On average, installing monitored safety and security devices in your home can reduce your homeowner’s insurance up to 20 percent according to SafeWise.com. Not only that, but statistics show that a home with an alarm system is less likely to be targeted by a thief. The alarm company will have stickers that display on your doors and windows that tell thieves the house is secured. Installing a home security system is a no brainer, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which system is right for you.

There are a wide variety of security systems available and each has different features that set it apart from competitors. When choosing security systems, you must consider these three factors:

1. Monitoring: How the system communicates with its monitoring center.

2. Installation: The method of installation, either professional or DIY.

3. Home Automation: The ability to control various actions in your home beyond security. This includes turning lights on and off, thermostat settings, and much more.

DIY Security Systems: Professional home security systems can be daunting, especially if you are renting or on a budget. Fortunately, there are DIY security options you can find in any price range, from simple setups with just door/window sensors to high-tech wireless solutions that can protect any size home. You can purchase any home security system that fits your budget as well as your lifestyle. However, with DIY security systems you will be responsible for monitoring your home, so it’s up to you to call the police if you need help. Also, you will be the one responsible for working with your insurance company if a break-in occurs. Anything not covered by your insurance company, will have to be paid for out of your pocket.

Professional Security Systems: Professional security systems have become more sophisticated over time and include high tech sensors that detect broken locks, opened doors/windows, unexpected movements, broken glass, and other intrusion events. While the equipment is going to be of higher quality and provide better security, it will also be more expensive. However, most security companies offer a drastic discount or free equipment when you sign a monitoring contract. Professional monitoring can range from $20 to $100 a month depending on the company, and can include 24/7 burglary, fire, medical, and environmental monitoring. If your home does get broken into and your security system was armed at the time of the robbery, the burglars will be less likely to continue inside your home because of the alarm, and the police will be dispatched quickly, allowing a greater chance for the burglars to be caught.

Comparing the various features of each security system and the company’s that produce them, will allow you to choose the system that works best for your situation, budget, and lifestyle. 

Moving is a very stressful time for anyone. However, hiring the right moving service should help to ease your mind, and make moving easier on you. There are various types of moving services available to tailor to your individual needs. To help you determine what moving service is right for you, we have provided a short list of options.

Full-Service Movers: Full service movers will do the majority of the heavy lifting. Their services include preparing your furniture for the move, moving it from your old home to your new home, and then unloading and organizing your furniture in your new home. Full-service movers also provide moving tools such as mattress bags, padding, moving blankets, shrink-wrap, and any other protective materials. Once you arrive in your new home, the movers will place the furniture exactly where you want it, they will remove all the plastic, bags, and padding, and will get rid of any garbage for you. They will also reassemble any furniture they had to take apart for the move.

Self-Service Movers: Unlike full-service movers who help to move your items and drive the truck, self-service movers just drive the truck. Some self-service movers will drive a truck to your location, while others might just drop off a large mobile moving container on your front lawn a few days before the move. With self-service movers, you are the one responsible for packing and loading the truck or large moving container. The movers will then move the container to your new home when you are ready, but you will need to unload and unpack the truck or container. This is an ideal option if you are looking to save money, and if you do not want to drive a moving truck.

Moving Labor: Hiring simple moving labor can help you to pack up your household items, load/unload a rented truck, and they can even drive your rented vehicle. However, before hiring moving labor you will need to gather more information about the movers and the company since not all moving labor is reliable.

Renting A Truck: If you are looking to save some money and aren’t afraid to drive a moving truck, your best bet might be just to rent a truck and have friends and family help you to move. Most moving trucks are easy to load, have a lot of space, and offer great protection for your household items. Rental moving trucks are available from companies like U-Haul, Budget, Penske, Enterprise, and more.

To ensure safe transportation of all your items, you must compare the services of each moving company. Take into account your budget and your needs while choosing one of these options. Get an understanding of other customer experiences by looking at customer reviews online. Finding a moving company that satisfies all of your needs should guarantee that your move is easy and stress free. 

The trees around your home add beauty and character to the property, so it is important to properly care for the trees in your yard. Old dead trees not only take away from the beauty of your yard but also pose a potential hazard. While beautiful trees that are well planted within a property and neighborhood can potentially raise property values by as much as 15%. Here are some suggestions on when it is appropriate to remove a tree, and when it is ideal to plant a tree.

When Is Tree Removal Necessary?

As with all living things, trees can face numerous issues that can have negative effects on their health. Removing a dead or dying tree is advisable as soon as you notice it. The longer you wait to remove the tree, the more decay can set in, and the more dangerous the tree will be for a tree professional to remove it. As it is necessary to remove a dying or dead tree, there are other reasons for tree removal such as, if the tree was damaged beyond repair from a major storm. You should also remove a tree if it is leaning towards or is too close to the house, other buildings, utility lines, play structures, or a patio. The roots of a tree can also pose a threat. The roots can damage foundations, septic systems, driveways, sidewalks, and other underground utilities if the tree is planted too close. Another reason to remove a tree is if it has become a nuisance by dropping seeds, sap, leaves, branches, or if the tree blocks a view and/or sunlight. It is always important to think ahead a few years about the tree and your property, and consider these reasons we just outlined to determine if tree removal is necessary.

When Is It Necessary To Plant a Tree?

Trees make a home and a neighborhood more beautiful. They mark the changing seasons and can make a house feel like a home. There are many reasons to plant trees, one of which is because trees can provide privacy from neighbors and can mask unsightly views. Trees also muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and absorb dust and wind as well as reduce glare. Trees absorb pollutants and store carbon, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Planting trees in your yard can help to provide drainage for your property by helping rain water soak into the ground rather than run off the surface. Planting trees around your house can also help to conserve energy by providing your home with shade in the summer, and reducing cold winds in the winter. They can also provide wood for a fire on those cold nights. Planting a fruit tree can be beneficial because they provide food for humans, birds and other wildlife. There are so many reasons to plant a tree in your yard. No matter your reason, know that when you plant a tree you are not only adding value to your property, you are also adding a natural setting that future generations will be able to enjoy.

By Day: During the workweek, Justin Cooper is an Inside Sales Mortgage Consultant for Norcom Mortgage. He spends his time answering calls and emails from people who are looking to work directly with Norcom in order to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage. Justin works with many borrowers to see their files make it to closing as quickly as possible, and helps to prepare many individuals for purchasing a home in the future if they aren’t ready just yet. Justin enjoys working at Norcom because he says, “Norcom is like having an all-star baseball team all under the same roof. You have the confidence that no matter where your file is, it is in good hands.” He loves how everyone at Norcom is approachable, and how everyone genuinely cares about getting the job done for the borrower.

By Night: Most weeknights, Justin spends time with his wife and two children, Gracie and Rachel, at home. When he is not at home, he stays busy practicing Karate or playing Softball with the “prestigious” Norcom softball team. He also enjoys watching a lot of movies, as well as traveling to Mystic Aquarium with his family. Justin has many hobbies that allow him to be creative, including listening to music, drawing, painting, reading, and playing guitar. Currently, Justin is learning to play the bass guitar. Martial arts is another hobby of Justin’s that is very important to him. He has studied Karate, Jui Jitsu, Tai Chi, Muy Tai, and boxing. Among his many talents, most people don’t realize that Justin is actually a trivia whiz. At home, he is no longer allowed to play Trivial Pursuit as a result. Justin is a mountain of arbitrary knowledge, especially if it relates to a movie or TV show. 

Moving can be a very stressful time. A lot of preparation and work is involved even if you are moving a short distance, never mind relocating across the country. While it is unlikely relocating will be completely stress free, here are some tips that will help to make the process easier.

Research: Before relocating to your new city, state, or country it is important to do your research. Research the local economy to learn what the cost of living is in your potential new area and how the local job market is in the community. Research information on crime rates within the area as well as health care providers and their availability to learn more about the community. Knowing the local real estate market is also important information to know before relocating. If you have a family or are planning on having a family in the future, you should research the local school district within your potential community as well.

Selecting a Quality Real Estate Agent: Whether you are just buying, just selling, or buying and selling a home you will need to select a top-notch real estate agent. A great real estate agent will represent your best interests. Keep in mind that every real estate agent is different and utilizes different sales techniques. The best way to find a quality real estate agent is to properly interview at least three to four realtors before making a decision.

Prepare: If you have children or animals, relocating can be especially stressful. When relocating with children, make sure you have their new school and their healthcare providers already selected. If you have pets, make sure you discuss your move with your veterinarian before leaving your current community. Your vet will need to provide you with the records for your pet and may also give you tips to make the move easier on you and your pets.

Moving Your Belongings: When moving your belongings to a new location you will want to select a quality moving company to help ease the stress of the move. You should not have to worry about your belongings arriving safely to your new destination; a top quality moving company will ensure this happens. After selecting a moving company, you should consider letting them move all your larger household items. Some of the smaller items you can bring with you when you travel or you can ship them to your new destination. However, it is important to think before you pack. Learn what the weather will be like in your new location so you can determine what you will need to pack and what you can leave behind. Over time, people accumulate belongings that they have no need for, so if you haven’t used the item or worn a piece of clothing within a year, there’s a good chance that you won’t need these items in your new location.