Tech vs Squatters: Protect Your Home from Squatters + Burglars!

Ah, the age-old battle of Home Owners vs. Squatters is heating up this year! In this corner, we have the latest and greatest in home security gadgets being wielded by home owners. And in the other corner, the cunning and persistent squatters looking to make your casa their casa. Who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown? You, the home owner, that's who!

Let's talk about some of the high-tech contenders vying to keep your home safe and squatter-free:

1. Smart Security Cameras: These all-seeing eyes keep a 24/7 watch on your property, sending live alerts to your phone if any suspicious activity is detected. With night vision, motion sensing, and remote viewing capabilities, squatters won't stand a chance! Plus, you can yell at them through the two-way audio to get off your lawn.

2. Smart Locks: Forget hiding spare keys under the mat. Smart locks let you control access to your home right from your smartphone. Grant temporary codes to guests or service providers, and revoke access in a snap. Squatters can't pick a lock that doesn't exist!
   
   The BRINKS ANSI Grade 2 Commercial Keypad lever made me think twice about smart locks (in a good way). I was paranoid about such devices (which I still am) but after using it, I love the fact that you can literally remove all access when you're not there (vacation or after business hours). When codes aren't activated, the keypad has zero effect on the handle. -  Blu 

3. Smart Lighting: Nothing deters would-be intruders like a house that appears occupied. With smart lighting, you can set schedules, randomize patterns, and control your lights from anywhere. Keep squatters guessing and your electric bill in check. It's a win-win!

4. Smart Alarm Systems: If a squatter manages to breach your high-tech perimeter, a smart alarm system is your next line of defense. Blaring sirens, flashing lights, and instant alerts to your phone and the authorities will send them running for the hills. Some systems even have smoke, carbon monoxide, and flood detectors for extra protection.

But tech alone isn't enough to fully fortify your castle. Here are some practical security measures to bolster your defenses:

• Reinforce entry points with deadbolt locks, strike plates, and window locks
• Install motion-activated floodlights around your property's perimeter
• Trim back foliage to eliminate hiding spots and improve visibility
• Get to know your neighbors and join a neighborhood watch program
• If you'll be away, have a trusted friend house sit or pick up your mail
• Consider adopting a guard dog (or at least putting up a "Beware of Dog" sign).
  
  

By combining cutting-edge tech with tried-and-true tactics, you can create a seemingly impenetrable fortress that even the most determined squatters and burglars won't want to mess with. So go forth, my tech-savvy friends, and show those freeloading intruders who's boss! Your home is your sanctuary, and with the power of technology on your side, you can keep it that way.

In all seriousness, we felt the need to provide an article of this type... after the recent viral video from a Tiktokker. He felt that it would be a great idea to encourage fellow migrants who cross the border illegally to squat in homes instead. Squatting has resulted in home owners being harmed, so if you suspect that someone is in your home, back out immediately and notify the police. -  Blu 

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and long live the champion of your home - that's you!

Sophima

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Living A Tech-Friendly Life: 10 Ways To Make Your Home... Smarter!

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are surrounded by different forms of technology that make our lives easier and more convenient. A tech-friendly life is not just about having fun gadgets, but also about utilizing technology in various areas to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve communication.

One of the most significant benefits of using technology is that it can help us save time. With the help of various apps and software, we can automate a lot of our daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, bill payments, and even cleaning schedules for bots or services. This means that we can spend more time doing things that we enjoy or that are more important to us, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or focusing on our work.

Another way that technology can help us is by keeping us on task and organized. Voice reminders and to-do list apps are great tools that can help us stay on top of our daily tasks and ensure that we don't forget anything important. These tools are especially useful for people who have busy schedules or who struggle with memory issues. The Echo Show 15 acts as a household hub for family use.

In addition to saving time and keeping us organized, technology can also help us maintain our health. There are various apps and devices that can track our fitness levels, monitor our sleep patterns, and even help us manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. By keeping track of our health data, we can make more informed decisions about our lifestyle choices and work towards achieving our health goals.

Technology can also help us create a more comfortable and efficient living space. Smart home devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras can be programmed to work together and create a personalized environment that meets our specific needs. For example, we can set our lights to turn on automatically when we enter a room or program our thermostat to adjust the temperature based on our daily routine.

Overall, technology has become an essential part of our lives, and I feel a tech-friendly lifestyle can offer numerous benefits. By using technology to automate tasks, stay organized, maintain our health to the extent that we comply, and create a more comfortable living space, we can improve our overall quality of life and achieve our goals more efficiently.

Here are 10 ways to make your home smarter

1. Install a voice-controlled virtual assistant, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, to control various devices in your home.

2. Install smart lights that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or with voice commands.

3. Set up a smart thermostat that can learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. It can also be controlled remotely.

4. Use smart plugs to turn ordinary appliances into smart devices that can be controlled remotely or scheduled to turn on/off automatically.

5. Install smart locks on doors that can be controlled remotely and provide keyless entry options. Stay tuned for our review of the Brinks Commercial Keypad Entry Lever!

6. Invest in a smart security system that includes cameras, sensors, and alarms that can be monitored and controlled through your smartphone.

7. Set up a smart irrigation system to control the watering of your garden or lawn remotely, based on weather conditions or time of day. Lawn mower bots help keep your lawn nice and neat.

8. Use smart blinds or curtains that can be automatically opened or closed based on a set schedule or controlled remotely.

9. Integrate smart appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, that can be controlled or monitored remotely for energy efficiency and convenience.

We can't forget about the cool convenient tech. I had to throw this in there because... come on, who would be against a freaking coffee table that also doubles as a fridge, wireless charger, and speaker system? What?! It also has a built-in touchscreen controller. Soundstream has a cheaper version. -  Blu 

10. Use smart speakers or sound systems to play music or audio throughout your home, providing a seamless entertainment experience.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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