BiggerPockets

Power of e-Community for New Members!

Wednesday, October 27

[DEC-3 EDIT] Update!  The security system from SimpliSafe works like a charm; great customer service, and a great product.  Will do business again A+

Hello BiggerPockets! 

I'm a new member and I wanted to share with everyone here the power of online communities such as this! I was recently robbed for my HVAC/copper from a vacant property I am rehabbing. I turned to the online real estate community for HELP! in finding a solution for this all-too-prevalent problem in our troubled real-estate markets.

FIRST I made a list of items that I would need to secure my properties.

1) GOOD LOCKS!

2) Motion activated lights

3) Security systems

4) Signage/low cost deterrents

NEXT I went to Home Depot to pick up my supplies; locks were easy to find (went with KwikSet) and the motion activated lights were a cinch (inexpensive too!).

Here's where I had to turn to the power of social media; I have no experience with security systems. I went to BiggerPockets and ActiveRain searching for recommendations and found what I was looking for!

I can't justify paying an installer and a 3 year contract (looking at YOU ADT), and I needed police dispatch. A forum member recommended LaserShield which looked almost like what I needed so I kept searching. Finally I stumbled upon the SimpliSafe Burglar Alarm.

FIRST and foremost it is no-contract monitoring with activity reports! I get a message whenever anyone arms/disarms and of course sets off the alarm. IT IS COST EFFECTIVE! The entire system was about $300, and it was all motion sensors.

Next I took up a forum-poster's advice and laid some PEX around the property to lead thieves to believe I don't use copper, and put my yard signs in plain view.

Can't wait to enjoy this piece of mind (even though it doesn't last long in this business!)

Happy to share my experience with anyone, just send me a PM.

-Tim Anders