Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior and plays an important role in both curb appeal and security. According to the Bureau of Justice, 34% of residential burglaries occur through the front door or front entryway.
Additionally, exclusive research commissioned by Strutt & Parker reports that 76% of buyers believe first impressions are everything when visiting a property, while 66% agree they are vital when viewing a property online. These facts underscore the importance of maintaining a tidy, secure, and welcoming front door area.
To help you make the best impression and protect your home, here are 15 things you should never leave hanging on your front door.
Keys
Leaving a spare key hanging on your door may seem convenient, but it compromises your home security significantly. According to the Bureau of Justice, 34% of burglars gain entry via the front door, and a visibly accessible key only makes the job easier.
Even a seemingly “hidden” keyholder hanging near your door signals burglars that you may be unguarded. Consider replacing this practice with a smart lock that allows secure, remote-controlled access. Visible security measures often deter break-ins. Prioritize safety by exploring robust alternatives to key storage.
Political Signs
Displaying political allegiance on your front door invites unnecessary scrutiny and may even incite debate among neighbors or passersby. A Pew Research Center study found that 45% of Americans try to avoid discussing politics to maintain harmony in their social circles.
Additionally, real estate investor Jerry O’Reilly, of Cash Buyers Home Crew in Houston, says, “Many HOAs have strict guidelines for displaying political signage and flags.” “I’m not allowed to have flags without a flag mounting on the house that meets certain requirements,” he explains.
While everyone has the right to express their beliefs, your door may not be the right place to spark political conversations. Instead, use yard signs or bumper stickers in more nuanced or private spaces to express your views respectfully.
Over-the-Door Storage Hooks
Outdoor storage hooks provide quick solutions for temporary needs, but can damage your doorframe in the long term. Repeated stress on hinge extensions leads to accelerated wear and tear, resulting in higher replacement costs.
Opt for removable solutions, such as adhesive hooks rated for outdoor conditions, instead, to minimize structural effects.
Delivery Notes
“Leave the package on the porch” might seem like a helpful note for delivery drivers, but it’s an open invitation for porch pirates. Research by Security.org reveals that one-quarter of American adults have had a package stolen from their doorstep.
Hanging these notes where they’re visible to everyone can inadvertently make your home a target for theft. For safer package delivery, consider using parcel lockers, secure mailboxes, or doorbell cameras that discreetly display instructions.
Wet Paint Notices
While necessary during home improvement projects, ensure your timing for public notices doesn’t linger past their relevance. Prolonged hanging notices unnecessarily deter visitors and create confusion.
Use social media posts or one-day alerts to balance communication without long-lasting clutter.
Expired Wreaths
Seasonal or festive wreaths can enhance your curb appeal, but an old, faded, or dying wreath sends the wrong message. Worn-out décor can make your home look unkempt and hint at a lack of attention to detail.
According to a survey by American Home Shield, 68% of buyers consider poor curb appeal a dealbreaker. If you love wreaths, update them regularly to stay fresh and relevant to the season. It’s a slight touch that can make a big difference.
Excess Holiday Decorations
Nothing signals the end of a season more than outdated holiday adornments. Overdecorating beyond festive periods results in visual fatigue for guests or neighbors.
Keep holiday displays relevant and tidy after the festivities end!
Personalized Name Signs
A sign with your family’s name or initials may seem welcoming, but it compromises your privacy and increases the risk of identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reports of identity theft cases surged to 1.4 million in 2022, with stolen personal identifiers often playing a key role.
Avoid giving unnecessary information to strangers or passersby. Instead, opt for non-specific decorations, such as welcome mats or potted plants, to display your personality without oversharing.
For Sale Signs
Hanging a “For Sale” sign directly on your door may confuse visitors or potential buyers and create a cluttered look. Typically, real estate agents recommend visible signage near the curb or sidewalk to maintain proper street-level visibility for interested buyers.
Your front door should focus on welcoming guests, not creating distractions. Consider asking your agent for strategic placements rather than overloading the entryway.
Cameras or Audio Recorders
Visible cameras or recording devices on your door may deter intruders, but they can also create privacy concerns for your neighbors. A 2023 study by SafeHome.org found that while 72% of homeowners use surveillance devices, their placement often sparks debates over ethical boundaries.
Position your cameras discreetly to monitor your property without infringing on your neighbors’ privacy. Consider guidelines on surveillance placement to foster trust while ensuring security and maintaining confidentiality.
“No Soliciting” Signs
While it might seem effective, hanging an overly aggressive “No Soliciting” sign can alienate neighbors or visitors. Subtle wording conveys the same message without appearing uninviting.
Balance courtesy with assertiveness when discouraging unwanted visits.
Temporary Repairs
Using duct tape, cardboard, or other temporary fixes on your front door can diminish your home’s aesthetic appeal and may even compromise building standards. A study from The University of Texas at Arlington revealed that homes with an appealing exterior sell, on average, for 7% more than comparable homes with a rundown appearance.
Investing in professional repairs improves safety and also demonstrates pride in homeownership, leaving a better first impression.
Large Banners or Posters
Big banners and posters can make your front door look cluttered and obscure its aesthetic appeal. Such decorations could also breach local homeowners’ association rules.
Use banners sparingly, and ensure they’re proportionate and compliant with community guidelines. Creativity matters—but so does moderation.
Fake Security Stickers
Many homeowners believe that applying fake “Protected by…” stickers deters crime, but this is not the case. According to Deep Sentinel, a camera-based security system company, fake signs might increase your burglary risk because a savvy criminal who spots your bluff could see it as a sign you have valuables but lack proper security, making your home a more attractive target.
Visible but authentic precautions create a reliable defense system. Invest in credible tools to ensure your security measures aren’t just for show.
Obsolete Locks
If you’re still using exposed, traditional key-based locks that are visible, it’s time for an upgrade. Upgrade functionality to provide seamless, digital lock solutions that outsmart evolving access tools versus older-generation technology.
Key Takeaways
While old-fashioned key-based locks may have been the norm in the past, they are quickly becoming outdated in terms of security. With advancements in technology, smart lock systems now offer more effective protection against burglary. These digital lock solutions make it harder for intruders to gain access, while also providing the convenience of seamless entry for homeowners.
In addition to providing enhanced security, smart-lock systems also eliminate the need for physical keys that can easily be lost or duplicated.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women
16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a transformative and joyous period in a woman’s life, but it comes with unique challenges and demands. One of the most crucial aspects during this time is ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
Finding the right job during pregnancy is not just about earning an income; it’s about maintaining your health, well-being, and peace of mind.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
Well… this isn’t one of those articles. I don’t have 5 easy steps to help you change your habits….
