When You Sell Your Home Here is some advice if you have a security system. First, avoid future liability - don't guarantee the security system along with the rest of your home. Sell the security system as-is, and make sure that understanding is in writing. That's because if the system later failed, you could be sued for the loss. A better way is to have us check the system and do any needed repairs. We can then provide a report stating that your system was working as of that date. Second, you don't want to assume the risk of repair calls after you move out. I once went to look over an old system installed by another company. The system had been out of service for over a year, and the owners wanted to sell the home. The buyer was insisting that the system be operational. I got the system working, but it still needed a few hundred dollars’ in repairs and upgrades to make it reasonably reliable. That included the replacement of some outdated detectors that are known troublemakers. Also, the system included a tape dialer (which we don't recommend), and a control unit that, should it fail, would probably have to be replaced instead of repaired. Chances are the new owner will move in, start using the system, and have false alarms. He will expect the former owner to pick up the repair tab for a year. If nobody will agree to service the old system, the former owner could find himself having to pay for a whole new security system! Third, if a security system has been abandoned, what do you tell your prospective buyers? "Oh, the security system hasn't worked for years." That might be a bad idea. My suggestion would be to say, "The system goes with the house, but for security reasons, we'd rather not discuss it until an agreement of sale has been made." Also, during this time when many strangers will be visiting your home, you really ought to have the system operational for your own protection. As soon as an agreement of sale is reached, call us. We have to deprogram the communicator when you move out. We would also like to send a letter of introduction to the buyers at their old address, if possible. If we installed the system ourselves, we will offer the equivalent of a new system warranty for 90 days in return for having us continue the monitoring service. Have the buyer ask us for details. Last, read our page addressing issues that will be faced by the new owner.  It will help you realize ways you may unwittingly set up a bad experience for your home buyer and also contribute to the growing problem of unwanted police and fire dispatches.   Copyright © 1987, 2000  Luis Arellano, III. All rights reserved.
Revised: February 06, 2008 11:04  FAQ_Moved_In,_How_do_I_use_the_system.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0