Keeping Your Home Safe While You're Away

How can you keep your home safe and sound while you're away on vacation? I have five valuable tips that you may not have considered to give you peace of mind while you're away.

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There are some specific things that you can do to keep your home safe while you're away on vacation.

1. Get a Wi-Fi doorbell. This one's a bit unusual, but there is software out there that connects to your smartphone, and when anybody rings your doorbell, you can see them on your phone! You can order one here.
2. Exterior lighting. It goes without saying that the more lights you have, the brighter it is, and the safer it keeps your home. Keep those lights on!
3. Let your neighbors know you'll be gone. If newspapers are sitting around or anything happens, they can tidy up for you so that people don't know you're actually not home.
4. Mail and newspaper delivery. This has gotten very easy with the Internet. With the newspaper, just go to WichitaEagle.com and click the option to put your paper on hold. You can do the same with the United States Postal Service and your mail.
5. Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Experts say this is the most important thing to do to keep your home safe while you're away. According to statistics, roughly 40% of all home invasions are unforced entries! Also, make sure long ladders aren't stored in your backyard; invaders can use those ladders to go up to the second floor and enter through higher windows that are generally left unlocked for whatever reason.

Keep those lights on!

With the holidays approaching, don't skip any of these steps if you're going out of town or heading out on vacation! We hope you found this topic helpful and informative. If you have any other questions or you're interested in buying or selling a Wichita home, give us a call or send me an email. We'd love to help you.

Are You a Past Client? Have a Pie, on Us!

Thanksgiving is almost here, so it's time for our 4th annual pie giveaway! All you have to do is email us and let us know if you want a free pie or if you'd like us to donate a pie to the Wichita Children's Home in your honor.

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Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it's time for our 4th annual pumpkin pie giveaway!

Any friends or past clients of The Ames Group interested in a free pie should let us know by November 18th; we have three pies to choose from this year! Send us an email at AmesGroup@KW.com and let us know if you want an apple, cherry, or pumpkin pie and, on Tuesday the 24th, swing by the office to say hello and get your free pie!

You also have the option to donate your free pie this year!

This year, you also have the choice to donate your free pie to the Wichita Children's Home. Just let us know if you'd like to donate a pie, and we will give your pie to the Wichita Children's Home in your honor. It's a really great thing to do for the kids who don't have a place to go this Thanksgiving.

We hope to hear from you soon, and of course, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Top 5 Reasons to Sell Your Wichita Home This Fall

Here in Wichita, people buy homes all year long. Today, I’ll go over the top five reasons to sell your home this fall.

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Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.

Why should you list your home during the fall? Here are the top five reasons:

1. There is less competition in the fall. Most people think that spring is the best time to list their home, but the reality is that people in Wichita buy homes all year long. By listing in the fall, you will face less competition, which may mean a better sales price.

2. Buyers are more serious in the fall. In the spring and summer, there are a lot of looky-loos out there who are “just looking” at open houses. They waste your time and your Realtor’s time. In the fall, people are serious because they really want to get into a home before the weather gets really cold.

3. The fall is prime time for curb appeal. The leaves are turning colors and it is truly beautiful outside, which is great for your curb appeal.

4. You will get more attention from your agent. Since most people buy and sell in the spring, your agent won’t be as busy. They will be more available to help you work on things during the fall.

5. You will move in cooler weather. Who really wants to move when it’s 98 degrees out and the humidity is at 100%? A lot of people like moving in the fall because of the cool, crisp weather.

Fall is prime time for curb appeal.

As you can see, there are many advantages to selling your home during the fall. If you have any questions about preparing your home for the market or about real estate in general, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!