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Safety Tip.... Don't put your home address in your GPS

By Craig Snead

Services for Real Estate Pros with Quality Home Investments, LLC / Dearborn Heights, MI

July 18, 2011 03:43 AM

Safety Tip.... Don't put your home address in your GPS

GPS system I've read and heard this suggestion before and felt it warranted sharing in this community. I would imagine that with all the driving being done by Real Estate agents, inspectors, appraisers, home stagers and just about anyone else, the majority of you have some sort of GPS system that you rely on. I love mine and wouldn't leave home without it when I'm charting unfamiliar territory.
This safety tip concerns putting your home address in as your "home" destination and why it may not be a good idea.

Yes, it's sad that we live in a world where we have a small percentage of unscrupulous people, but we must be aware and err on the side of caution.

Some small time thieves may want to steal your GPS to sell for a slight profit. But not all thieves want to steal your GPS out of your car. They can just access the information and find out where you live. If you have your home address in as your "home" destination, you have given a potential thief the information they need to track you and pick a convenient time to take advantage of your time away. GPS home

Instead of putting in your home address, put in a nearby intersection as your "home" destination. If you can't find your way home from the intersection....that could be topic for another blog.

Also consider storing the little suction cup and the power cord when you park your car. It's a red flag that you have a GPS in your car.

Be safe. Be smart. Be aware.

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Pat Champion

John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL

Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

Great tips it is a shame we have to be concerned with someone stealing the GPS but it does happen.

Jul 18, 2011 03:53 AM

Carla Miller

RE/MAX Realty Group - Rehoboth Beach, DE

Scheder DE Real Estate, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Milton

Craig,

Thanks for sharing this safety information.

At times it is sad the ways some try to take advantage.

Will update my gps to be on the safer side !

Have a GREAT week!

Steve Stenros

Poway,La Jolla,Del Mar,Mira Mesa,Carlsbad,Escondido,Temecula - San Diego, CA

CREIA MCI, ICC, ACI Home Inspector,San Diego

Thanks for the reminder, Craig! I had read this previously and wanted to change it in my GPS, but forgot. It's a smart thing to do!

Jul 18, 2011 03:56 AM

Jeff Craig

Hang Me Up Photos - Jamestown, NC

Greensboro Area Real Estate Photography

I'll have to consider this. I have to admit having the home address in there makes it easy when on the road and ready to get back home.

Jul 18, 2011 04:06 AM

Dagmar Mouritsen-Maricopa

Solutions Real Estate - Maricopa, AZ

R.E. Neighborhood Specialist

Great advice. Thank you for sharing. With all this new technology it is really hard to protect your privacy. It's almost beyond the imagination of a "non-techi" all the things that can happen.

Jul 18, 2011 04:16 AM

Kristine Ginsberg

Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ

NJ Home Stager

Craig - it's good to see you posting again - we've missed you! I've heard about this and the only thing worse than having your car stolen is the thieves knowing where you live. You will not sleep another night in peace. Needless to say - my home is not in my GPS and I've alerted everyone in my family!

Jul 18, 2011 04:38 AM

Jerry Newman

Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX

Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Craig. I appreciate you pointing out this tip and reminder for us. I don't have my address in my GPS, but I will certainly pass this tip on to others, who may have done this. Trying to stay a step ahead of all these thieves can be very challenging, but it is all worthwhile in the end.

Jul 18, 2011 08:23 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Craig- we use our GPS all of the time and do have our home address in it but will definitely rethink that!

Jul 18, 2011 09:39 AM

John M. Scott

BRE # 01442690, Scott Keys Properties - San Francisco, CA

Broker / Owner San Francisco Bay Area

Craig, great advice. One other thing. If they have broken in to the car, they have access to other info - like the registration and insurance info that might be in the glove box, with your home address on it. Keep that locked all the time.

Jul 18, 2011 02:30 PM

Craig Snead

Quality Home Investments, LLC / Dearborn Heights, MI - Dearborn Heights, MI

Real Estate Investor

Pat, we are a trusting society and unfortunately, there are some people that will take advantage of that.

Carla, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Steve, it's something simple yet well worth the effort.

Jeff, getting home is easy if you just put in a nearby intersection as your "home". It doesn't have to be an address.

Dagmar, with technology advances comes more safety and privacy issues. We all need to stay on top of it.

Kristine, thank you for "missing" me. I've missed seeing all the smiling faces. I've been out playing in the sunshine. Glad to see that you've shared this info with family. The more people are aware, the better.

Jerry, I want to stay two steps ahead.

Kathy, a nearby intersection can still get you home and be much safer.

John, keep it locked or keep it somehwere else. If you need to keep it in your car, consider blocking out the address.

Jul 19, 2011 01:30 AM

Clint Mckie

Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM

Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Craig,

I think you need a "GPS" in order for it to get stolen. LOL

I have never had one my self.

Good point though. We have to be careful.

Jul 19, 2011 05:15 PM

Clint, I was comfortable without one. Then I had an opportunity to get one for free. Well, needless to say. I have a new toy that I love playing with........ Stay safe my friend.

Jul 20, 2011 01:37 PM

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