Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water, we get home security tricks from, Tom Kraeutler, AOL's Home Improvement Editor. Why do we need this I wonder as I double-lock the doors, put wood bars on the slider tracks, and stare at all the windows in the house that can let someone in like a shot. Only a Doberman pack, as in "The Boys from Brazil," makes me feel safe from invaders, but I'm terrified of the dogs.

Here are some ideas he offers, if you can't afford "a top-of-the-line security system":

 • A well-lit home is less likely to be broken into. Make sure the exterior of yours is fully illuminated with motion-detector spotlights.

 • When you're away, use timers on interior lights to give the impression of home life as usual.

 • Tall trees create darkness where burglars can hide. Keep trees well-trimmed.
Dense shrubs create a hideout; keep hedges low and plantings near doors and windows neat and transparent. (Mine are growing into the bathroom window!).

Property listed with The Corcoran Group.

 • A handle lock is an easy mark for a crook with a plastic credit card; add a deadbolt. The best require an outside key and incorporate an inside thumb latch. Strengthen installation by substituting long, heavy-duty screws for those provided.

 • No matter which lock you choose, it's only as strong as the door itself. [Oy vey!] Add a reinforcement plate to make the lock zone more secure. Install a wide-angle peep hole in your front door to see who's come knocking. (What about the back door?).

 • Never hide spare keys outside your home. (Real estate agents may not be happy about this next one). Be smart about issuing spare keys, you can't control the situations in which your key may be duplicated.

 • Windows can be the weakest link in home security. (You see! I was right!). Make sure all are closed and locked before you leave home for any reason.

Improve security by drilling a hole from front to back where the top and bottom windows overlap, installing a long nail in the hole (Oh puleeze! I still have the kids' graduation pictures that need to be hung!). Add security bars on ground-level windows. (Security bars? That's it! I'll take the recording of lions roaring that goes off automatically somehow, though this option is not mentioned).

Lastly, the piece suggests a thorough inventory (so here's the surrender mode, after all!) to document your home's contents for your safe deposit box. (When do you start feeling safer?).

The Corcoran Group has appointed Steven Glick Director of Advertising for the East End. Having worked in their New York office, Glick will now oversee the advertising efforts for "Corcoran's 15 offices and over 400 agents on the East End." Rick Hoffman, Corcoran's Senior VP for the East End, welcomed Glick, saying, "his extensive knowledge of our East End advertising needs will give our agents the absolute best advertising resources, creativity and support available in this market,"

Glick, who had worked on the East End and who says he is happy to return, added, "Corcoran is not just a brand, it's a lifestyle." Yes, well. Good luck! For unsolicited guidance use our weeklies and their websites more. They get results.

Cooperation is becoming an industry hallmark versus the fierce competition for which it is known. The flourishing team approach on the East End is an interesting phenomenon about which I would like to hear more. Meanwhile, a new team, calling itself Team Hennenberg Meyer Rubenstein, is working from the East Hampton Office of Prudential Douglas Elliman.

Plugging their diversity they write that Jinny Hennenberg has years of high level corporate experience and focuses on marketing, finance and the investment aspect of property ownership, approaching East Hampton from the perspective of a native New Yorker, a 25-year second-homeowner, and now a full-time resident.

Holly Rubenstein specializes in heritage of East Hampton from her perspective as a life-long East Hampton resident. She and her husband Scott, both East Hampton High School graduates, are among the owners of East Hampton Indoor Tennis. They have a strong sense of commitment to and involvement with the local community.

Ken Meyer is the team's most seasoned realtor with a "long history of understanding the East Hampton real estate market." He features a referral base of clients and customers and offers a long-term perspective and overview of market trends.

Their diversified approach has just won them a premiere listing South of the Highway, Pond Front exclusive in Bridgehampton that can be yours for $8 million and change.

In East Quogue, veteran broker Michael Daly, mdaly@remax.net, has earned himself another exclusive, this on Lewis Road, which he describes as "beautiful sub-dividable farm property with authentic farmhouse' barns on six plus builders acres with forever views."

I'm back from Vegas and East End real estate is not the only strange business.