Millenium Home Mortgage LLC
Smart Protection or Traditional Safety?
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Published Date 2/28/2025
Google the stats about the value of a home security system and here is what you’ll find: According to studies, homes with professionally monitored security systems are significantly less likely to be burglarized. Some estimates suggest that homes without a security system are up to 300% more likely to be targeted by burglars. One study from the University of North Carolina found that 60% of convicted burglars would choose a different target if they saw a security system present at a home.
“The real question isn’t whether to get a home security system at all, but whether a traditional security system, which typically includes professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, and a multi-year contract, is worth the extra expense,” says Realtor.com’s Geraldine Campbell.
If there were one key difference between a DIY system and a traditional, security system, it would be professional monitoring. From security cameras to carbon monoxide detectors, DIY options rely on self-monitoring. “A professionally monitored system includes 24/7 protection by experts who can respond quickly to emergencies, even when you’re not home,” explains ADT’s Jimmy Lin. “When an alarm is triggered, you’ll get a smartphone alert and a phone call from an expert who can help you figure out next steps or, if you don’t pick up your phone, can alert the police or fire department. With self-monitoring, there’s no safety net if you miss an alert because you don’t have your smartphone with you—or you’ve set it to Do Not Disturb mode.”
And then there is the expense. Lin estimates the most basic DIY setup will set you back around $200 if you install it yourself and opt out of professional monitoring. A traditional home security system means a much bigger setup and equipment fee (upward of $2,000 depending on how comprehensive your system is) plus a monthly monitoring charge (usually $20 to $40 per month). It’s a significant difference if budget is an issue, although it’s worth noting that DIY companies can get pricey once you start adding equipment to starter bundles—and some charge a monthly fee just for app access.
Campbell says depending on your home insurance provider, the cost of your home security system may be offset by discounts to your monthly premiums. “How much of a discount varies, but it is often based on which features your security system offers, with the highest discounts (up to 15%) for fully-monitored systems,” she says. “According to QuoteWizard, on average you’re only looking at insurance savings of 5%, or around $59 a year. But it adds up, especially when you add in another feature often included with a traditional home security setup: A guarantee to pay your insurance deductible (or some portion of it) in the event of a burglary when the alarm system is armed.”
Commitment-shy? While newer security companies are moving away from binding contracts, a traditional setup may lock you into an agreement for at least a year, prepared to charge you a penalty for breaking it. On the other hand, a contract may help defer the initial setup fees by distributing the cost of equipment over a series of monthly installments, often including free repairs as part of the agreement.
DIY systems with self-monitoring, while more affordable, can mean not receiving alerts or being able to access security footage during a Wi-Fi outage. “Traditional home security systems, on the other hand, typically come with cellular failover. This means even if there’s no power (and no internet), your base station will be able to stay online,” says Campbell.
The thing is, this decision is not so black and white. Traditional security companies have introduced smart features, discounted bundles, and even self-installation to stay competitive with newer entrants, while many DIY companies offer professional installation and 24/7 monitoring on an as-needed basis, all without the obligation of a commitment. In other words, says Campbell, it’s possible to find the best of both worlds, depending on what’s right for you and your home.
Realtor, TBWS
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Millenium Home Mortgage
Manager
NMLS: 51519
Millenium Home Mortgage LLC
1719 Route 10 East, Suite 206, Parsippany NJ
Company NMLS: 51519
Office: 973-402-9112
Email: connie@mhmlender.com
