Who watches your home when you leave for 6 months or more

[JanetandCarol]

I have read many posts about having neighbors, watch-dogs, etc. to watch over the property and golf carts, but no one mentions the Villages "Empty-Nest" program. Has anyone used this service? I am very happy so far, with the people who come to our house on a weekly basis, accept deliveries and let me know if there are any problems. I probably will keep using them until I come for a longer period of time, like the winter months. They have been very responsive to any problems that come up and call me immediately to let me know. I was just wondering if there are different services with a cheaper rate. JanetandCarol

[tony]

Take a look at the I need forum. You will find at least one.

[garsha]

We have been using Empty Nest for almost 2 years now. Great service and incredibly friendly. They make appointments for any repairs that you approve, change batteries in smoke alarms, keep the temp and fans where it needs to be to not run the bill off the map but still keep the circulation in the humid weather. Take care of the toilets, run the dishwasher every week and sweep off the porch, adjust sprinklers as needed-----all without direction. When we let them know we are coming they prepare the house by kicking up the frig temp, turn on gas and the water for the washer and set the thermastat. It does run $90 a month but its the only way. They give us a report every month that shows any actions they took or observations about the house. If they feel that I need to know something like a crack in the stucco, they advise and will arrange to have it fixed if you wish. Can't say enough good.

[redwitch]

Boy, I think I'm undercharging if you have to pay $90/month for those services. Sorry, folks, but that's way over the top. A neighbor isn't going to give you that kind of service but most who do it as a business do pretty much the same things Easy Nest does for a lot less.

[garsha]

Redwitch,
So maybe I need to change? I don't really want to burden the neighbors with the every week stuff, do you know of other companies you would recommend? Thanks

[redwitch]

As I said I do it. Home Watch does it. Handieman plans to do it when he comes down. Obviously, I'm going to suggest you give me a try. lol

[ohiogolf]

we use the villages watchdogs. their info is posted under the "I need" section. They are very thorough and do a good job.

[Golf-Tinker]

We use Affordable Home Watch. Have been quite happy with their service (they do everything mentioned and more) and it's much less. Check out their website.

http://www.affordablehomewatch.com/

[jadebox]

Maybe try Redwitch first since she is here.

[Barefoot]

We considered the Villages "Empty Nest" Program and thought it was way overpriced. There are many options. I chose Village Watchdogs because they support TOTV by advertising on this site. The fellow who came to our home prior to our leaving TV is a retired New York City police officer. There are two couples involved so if one couple is travelling or incapacitated, the other couple jumps in. I can highly recommend Village Watchdogs. They offered some great "closing up" ideas, and communicate with us after every visit.

[another Linda]

We use Redwitch and have been very pleased. She sends me pictures when there are things she thinks I should see (yes! some new mulch!), finds and schedules repair people, helps our renters if they need it, does all the "empty house" things when it isn't rented. Give her a try.

[l2ridehd]

I also use redwitch and have been a very satisfied customer. She is reliable, responsive, reasonable and provides me regular updates as to what is going on. when I had some tile work being done she took pictures and sent them to me, was available when the tile person locked themselves out, and does a great job. I highly recommend her.

[DickY]

As with anotherlinda I used redwitch to watch my house for the 3 months before I came here permanently. She sent weekly reports and pictures of things I had concerns about as well as doing some extras. I would highly recommend her.

[Barefoot]

JanetandCarol

Redwitch (Dee) certainly has a lot of recommendations from peeps on TOTV. I think you should definitely consider her.

[renielarson]

l2ridehd

That should be my avatar! Absolutely love it!