11 tactics to protect your home from burglary - PLUS 5 health benefits to - of all things - chocolate!

A home burglary occurs in the U.S. every 13 seconds and only one in four burglars are ever caught. Here's how to keep the bad guys away. 1. Replace all exterior locks with deadbolts. Locks only provide security if you know who has every key. When you move into a new home, hire a reputable locksmith to install new deadbolts. Deadbolt locks can't be opened without a key. Bored-in deadlocks embedded into the door are even harder to break through. Spend a few dollars more for good locks and you could save thousands. 2. Eliminate exposed door hinges. Burglars can take out the pin on exposed hinges and walk right in. Re-hang the door with hinges inside. 3. Install peepholes and motion sensor lights. Always know who's at the door before you open it. Sensor lights also illuminate the path to your entrance when you come home in the evening. 4. Remove hidden keys. One out of 3 break-ins happen with no forced entry. If you're hiding a key under a mat, in a fake rock, or anywhere else, remove it. If you worry about losing keys, install a deadbolt with a keypad. 5. Put lamps on timers. Install timers throughout your house and set them for random times - don't have them all go on at 6:30 and off at 11. Most burglaries occur from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so set some lights to turn on during the day if the house is empty then. 6. Install window locks or pins. These discourage burglars who don't want to make noise by breaking glass. Use the same brand of lock for all windows, so they're easy to set. If they use a key pin, keep it in a secure but accessible location in case of fire. 7. Trim trees and shrubs near windows. These can hide a burglar at work. 8. Don't make it obvious no one's home. When you go out, turn telephone and answering machine volumes down. Don't leave notes for family or friends on the door or mailbox. If you'll be gone a while, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail, or have the post office stop delivery until you get back. 9. Don't leave ladders and tools lying around the yard. Impulse burglars can use them to gain access. 10. Destroy new TV and computer boxes. Don't let the world know you've just bought something of value. 11. Install an alarm system. Choose a local alarm or a monitored system. Local alarms make noise to scare off intruders. A monitored system makes noise too, but it also sends an emergency signal to a monitoring center that immediately alerts the police. There are installation costs and a monthly charge for the monitored system, although it may get you a discount on your homeowner's insurance. CHECK OUT THAT HEALTHY CHOCOLATE! A popular health magazine reports: 1. Chocolate reduces chances of heart disease and stroke. A recent study found that people consuming the highest levels of chocolate had a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke compared to those with lower chocolate intakes. 2. Chocolate may help you in math. Flavonols in chocolate are thought to improve blood flow to the brain. One study reported participants could do calculations faster and more accurately after drinking hot cocoa. 3. Chocolate makes you feel good. Chocolate contains phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins, a reaction similar to the one people experience when they fall in love. 4. Chocolate relaxes you. Studies have shown chocolate contains the compound anandamide, which activates the brain receptors for relaxation. 5. Chocolate may help you live longer. One study found that participants who ate candy one to three times a month had the lowest mortality rates of the group. If you're buying your first home, moving up, or downsizing, we can help you with the financing. We're happy to answer your questions, whenever you're ready to take advantage of today's attractive housing market. We can also help with refinancing your existing home or funding home improvements. Please call or email us any time. We're always here for you.... Have a great day! P.S.: Mortgage rates remain at historically attractive levels. When buying or refinancing, it's smart to start the process early. Please call or email us to explore the appealing options available now.