Easy Ways to Boost Rental Property Returns

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February 15, 2012
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Rental yields can be massively increased with small improvements. According to 2011 figures from the Australian Tax Office, around 1.19 million Australians own one investment property, while nearly 300,000 have two properties. Given the significant number of investors and rental properties on the market, we look at some of the best ways to provide tenants with the property they’re looking for and to improve rental yields.

1.  Add Security Measures

With around 36 per cent of Australians believing that their house is likely to be burgled in the next 12 months (according to the Australian Institute of Criminology), security measures are very likely to massively enhance the value of your property and boost your rental property returns. In addition to creating strong physical barriers with security doors, landlords can opt to update locks and alarms, add a peephole, provide a few outdoor floodlights, and/or install an intercom system.

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Secrets for Reliable Retail Business Security

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January 30, 2012
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Retail theft is said to cost the global industry more than $143 billion dollars every year. This figure is said to be growing every year. Surveillance, good store design, and customer service can all make a significant difference and help reduce theft. Use these four security tips to protect your business and goods.

1. Design

Prevention is always the best solution. As such, good store design should form the core of your security strategy. Creating strong deterrence against after-hours theft can be achieved with security doors. This can enhance the visual appeal of your store even while serving as a very strong physical barrier against quick breakage. Likewise, windows can be fitted with security screens.

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3 High-Tech Security Options for Home and Businesses

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January 15, 2012
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With the growth of wireless technology and consumer electronics, many people are interested in finding out how our technological ‘growth spurts’ have changed home security. While traditional security measures such as security doors and lighting are irreplaceable, technological advances have enhanced surveillance features and opened the possibility of remote control from far distances. These are some of the latest high-tech tools for home security.

1. Surveillance and Alarms

The latest security cameras can be set up to enable any residence or commercial space to be monitored from a remote location. With a TV, notebook, mobile touchpad, or smartphone, home owners (or business owners) can log in and immediately gain a visual perspective.

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Guide to Safeguarding Your Valuables While Travelling

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December 30, 2011
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With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are planning their annual holiday. Whether you’re travelling overseas or just making a short interstate trip, use this practical guide to safeguarding your valuables when you’re on the road.

Home

You probably won’t be able to take all your valuables with you on your trip, so do keep your home secure and present an appearance of being home. Security doors can be used to secure your entry points, while windows, screens, and other outdoor spaces can benefit from security screens.

If you’re using a call-out alarm, make sure it’s programmed to call the number of someone in the country who will be able to come and check out your house and to turn the alarm off if required. Other tools, such as outdoor lighting and time indoor lights can also be used to keep the home safe. Finally, enlist the help of a neighbour who is happy keep a look out for you.

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3 Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Strategies

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December 22, 2011
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According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, crime costs Australians nearly $36 billion every year. Around 10 per cent of this is directly attributable to burglary: the amount we lose to burglaries every year is a staggering $3.6 billion. Prevention is key to keeping your possessions safe, as is working to ensure that your neighbourhood is not a target for break-ins and burglars. These are three practical neighbourhood crime prevention strategies.

Strategy 1: Secure Your Own Home

Securing your own home is a vital first step to keeping your neighbourhood safe from crime. Homes can be fitted to deter unwanted intruders and equipped with measures to prevent break-ins. Use a combination of effective features to secure your home.

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4 Tips for Choosing a Secure Entry Door

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December 14, 2011
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Your entry door is one of the most important security features in your house. Choosing the right door can deter burglars from one of the most obvious entryways into your house. To get started, read about these top four tips for choosing a secure entry door.

Tip 1: Prioritise Security Features

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, household burglary is one of the most common crimes in Australia, with over 335,700 break-ins recorded for in 2009-10. The same report revealed that around 36 per cent of Australians believe that their house was likely to be burgled in the coming year. If you’re one of those who are worried about intruders, security doors are probably one of the best choices for your entrances or exits.

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Protecting Your Workplace From Unauthorised Intruders

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December 7, 2011
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Workplaces – whether offices, factories, warehouses, or other industrial spaces – often need to be more open than the average private residence. Employees need to be able to access the premises, there may be spaces accessible for other businesses or partners, and even customers may come to your workplace on a regular basis. Using a combination of tools such as security doors and good safety practice, you can protect any workplace from unauthorised intruders and carry on your business with peace of mind.

An Access Management Policy

Most businesses will usually have an access management policy in place.

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A Master Burglar’s Tips for Home Security

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November 30, 2011
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During the 1970s, Walter T. Shaw was considered one of the world’s most notorious jewel thieves. His successful burglary career is estimated by the FBI to have netted around US$70 million. Shaw is credited with more than 3,000 break-ins on the homes of the rich and famous from New York to Florida. After being turned in and subsequently serving 11 years in prison, Shaw turned to writing about his former life as a burglar. These are some of his top tips for securing your home as reported in previous interviews.

Tip 1: Secure Rear Entry Points

While it’s common for many homes to use security doors and windows for securing the front part of the property, too many homeowner neglect rear entry points. Shaw suggests that many thieves are able to gain entry through the back as he preferred to do during his time as a very successful burglar.

While Shaw gives no specific advice on how to secure these entry points, back entry points can be kept safe with double locks and security screens fitted to provide a visual deterrent and strong physical barrier against quick break-ins.

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5 Tricks Burglars Use to Find Out if You’re Home

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November 22, 2011
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Most burglars prefer to break-into homes during the day as there’s a far lower chance of anyone being home during the day. If you use security features such as security doors and alarms and take proactive measures to manage an would-be intruder’s perception of your home, you can eliminate the chance of your home being burgled. These are the top five tricks burglars use to find out if you’re home.

1. Newspapers and Mail

Newspapers in the front garden and an overfilling mail box is one of the major telltale signs of an empty house. Whether they’re walking or driving past in the street, a quick scan of your front lawn and mailbox will let them know what they’re trying to find out.

What To Do

Don’t be complacent, even if you’re only going to be away for a few days. Have a friend pick up your mail and newspapers early in the morning, or arrange to have your newspaper and mail diverted or stopped for the duration of your trip. This also eliminates the chance of mail theft while you’re away.

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6 External Makeover Ideas for Your House

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November 14, 2011
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Working on the exterior of your house is a great way to give your home a new look and boost property values without blowing out your budget. If you’re look for some practical and easy ideas to give you house a fresh look, consider these six fantastic and easy external makeover suitable for any home.

1. Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are some of the most noticeable elements of your house. At the same time, they’re very easy and relatively inexpensive to upgrade. Update old, tired-looking front doors. Enforce doors with a second barrier, such as one of the attractive security doors that can be custom-made to fit your needs.

Windows, too, can be upgraded and enforced with aesthetically pleasing security screens. These can have a dual purpose of acting a security barrier against intruders as well as adding utility by allowing you to ventilate your house and enhance its visual appeal.

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