Crime Reports for DC, MD

One of the things that is frustrating to both clients and REALTORS is that we are prohibited from commenting on whether or not a neighborhood is "safe" due to Fair Housing Laws. (See article "What Realty Agents Won't Tell You.") The web, however, fills that void nicely with a variety of tools, and now there's a new one that looks very useful: CrimeReports.com. Just enter the address and the map populates with recent crime data, including police calls and arrests.

As this CNN article states, the site had its inspiration in a local Arlington County resident, and is not without its own controversy around privacy and other matters. Nonetheless, it's a valuable tool for buyers investigating potential neighborhoods.

It doesn't appear to have Virginia data yet (the site has a form where you can request the data from your local police department); DC and Montgomery County, MD are already online.

Burglary Prevention

I often get asked questions about crime (which I usually can't answer -- see "What Realty Agents Can't Tell You" entry from April 2007). I did come across this helpful graphic "Anatomy of a Burglary" in today's Washington Post. Pretty interesting stuff. Some good tips on where NOT to keep your valuables. In this season of vacations where homes are left empty for a week or more, it's worth being smart about.

Here are some more tips from Arlington County:

Before you leave...

* Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty: stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a friend to make daily collections. Hide empty garbage cans. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put an automatic timer on several lights and the radio. Have a neighbor keep your property maintained.
* Leave a key to a trusted neighbor.
* Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
* Tell a neighbor you trust your departure and return dates. Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.
* Ask police to make extra checks at your residence.
* Lock all windows and doors. Double check basement and garage doors before you leave.

On a related note, and relevant to your homeowner's insurance, it's always worth keeping a detailed record of your assets, in case they are stolen. You should include the brand, model, purchase price, and age. Another good idea is to take some quick digital pictures around the house of items that are likely to be stolen in the event of a break-in and email them to yourself for archiving.

Map Your Community

Another cool interactive tool from the WP - a "Map Your Community" tool.

It allows you to enter an address or zip code, and has tabs you can click on to map recent sales, crime, and school info. Good stuff.

What Realty Agents Won't Tell You...

...not because we don't want to, but because we're not allowed by law!

Here's a great article every buyer should read, with links to research on schools, crime stats, environmental effects, and demographics.

What Realty Agents Won't Tell You