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Even though a burglary occursevery 20 secondsin the U.S., you can still protect yourself without installing top-dollar security features.

Home burglary generally has a pattern; criminals are looking for an easy target they can rob fast. Learn from the pros. Here are five tips from career burglars you can use to defend your home and prevent break-ins:

1. Nighttime Burglaries Arent the Best Time. Burglars like to break into homes during daytime hours”the last thing criminals want is to encounter someone at home. Weekdays are ideal for thieves, since weekend schedules are too unpredictable. Between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. are themost popular timesbecause theres a high chance people will be away at work or school.

2. They Know When Youre Not Home”Thanks to Social Media. While its tempting to post about your vacation to your social media feed, wait to share those trip photos and exotic location check-ins until youre back home. Criminals scout public social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to find victims. Even if all your accounts are private, that old friend from high school could be a potential criminal. Never post what times youre not home or how long youll be out.

3. They Dont Like Your Security Practices. Burglars want nothing to do with alarm systems (whether theyre from thebest home security companiesor not). Homes without a security system are almost 300 percent more likely to be targeted for a break-in. If you do install an alarm system, make sure you guard it with a strong code. Dont use your house number or birthday, and clean any dirt or grease off your keypad so a burglar wont guess your code based off the numbers youve hit the most.Also, tricks that make it look like youre home really work. Motion sensor lights, TVs left on and cars parked in the driveway make burglars nervous and run from properties.

4. Shrubs and Architecture Make Great Hiding Spots. Tall bushes are favorites of burglars since they offer an obstructed view from the street and neighbors. Think twice about large architecture features, too, like fences, half walls and big fountains. Such dcor elements give a burglar more time to hide and plot their method of entry. The best defense is a clear view of your front porch.

5. Valuables in the Open Help Them Decide on a Target. Keep your expensive items out of sight. Youre making it too easy for a burglar by advertising the types of valuables they can steal. Dont leave a new laptop in front of your first-floor kitchen window, expensive jewelry on your living room coffee table, or even a nice car in a garage window with a clear sight line to the street. Key hooks”especially with labels for each key”need to be concealed out of view from windows, as well.

Source: Krystal Rogers-Nelson/RISMedias Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Title insurance can be one of those things that someone says you need when you buy a home, but you dont understand why.

Without it, you could be left with a nagging question in the back of your mind: “Does the seller really own the property?” If the answer is no, it could be bad if you dont have title insurance.

Some people or companies other than the title owner may have rights to the property. For example, the property owner may have sold mineral, air or utility rights to someone else. Or a bank with a mortgage on the property may own an interest in it. The government can also have a lien on the property for unpaid taxes.

What does title insurance do, exactly? Basically, it covers events related to the title that have already happened. It doesnt cover future things that happen to the title after it has been issued.

First, the title company or an attorney verifies that the seller owns the property and is free to sell it. The title search includes searching property records to make sure there havent been any clerical errors and that there arent any undisclosed heirs, spousal claims, omissions in deeds, unknown liens or fraud with the deed. If there are any errors, theyre fixed before the home purchase transaction is completed.

Second, the title company contracts an underwriting company to issue an insurance policy, called title insurance. This protects you in court if anyone challenges you to the title of your home. If you lose any equity, youll be compensated.

Two insurance policies will often have to be bought by the homeowner: one protecting them as the owner, and a lenders policy protecting the lender. The lender requires the insurance because it is providing a loan with the property as security. A problem with the title affects the value of the lenders security. Only the amount of the loan will be covered in the lenders policy, and it will decrease as the homeowner pays back the loan.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Whether youve got a litter of kids or a baby on the way, childproofing your home is a preventative measure no family should go without. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends a number of safeguards to make your home an environment free from hazards. Here are five of those tips to help maximize child safety at home.

Window Guards. Open or unlocked windows can be hazardous for any member of your household. To avoid injury or worse, install a window guard with sturdy bars securely fastened to the frame. And be wary of window treatments that operate with a cord”younger children especially may think the dangling string is a toy. If possible, go cordless.

Interior Gates. To restrict access to stairs or areas that are off-limits, install a safety gate. Before purchasing a product for your home, measure the access point to ensure the gate fits securely. The CPSC advises using gates without a V-shape design so a child wont become trapped.

Locks and Latches. Prevent children from entering barred rooms, closets or cabinets with locks or latches that only adults can access. This is particularly crucial for under-sink cabinets and kitchen drawers, where chemicals, like bleach, and sharp objects, like knives or scissors, are typically stored.

Outlet Plates and Covers. Outlets without plates present a danger to both children and adults, so be sure plates are secured to every outlet in the home, especially ones near the floor. Outlet covers, which are inserted into the prong slots, can deter small fingers from accidental shock or kids from sticking objects into the outlets. Try removing the covers to test them”they can potentially become a choking hazard if they come loose.

Pool Safety. Theres a reason why pools require additional insurance coverage; they present a much higher risk than many other features at home. Pools must be enclosed with a fence no lower than four feet high, with a gate that self-closes and self-locks. Inspect the fence to ensure there are no gaping holes. In addition, the CPSC encourages a comprehensive protection layer that includes an alarm and a power safety cover.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Even if you love your house or apartment, not having enough closet space can be frustrating. If youre pining for more room to stock your clothes, kids toys or other items, there are simple solutions that dont require knocking down walls or moving.

Reduce.This is the first step to making more room in your closet. Were all guilty of hanging onto things we dont use. Make a habit of reducing your closet clutter seasonally. Ask yourself if you wore or used an item in the past six months”or even the past year. If the answer is no, donate it to a charity, bring it to a consignment shop or have yourself a yard sale. The two latter options could also help put some extra cash in your pocket.

Get creative with storage.Dont settle for simple shelves. Cubbies, bins and wire racks are great storage solutions to streamline your space. Adding rods or racks to the back of your closet door or the sides of your closet can provide additional stash space. Check online and browse the aisles of your local home improvement store to find even more creative storage products. If youre a renter, though, make sure to review your lease and consult your landlord before doing any major installations that might be against the rules.

Stagger.Theres no need to have only one or two hanging rods for clothes. Stagger your rods at different heights and lengths, and arrange garments accordingly. This will not only give you more storage space, but also make it easier to put together matching outfits”which can save you both time and frustration in the morning.

Look to the ceiling.Does your shelving reach all the way to the ceiling? If not, you could be missing out on several feet of storage space. Add another shelf (or three) to the top of your closet, and use that space to store out-of-season clothes or things you dont reach for on a daily basis.

With these simple solutions, you can make more storage space and stay organized, helping ensure you no longer cringe every time you open your closet to put something in or take something out.

Published with permission from RISMedia.