$50 a month sounds pretty expensive to me for monitoring. You should be able to find a major company more in the $30/month range. Also, once you talk to Vivint they are known to be quite persistent.
Many companies should be able to piggy back on your existing system w/o having to change out anything but the brains. I would suggest you check out the local BBB and any other local resources to find which companies servicing your area are the most reliable. Then have several of them come out and review your system and needs and make an offer.
Also check with the local authorities to see what the most prevalent problems are being caused by. Likely it’s entry during the day while at work. This will help you place emphasis on what is going to give you the most for your money and effort.
Truth is what you should want is to deter entry to your house which actually has nothing to do with monitoring. If you have outward signs of an active alarm system you will deter most would-be thieves, anyone else breaking into your house is likely going to do a “smash and grab” (likely because they know or suspect you have something worth risking an active alarm) and will be long gone before the police arrive. Active monitoring is great for early fire response (especially when not home) and duress alarm (in case of a home invasion) otherwise deterrence is your best defense followed by loud sirens and flashing lights to scare the crap out of them and make them want to leave if they do break in.
The more outward signs you have of an active security system generally the better. Yard signs, bright lighting, motion sensor lighting, an outdoor siren(s) (active or fake) prominently displayed, nothing blocking the view of windows or doors from the street or adjacent properties, curtains always closed when not used to let light in, valuable items not easily seen from the outside even through partly closed curtains, a peephole or camera for the front door so you can see who’s there.
One of the best things you can do besides displaying an active alarm system is not to throw anything in the trash that would give away information about you or what is in your house. The obvious stuff like credit card statements, bills, etc. . ., but also empty prescription bottles for pain killers, boxes for expensive electronic equipment even liquor bottles, anything a thief, addict or even local kid might want.
