A PSA About Home Security (And Why I’m Not a Fan of Fear-Based Sales Pitches)

By John Womeldorf, A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg

Every time I sell a home, I can almost set my watch by it.

A few days later…

📞 Ring.

📧 Voicemail.

“Hi John, this is Emily with Safe Haven…”

And off we go.

If you’re in real estate long enough, you start to recognize certain patterns. One of them is this: whenever a property closes, security companies come out of the woodwork like squirrels at a bird feeder.

Recently, I received another voicemail like this—polite, professional, and wrapped in just enough urgency to make you think something terrible might happen if you don’t call back immediately.

And honestly?

I’m not a fan of this sales approach.

The Problem With Fear-Based Selling

From my perspective, this style of marketing borders on fear-mongering.

It usually goes something like this:

“Your home just closed…” “Criminals target new homeowners…” “You really need protection NOW…” “We just happen to be here to save you…”

It creates a sense that if you don’t act immediately, something bad is right around the corner.

That may sell systems.

But I don’t think it serves homeowners very well.

Especially when they’re already dealing with moving boxes, utility transfers, school registrations, and trying to remember where they packed the coffee maker.

Let’s Talk About Modern Home Security (Reality Check)

Here’s the honest truth in 2026:

You do not need to spend thousands of dollars or lock yourself into a long-term contract to have solid home security.

Today’s cameras are:

Affordable Wireless Easy to install Highly customizable And surprisingly smart

The cameras I use cost around $140 each.

They:

✔ Send alerts to my phone

✔ Distinguish between people, cars, and motion

✔ Allow sensitivity adjustments

✔ Store history

✔ Require no monthly fee

They even let me know when a squirrel is thinking about committing crimes in my backyard.

The settings are endless. And once you set them up, they just quietly do their job.

No sales calls.

No contracts.

No drama.

A Recent Client Experience That Really Bothered Me

Recently, I helped some wonderful clients buy a brand-new home here in Williamsburg.

During the process, they were told—very strongly—that they needed to choose and schedule a security system before closing.

Let me translate that.

They were:

Finalizing financing Reviewing closing documents Coordinating movers Changing addresses Managing work and family schedules

And someone was telling them:

“You need to decide on this right now.”

Security systems were the last thing on their minds.

It felt like a strong-arm tactic.

Later, after promises of discounts and special pricing, they started receiving higher-than-expected bills. Trying to get clear answers became frustrating and time-consuming.

That’s not how good business should work.

Do Your Homework (It Matters)

I always encourage clients to read reviews.

Not just the glowing ones.

The real ones.

If you look up many of these companies, you’ll notice patterns:

Billing issues Customer service complaints Confusing contracts Difficulty canceling

That doesn’t mean every experience is bad.

But it does mean you should slow down and research before signing anything.

Especially when someone is pressuring you to decide “today.”

My Bottom Line: You Have Options

This article isn’t anti-security.

Far from it.

I’m pro:

✔ Smart security

✔ Informed decisions

✔ Fair pricing

✔ No-pressure buying

What I’m against is using fear as a sales tool.

You deserve time to think.

You deserve transparency.

You deserve options.

And most of all, you deserve to enjoy your new home—without feeling like you’re living in a suspense movie.

Why I’m Sharing This (A Little PSA From Me to You)

I write articles like this because real estate isn’t just about contracts and closings.

It’s about real life.

It’s about helping people avoid unnecessary stress, bad deals, and regrets.

After more than two decades in this business, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t.

And when I see something that consistently causes frustration for homeowners, I’m going to talk about it.

Even if it ruffles a few feathers.

About Me: Why I Write These Articles

If you’re new here, welcome.

I’m John Womeldorf—better known around town as Mr. Williamsburg.

I’ve been helping people buy, sell, and invest in homes across Greater Williamsburg, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia for over 20 years.

During that time, I’ve:

Closed hundreds of transactions Worked through multiple market cycles Helped first-time buyers, retirees, military families, and relocations Guided clients through estates, downsizing, and complex situations Built long-term relationships that last well beyond closing day

But here’s what really matters:

I don’t see this as a transaction business.

I see it as a relationship business.

My role isn’t just to help you buy or sell a house.

It’s to help you make smart, confident decisions about one of the biggest investments of your life.

That includes:

✔ Warning you about bad contracts

✔ Explaining confusing processes

✔ Sharing lessons I’ve learned the hard way

✔ Advocating for you when things get complicated

These articles are part of that mission.

They’re here to educate, inform, and sometimes save you from headaches you didn’t even know were coming.

If You Ever Have Questions—Call Me

If you’re buying, selling, building, downsizing, investing, or just trying to make sense of the process, I’m always happy to talk.

No pressure.

No scripts.

No fear tactics.

Just honest advice.

📞 Call or Text: 757-254-8136

📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com

🌐 Website: https://mrwilliamsburg.com

Thanks for reading—and if you’ve received one of these calls lately, now you know: you’ve got options.

Warmly,

John Womeldorf

A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg