[quote=mwtosd]If you do go the route with monthly monitoring, make sure to negotiate lower contract commitment. Many companies ask for 3-5 years, play them off one another and try to get 1-2 year contract (say the other company is offering a shorter contract).

Not many people realize how easy it is for the thief to inactivate the home security system. All they need to do is to cut the phone or cable line (depending on which you have home phone service for). The alarm will still sound, but it will not be able to contact the security company or police.

Only hope would be a neighbor to call for you in a situation like that.

I would HIGHLY recommend getting a wireless cell back up (it does cost more monthly for monitoring) but it will still allow for the system to contact the security company and/or police if the phone line is cut. Have it hidden up in an attic to make it difficult to get to.[/quote]

We had ADT in our new place in Denver, the wireless cellular backup was included for a few bucks a month, and the battery backup in the unit meant that burglars cannot disable the system by cutting phone lines or circuit breakers. We were able to get just a 1 year commitment – but we had the wiring already installed by the builder – which turned out to be our mistake. ADT will install your wiring for you on new construction for free, and they do a better job than the 3rd party that the builder used. Also ADT will screw you if you cancel early, but do offer to refund the penalty if you re-activate at a new location or if your new occupants choose to activate in your old location.