When owning in Mexico or any other country, you will always need to secure your property when you’re away. If you are bouncing around from one location to another at certain times of the year or have an investment property, securing your home is a must. There are certain individuals who like to take advantage of situations if presented to them. This brief article will help you keep the honest – honest, and the not so honest away.
Individuals who see an opening or an opportunity to intrude on or enter your home will take it.
With this said, let us share a few simple suggestions that will help you secure your property when you’re away:
- If you live in a condo community or housing development, get to know your neighbors. Build a cohesive relationship that benefits all parties involved. Neighbors that watch out for each other’s property keeps perpetrators away. These sneaky individuals seek out weaknesses. They know what areas are easy prey.
- When you leave and/or have an extended period of time between renters, make sure your property management company or trusted person(s) keeps an eye on your place. Have them report to you when they check on your place periodically. This keeps them accountable and at the same time gives you peace of mind.
- Before leaving your home make sure to lock all the windows. The same should be done with the sliding glass doors as well. Close all the shades and blinds so no one can see in. It is also a good idea to leave a small light on in one or two rooms. Consider using a timer and to take this one step further, leave a radio on for background noise. An intruder doesn’t want to take a chance of someone being home.
- There are several well-known security and/or alarm companies in Mexico. You should do your research and decide if it is something you feel comfortable with. If you live in a condo community or gated development that has 24-hour security, contact the management company and let them know you will be away for a certain length of time. Bring to their attention that if they see anyone hanging around your condo or see any suspicious activity, they are to investigate immediately.
These are just a few recommendations that will detour any possible break-ins or vandalism. Chances are if you secure your property, you will less likely be a victim. Again, thieves look for opportunities, so don’t present any.
There are other important factors to consider as well. When leaving your condo/home vacant for any length of time or closing up after season, we recommend to follow these tasks:
- When the weather is hot and humid, you should leave ceiling fans on low and/or air conditioners set to a minimum setting. This will help reduce possible mold and mildew growth. You can also place ‘Damp rid’ or other similar products around that absorbs the humidity out of drawers and storage closets.
- Rodents like mice and rats can sometimes nest in areas that aren’t monitored for periods of time. You should hire an exterminator to do preventive maintenance and at the same time have them spray for roaches that are common in a tropical climate. Here is a hint; put covers over all your tub/shower and sink drains.
- Pan out as much water from your toilet as possible then add bleach to the remaining water to keep mold at bay.
- Before leaving your condo/home, unplug any unnecessary appliances and/or electronics.
- Don’t leave any unopened food anywhere. This includes your cabinets, refrigerator and/or pantries.
We hope that all these suggestions to secure your property will help you be more prepared. There is no substitute for using common sense. Utilizing any resources available and taking that little bit of extra time to make sure your investment is well taken care of is just smart thinking.
If you need any further information or have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact Top Mexico Real Estate. Let one of our professional staff members assist you in helping with any issues you might have. Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… We make it happen!
