyce Glink
Think Glink Media - Chicago, IL
Best-selling author, award-winning TV/radio host.

Roger- You hit the nail on the head: Tell your neighbors you're going away, not all of your 800 Facebook friends! Great reminder post. Thanks!

Dec 20, 2010 09:01 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Roger, thank you so much for the re-blog. Have a great holiday.

Dec 20, 2010 05:01 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Best wishes for lots of fun and food with family and friends today. Hope Santa brought you some cool toys, too!

 

Happy Holidays!

Dec 25, 2010 05:29 AM