If you're looking for a home security system, the choices are wide and expansive -- but, frankly, they're not that clear.

The variety of systems available to consumers is as expansive as the number of home types available to buyers. When seeking out home security, mostly you need to look at your comfort level and consider the crime rate in your own neighborhood.

Is your home safe enough? The first place to look is www.HomeFair.com -- a website operated by the National Association of Realtors. Here you'll be able to compare your city's crime report with other cities across the country through the site's Relocation Crime Lab.

This tool provides a non-emotional look at where you live and where you're considering a move. Comparing Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, for instance, reveals higher-than national crime rates for both cities as seen below:

Washington, D.C.'s Relocation Crime Lab Index is 508, while the LA Index stands at 296.

The index is explained: "The Relocation Crime Lab Index gives the city's crime rate relative to the national average of all the cities in our database. A value of 100 means that the city is exactly average. A value of 200 means that the city has twice the crime rate as the average city. A value of 50 means that the city has half the crime rate of the average city."

Unfortunately, the crime rates currently demonstrate data from 2001 and have not been updated since then -- however, it still provides a good tool to determine the crime level in your county or city.

More than likely, you know if you live in a safe neighborhood -- that is until an incident happens that may threaten your sense of security. In my community, for instance, we recently experienced drive by smashings. The police were able to catch four teenagers in the act of driving by automobiles and smashing the windows out with golf clubs. More than 30 vehicles were vandalized and it appears to be a senseless, random act of crime.

If you're in the market for a home security system, you may want to consider these tips from the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association in choosing a system -- and more importantly -- choosing a professional installer.

1. Contact the NBFAA or your state burglar and fire alarm association for a list of member companies in your area. The association's members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under its National Code of Ethics and render services at the highest level of quality.

2. Call several companies. Ask them if their employees are trained and/or certified by the NBFAA.

3. Ask the companies if they have appropriate state and/or local licenses, if required.

4. Ask the companies if they conduct any pre-employment screening.

5. Contact your local police department's Crime Prevention Department, state licensing agencies, Consumer Protection Agencies, and the Better Business Bureau.

6. Ask your insurance agent, friends, family or neighbors for referrals.

7. After you've narrowed the field to three or four alarm companies, ask for the name of the person who will call on you. Consider planning the appointment time when all members of your household are present.

8. When he/she visits, ask to see some company identification.

9. Ask each alarm company representative for an inspection, recommendation and a quote in writing. Use a checklist to compare different packages and price quotes.

10. To learn more about home security systems, call the NBFAA Marketing Department at (301) 585-1855 for a FREE consumer brochure.

Let commonsense and the power of knowledge be your guide in selecting a security system. Don't let emotional responses drive you into making large purchases you may not really need. While one would think that most consumers would take the above steps through the interview process, I have found that commonsense is not so common -- otherwise more people would have it.

Published: July 9, 2004

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Mr. Carr has covered real estate since 1989. He is the author of Real Estate Investing Made Simple. Got a personal real estate issue? Post your questions and comments at Anthony’s blog: commonsenserealestate.blogspot.com.