Security in Tucson foothills winter home (Catalina Foothills, Catalina: to rent, HOA, insurance)

[callmeahab]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I live on the east coast but really love Tucson and the surrounding area. We have been visiting SE AZ regularly for about six or eight years, usually in the winter months. We are considering buying a small home in the Catalina Foothills to occupy for four months per year, from December through March. Is it a crazy idea to think that we could just lock up a house like this, turn on the alarm system, go away for eight months, and expect to come back to an intact house?

One house we are considering is on a couple of acres and, while visible from neighboring properties, is fairly private. The HOA has a security patrol, but of course that won't stop determined thieves. Oh, and this home has a carport rather than a garage, so our presence or absence throughout the year would be fairly obvious.

How bad is the risk of property crime in a situation like this? I have heard burglars are so desperate that they'll steal copper tubing from a home's outdoor A/C unit. Even the best alarm system can't stop that kind of thing.

We would much prefer buying our own place and becoming regular, seasonal members of a particular community to renting at various neighborhoods from year to year. And we would much prefer a single family home to a condo or townhouse. But on the other hand, we don't want the expense or the worry of owning a very risky situation on the other side of the country from our primary home.

We would appreciate any advice this community can provide.

[finernfrogfur]

Are you able to close the carport in making it more like a garage (without windows)? If yes, that could help. I'd also check into alarm system companies, like ADT or whomever is available in your area. There are also home monitoring systems you can hook-up and watch your home inside/outside from the convenience of a computer anytime/anywhere 24/7.

[callmeahab]

Thanks for the feedback, finernfrogfur.

No, the carport does not close, it is wide open at all times. Maybe it could be converted into a garage but that would be very expensive and would probably be out of our reach, financially. We're stretching our limits as it is, putting much of our hard-earned retirement resources into this second home. It looks like a good buy, but not if we can't protect it from burglars while it is vacant 8 months per year.

I would definitely put in an alarm system, but I wonder if that would deter burglars from smashing and grabbing. Or from vandalizing the grounds, etc. A broken door or window or stolen fountain 2500 miles from home would be a real pain. Insurance companies wouldn't like it much either.

Just how audacious are burglars getting in the Catalina Foothills these days? And how much of a problem is a carport vs an enclosed garage in that area?

[rational1]

Check with an insurance company, being upfront about the fact that it is a second home. They may require an alarm system and/ or regular checks.

If insurance is unobtainable at a reasonable price...you have your answer.

[jksn75]

If it were me, I would also consider hiring a company or house sitter (with great references) to check on your house.

[robabeatle]

I can house sit!


: )

[CheyDee]

Personally, I wouldn't purchase a house that is isolated, (meaning on a couple of acres of land), which I planned to leave unattended so long. Regardless of how nice an area it may be in, once it's discovered to be unattended for long periods, it becomes easy prey. At least with smaller propery a neighbor may notice a suspicious truck backed up to the house (cleaning it out), or people who don't belong walking about.

[callmeahab]

Thank you all for the great ideas. Robabeatle, I may be in touch!

[monocle]

I agree with CheyDee. I think it would make more sense if you lived in a community with close neighbors.

I live in Sabino Vista Village in the Foothills. A number of our neighbors are snowbirds, so their houses are left unattended months at a time. I'm not aware of any security problems. All the houses in this community (49 homes) have attached enclosed garages.

We've lived here for 7-1/2 years and haven't had any crime issues.

[soulful]

I would suggest that you keep an auto in the carport while you are gone. That will make it appear much more occupied. Perhaps just purchase a 10 yr old used car that barely runs

Also, go with a monitored alarm system.

good luck with your decision making. it's a great area