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can also help secure your home.

Recover Mail and Newspapers Frequently

An overflowing mailbox or a newspaper pile in front of your home will give onlookers an idea that the home is unoccupied. Therefore, arrange to collect them periodically. Have the Post Office forward all mail.

Leave the Lights On

It’s a good idea to leave the lights on in vacant homes. While it isn’t necessary and a waste of power to leave the lights on during the daytime, you may arrange to do it during nights by installing timers so that the lights turn on automatically during the nights. You can set on and off times in these devices. This can paint a picture to onlookers that there’s some activity going on in the home. It’s also equally important to keep the exterior well-lit so that any suspicious activity can be seen by the neighbors and passersby.

Maintain the Temperature

Keep the interior temperature at a reasonable setting — ideally, between 68 and 70 degrees. This can help you maintain comfortable energy bills. The ideal temperature inside can also give a welcoming feel to buyers when they visit your property.

Examine Your Insurance Policy

Homeowners’ policies differ in their handling of “unoccupied” and “vacant” property. While some insurance policies can compensate you for acts of vandalism, some don’t. Fire coverage is also important to determine. You need to talk to your insurer and find out what kind of provisions are in your policy. Speak to your

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