TYSONS, Va. (June 31, 2022) – According to The National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, released in late 2021, the annual share of first-time buyers was 34 percent. As home sales and moving continues to trend this year, 80 percent of all moves in the United States are expected to occur between April and September, according to Movinglabor.com’s 2022 peak season heat map. Whether a seasoned homeowner, or signing a mortgage for the first time, Alarm.com has 12 tips to consider adding to the new home shopping list, beyond appliances and furniture.
New Locks
Changing out the locks throughout the new home should be at the top of the list, whether it's a new build or a pre-owned home. For an easier and safer way to control when movers or workers come and go, consider installing connected smart locks, which add convenience and let in trusted visitors remotely without needing to hide a spare key. A video doorbell allows homeowners to verify the person at the door by a live video on the Alarm.com app.
Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can make the new home more energy-efficient and start saving energy right away. Since it's connected to the security system, a smart thermostat knows exactly when people are home or not—ensuring savings. It also has some very smart extra ways to save energy, like adjusting its own temperature if a window has been left open when the air conditioning is on.
New Blinds or Window Treatments
Upgrade the new home’s ambiance (and privacy) with window treatments or blinds, especially for bedrooms and other areas that need more privacy. Blinds can also help insulate rooms from drafty windows and keep rooms warmer during winter months.
Fire Extinguisher
It’s a good idea to have several fire extinguishers handy throughout the new home, in case of a small fire emergency. Having one of these potentially life-saving devices—and knowing how to use it—could make a huge difference.
Connected Smoke Alarms
Smart, connected alarms work together to alert everyone who may be in different areas of the home. A smart system will also contact the authorities immediately to get help.
First Aid Kit
Pick up a first aid kit before the unpacking and decorating begins in case there are any bumps or bruises along the way.
Tool Kit
It’s a rite of passage for every new homeowner to buy a tool kit in order to fix everything on the to-do list around the house. Add one to the shopping checklist.
Flashlights
Don’t wait until the lights go out to buy several flashlights. Remember to keep them in easy-to-find areas of the house in case of a power outage and don’t forget to stock (or charge) the batteries.
Surge Protectors
Keep new appliances and electronics plugged in safely with surge protectors. Also, installing smart plugs around the home is another quick and easy way to save energy. Devices like TVs, game consoles, and coffee machines still draw energy even when they’re turned off if they’re plugged in. Smart plugs eliminate waste by cutting the power supply to these devices when they are not in use. Use the Alarm.com app or a voice-activated Scene to schedule them to turn off at night.
Indoor and Outdoor Video Cameras
Think about installing motion-sensor outdoor lights for safety and convenience. Keep an even better eye on the new home, inside and out, with connected home video surveillance cameras, whether it’s a critter or something more serious.
Outdoor Storage Protection
Outdoor space might be a large part of the new home investment and there are ways to keep the lawn mower, grill, or boat safe. Specialized outdoor contact sensors work with a connected home security system to keep free standing structures protected. When attached to a gate or shed door, these rugged sensors send an alert in the event of movement.
Connected Home Security System
The latest smart home security systems don't just offer peace of mind; they can also take care of several common problems from day one, making an instant impact on the new home's to-do list. Whether it’s wireless contact sensors for doors and windows, video cameras with alerts and live streaming, safety devices like connected smoke detectors, or a smart water valve that provides alerts and shut-down measures to protect against freezes, leaks, and bursts—a smart security system protects and manages the entire home.
Alarm.com-powered systems are professionally monitored for emergencies and come with proactive intelligence that starts protecting the new home and family immediately. For more information, visit Alarm.com to connect with a service provider in the local area that can customize a plan for the home and family.
About Alarm.com
Alarm.com is the leading platform for the intelligently connected property. Millions of consumers and businesses depend on Alarm.com's technology to manage and control their property from anywhere. Our platform integrates with a growing variety of Internet of Things (IoT) devices through our apps and interfaces. Our security, video, access control, intelligent automation, energy management, and wellness solutions are available through our network of thousands of professional service providers in North America and around the globe. Alarm.com's common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ALRM. For more information, please visit alarm.com.