Photo by John Paulsen on Unsplash
Adding a motion detector light outside your house contributes greatly to your home’s security. Besides being able to clearly see any people or wildlife approaching your home, the sudden flash of a powerful spotlight turning on discourages intruders as they cannot be sure whether the light has a motion detector or was turned on by someone inside. Motion detector lights deliver other benefits too, including safety and decoration. For all the times you return home late at night or have guests over for dinner in the evenings, make safety easy and automatic with motion detector lights along your sidewalk or steps. They can also be used to highlight features of your lawn like trees or flowers while your guests approach, and when no one is outside the lights will go out.
Fortunately, motion detector lights are inexpensive, easy to install, and customizable. Where you direct the light will depend on your purpose for installing it. Motion detection works via a mechanism in the detector that senses heat waves coming from moving objects. Leave it on the sensor setting, or switch the sensor off during the times when you want to control it manually and keep lights on or off. You can set a timer for how long you’d like your light to remain on after the sensor picks up something, and the sensor automatically stays off during the day. You can also adjust the setting for the distance range of the spotlight.
Select the Right Light for Your Property
Motion sensor lights are available in a number of different options. You can customize your choice to the location and power source you'll be using. Motion sensor lights can be a purely utilitarian or decorative addition to your property. If you'd like to install one near your front door, you're likely to find a style that can blend seamlessly with the existing decor. Decorative motion lights usually use traditional light bulbs so plan on replacing those regularly. Keep in mind that these options do not function as floodlights.
Popular options are those that employ LED light because they last a lot longer and do not emit heat as traditional light bulbs do. These are very bright and powerful so they are a great choice if you're installing a motion light for security. Some options also include video capability so you can check into what activated the light without heading outside.
If you want to install a light but do not have a power source in that location, you can opt for a solar-powered set-up and avoid the fee for an electrician. This works best in a location that is not obstructed by trees or buildings. To illuminate an area that doesn't receive a lot of sunlight or have a hardwired connection, look for a battery-powered light.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
