Guide to Making the Most of Home Security

Help homeowners find home security products for an optimal home security system

By Kristan Hart

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate a great deal on home security systems with wireless home security devices

In an existing home, a budget friendly security system option for your customers is a wireless home security system. They have the added protection of a security system without running a bunch of wires through the walls.

I recommend: Alarm.com offers a wireless security system that your customers can control using the Internet or a PDA. Safemart offers wireless security packages from some of the most recognized names in the business, like GE and Ademco.

Meet particular needs of your customers with a specialized home security system

Making the most of home security systems means finding a system that meets even the most specific needs of your customers. Some people with certain medical conditions may find comfort in owning a medical home security system that alerts medical personnel in the event of an emergency. Other customers may prefer a high-tech system that offers all the bells and whistles.

I recommend: ADT Companion Service offers a Personal Emergency Response System worn as a wristband or a pendant. The client can push the button and an ADT professional can dispatch emergency personnel to the home. GE Security details a system that allows customers to disarm the alarm as they drive up to the house, and the system even turns on lights so they don't have to enter a dark house.

Incorporate cameras into a home monitoring system for video surveillance

Some homeowners interested in home security surveillance only want one home security camera at the front door. However, other homeowners might want home security cameras throughout the house or at every exit point. Consider a variety of home security surveillance systems to make sure your customers understand the advantages of video surveillance.

I recommend: SurveillanceCameraReviews.com offers reviews for a variety of standard definition and high definition security cameras so you can find the best fit for your customers' needs. To help determine what customers want, look at the options from CCTV Choice, including a security camera system with eight bullet proof cameras.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When browsing home security camera systems, consider nighttime surveillance options. Some people might want night vision cameras as part of their home security alarm system since many crimes occur at night.

Guide to Home Security

Choose a home security system and home security cameras for your home office

By Rebecca Turley, Freelance Writer

1. Wireless home security kits
2. Central monitoring services
3. Indoor/outdoor surveillance cameras
4. Video monitoring services

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Install home security surveillance yourself

With installation and set-up taking only moments to complete, and no wires to contend with, a wireless home security system may be right for your home security needs. These wireless home security systems typically come equipped with a central control system, a power supply and a rechargeable battery back-up system. Like traditional, wired home security systems, these wireless kits can include accessories such as door/window transmitters, indoor/outdoor motion detectors and glass break sensors. Expanding your home security surveillance system is as simple as buying additional wireless accessories.

I recommend: Home Security Store offers home wireless home security kit configurations, as well as additional home security devices and products.

Utilize central monitoring home security systems

A central monitoring service sells, installs and monitors your home security system. The home monitoring service, which requires a monthly fee in addition to the initial installation costs, uses a central station to monitor your home. Should your home security alarm system be activated, the central station dispatches police, fire department or emergency medical personnel to your home.

I recommend: Guardian Protective Services and ADT are two widely recognized names in home security.

Observe your surroundings with home security cameras

Home security cameras have increased in popularity and ease of use over the last few years. Many home security camera kits include everything you need to install the cameras, watch the images in real time, via your PC, and even digitally record the images to a DVR, if desired. Wireless cameras are an option, as standard, wired cameras require a power supply and a cable to transmit the signal back to the PC. Wireless cameras, on the other hand, require the use of batteries or low-voltage cables. Dome cameras, bullet cameras, weatherproof cameras and super infrared cameras, capable of transmitting a picture even without moonlight, are just a few home security camera options to consider.

I recommend: EZWatchPro sells complete home security surveillance systems and home security cameras.

Keep a watchful eye while away with remote home security surveillance

Many home security companies provide services which enable homeowners to monitor their homes, even while they are away. Used alongside of existing alarm systems, these monitoring systems alert the homeowner, via emails or text messages, should their home security system become compromised. These systems, when used in conjunction with a home security camera and a DVR, may also make a video recording of the incident.

I recommend: You can view and manage the NextView Internet Camera System through your cell phone, or through their online customer portal interface. This system takes a series of still photographs using your existing wireless cameras. However, when the alarm is activated, the system changes to a live video feed. Other features of this system, which charges a nominal monthly fee, include a dispatch center and archived videos and stills.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the details of your homeowner's insurance policy. Many insurance companies offer discounts on insurance premiums with the addition of a home security alarm system or home monitoring system.
• •  Factor in monthly monitoring fees when determining your total home security budget.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about home security system options

The home security industry is expansive and there are many different features in which your customers may be interested. New products such as wireless home security gadgets or a digital home security camera are regularly introduced, and part of your job is knowing as much about these products as possible. When you are unable to answer all of your customer's questions, it's very likely you will lose their business.

I recommend: Learn what your options are at RPS Relocation or A&E Home Security.

Receive training on installing home security systems

Setting up a home security alarm system can be a difficult and time consuming process. The person who hired you will expect you to get the job done right and in a timely manner. Get all the home security education and training you can to make sure you are fully prepared to handle every request you receive.

I recommend: Get online training for working with home security devices at Panasonic Corporation of North America. Read about installing a home monitoring system at SelfInstallHomeSecurity.

Keep up with the latest trends for home security products

Don't let the latest innovations escape your notice. Spend a little time finding out about the newest and most sought after security systems on the market and how they will affect your industry. You should always know more about a recent security device than your customers do and be able to make suggestions for products that might benefit them.

I recommend: Construction Trends provides an updated list of tips and trends for the home security industry. Read articles about new security products at Security World News. Find out about upcoming security industry seminars and trade shows from Trade Media Holdings.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Provide your employees with an in-house training session on the benefits of fake home security camera systems so they may better explain the advantages to potential clients who cannot afford the real thing.
• •  Make sure each member of your staff is well educated about the proper use of every new piece of security equipment you offer. They will need to be able to answer any questions your customers have and show they are experts on the subject matter.

Guide to Home Security Key Terms

Look at the different products and services in the home security industry

By Heather Topham Wood, Freelance Writer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Motion sensors

Motion sensors work using either microwave or infrared technology to alert the sensor of motion within a particular range. With microwave motion sensors, microwaves are bounced off an object to determine motion. Infrared sensors measure heat as a way to determine motion within a certain area.

I recommend: Home Security has information about different types of motion sensors and how each type works.

Burglar alarms

Burglar alarms come in two main categories: audible alarms and monitored alarms. Audible alarms will set off a siren in the case of burglary, while monitored alarms notify a central listening office.

I recommend: Read an overview of burglar alarms at BurglarAlarms.com.

Home security cameras

Home security cameras are wired or wireless surveillance systems that send a video feed to a monitor. You can place these cameras around areas of your home, like doors and windows, to prevent break-ins.

I recommend: Besides discussing the different types of home security cameras available, 101HomeSecurity.com gives advice on purchasing these devices online.

Home security safes

Home security safes allow you to store valuables in a central place away from damage or theft. Home security safes are often fire-proof.

I recommend: Find out more about home security safes from the Home Security Coach.

Closed circuit television (CCTV)

A closed circuit television (CCTV) system includes a camera and monitor in order to watch live feeds of different areas of the home, as well as recording capabilities to playback past feeds.

I recommend: Practical Home Security Guide has a detailed article about CCTV systems.

Deadbolt locks

The type of door lock installed will also affect the status of a home's security. Deadbolt locks extend further into the plate to prevent tampering. Deadbolt double cylinder locks use a key on both the interior and exterior of the doorway.

I recommend: Find out all about secure deadbolt locks on Home Safety Today.