eXp Realty, LLC

Keep Your Sanity with Home Video Technology

by Kyung Kim 08/19/2021

Photo by George Becker from Pexels


 

Modern homes are built with your comfort, convenience and safety in mind. And that’s exactly why so many come with video doorbells and camera systems installed. With this equipment at your fingertips, you can monitor the security of your home right from your phone, tablet or computer. It’s really as easy as that. Here’s what you need to know about these helpful systems as you look to buy a new home.

Types of Residential Camera Systems

Home builders have a ton of camera styles and brands to choose from as they look to upgrade the safety and security of each residence.

The most popular styles used in new construction homes include:

  • Video doorbell: Allows you to view who is at the door or review prior visitors 
  • Floodlight camera: Most often used to provide a clear view of the driveway or backyard
  • Basic outdoor cam: Works best in well-illuminated areas that benefit from monitoring
  • Indoor cameras: Usually installed in shared living areas for checking up on kids and pets

They may include just one type or all of them, largely depending on their prospective buyers’ preferences. You can also add cameras to the systems if you want additional coverage after buying the home.

Benefits of Using Cams Around Your Home

Without video cameras, you have to get up and look around every time you feel like something is amiss. And if you’re not home, then it’s impossible to know until you get back. But if you have the right equipment in all the key areas, you can use them in the following ways.

Detect Intruders

Video doorbells and outdoor cameras continuously monitor the area for motion and send a notification through the app upon noticing activity. If you notice someone who shouldn’t be there, then you can set off the alarm and use the microphone to tell them to leave. If that doesn’t work, you can call the authorities, and they will send help out right away.

Screen Your Visitors

If you want to screen your visitors, you can easily do that with a doorbell camera. Just listen for notifications and open up the app each time someone approaches the door. Then, you can let them know that you just put the baby down for a nap or are otherwise not taking visitors at that time – all without getting up from your seat.

Keep Your Kids Safe

With video cameras indoors and out, you can keep a close eye on your kids whether you’re home or away. You can even talk to them through the speakers to see how they are doing or remind them about the house rules. And if a vase gets broken while you’re away and no one claims responsibility? You can review the activity to see who’s responsible for cleaning up the mess and buying a new one.

Monitor Pets

If you want to see what your pets are up to while you’re away from them, then video cameras are the way to go. You can monitor their activity while they’re in the backyard or inside as long as you have the right devices set up. You can even offer them reassurance if they’re feeling a little nervous while you’re away, keeping separation anxiety induced behavior to a minimum.

As you can see, the sky is the limit in how you can use your video doorbells and camera systems to monitor the security and wellbeing of your household.

How to Start Using Your Cameras

If you’re buying a new construction home decked out with video doorbells and camera systems, the seller will let you know how to use them. You’ll likely just need to download the app, connect to the cameras, and you’re ready to start monitoring your home. If you have any problems after that, you can contact the equipment manufacturer with your questions and concerns.

About the Author
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.