First things first: prevent the intruders from getting into your home in the first place.  Wouldn’t you rather not have someone break into your house than to record them doing so?  By upgrading your doors to high security locks, and even putting in kick plating to make the doors themselves stronger, you’ll potentially end up foiling a would-be burglar before they even get inside.  If you just have a security camera inside with low quality locks and doors, the odds are you’ll be turning in a video of a burglar, rather than enjoying your evening at home.

Secondly, after you get your doors secure, you should then focus on the next step: getting a security system.  According to this new site, many people are upgrading their security systems, including security cameras.  The news site interviewed a local security company and they said that their sales are up as much as 20% year over year.  That’s a substantial increase, and it’s based on the flurry of robberies that are happening lately.

While the second step is to get a security system installed, don’t do this part yourself.  Have a professional come out and do this for you.  This is crucial as most DIY kits don’t have the embedded level of security that a professional kit does.  If you want to do the security camera yourself, that’s completely fine, as something like the new Nest Camera is easy enough to install, and if a thief takes it, their image is already uploaded to the internet.  The Nest camera is currently priced at around $200.

In summary, yes, you should get a security camera.  However, make sure that other things are protected first.  First the doors, then the alarm, then the camera.  In that order.

CNN’s Home Security Camera Guide:

What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment below.

Presence

Presence re-imagines your spare iOS and Android devices as free Wi-Fi security cameras! It easily expands with add-on products to secure and control your home from anywhere in the world.

Worried about what your dog is chewing on while you’re at work, or whether your home is secure while you’re on vacation? Just download the award-winning Presence app on a spare smartphone or tablet to turn it into a security camera with motion detection, thanks to the fantastic video capabilities of your old gadget. Sign into Presence on another mobile device or on the web to keep an eye on your home base in real time. Presence will even alert you with recorded videos when motion is detected so you always know what’s going on!

Price: Free

Hue

Our homes have changed radically over the past century. So why do we still use lighting that’s based on 19th century technology? Philips Hue lighting can change your decor, keep your home safe, help you relax or focus and much, much more. Lighting has changed.

Price: Varies by product

Alarm.com

Unlike traditional systems that only alert you in an alarm event, Alarm.com lets you know what’s happening at your property at any time – whether your system is armed or not. And with our mobile app, you can check in anytime and arm and disarm your system remotely wherever you go.

Price: Varies by product

August Smart Lock

The August Smart Lock provides intelligent, secure access to your home. Now you can control who can enter and who can’t—without the need for keys or codes. And you can do it all from your smartphone.

Price: Varies by product

Goji

Easily and securely send access to your home to anyone with a supported smartphone. If you choose, you can even specific days and times when the recipient can enter. No need to worry about getting keys back from guests or renters.

Goji is invaluable for managing access for houseguests and home service professionals (housekeepers, dog walkers, contractors, etc.). Rest assured, you can easily cancel or change access for key recipients at anytime.

What apps are you guys using?  Hit the comments button and share!

Is your deadbolt too dumb?  Is the only way to open it with a key?  Come on, those have been around since the Roman Empire right?  It’s time to let your locks start interacting with your smartphone.  That’s right… Lock, unlock from your phone.  So, you forgot to lock the door and you’re at the Gym?  No problem!  Just open up the app, lock your door, and know that the house is safe.   The app also lets your communicate via video, to see who’s at the door, and also captures voice messages, in case you miss them while they’re standing in front.

Right now, the only way to get one of these is to help fund it on IndieGogo

Smart Homes are the new wave of the future.  Everything from the Nest Thermostat to hidden cameras all over your house, you’d better get on board sooner or later.  Soon enough, the entire house will be connected.

While you’re at it, make sure you’re changing your default passwords to all of this smart tech, ok?

Are you going to order one of these?  Leave your comments below.

There is one problem… the app charges $75 flat for a locksmith service.  This is both good and bad.  The good: there is no bait and switching.  It’s a flat $75, and the locksmith has to be certified.  The bad: it’s $75!  Most locksmith calls are far cheaper than that!  So, would you use the app instead of trusty Google?  Leave a comment below with your thoughts!