[Joeint]

Originally Posted by charlieo1126@gmail.com

Before Covid I used to be gone about 6 months a year , I’ve never used a home watch ,I’ve usually asked someone to look in once a week , that seems to work for me , I’ve had a combined 14. homes and condos never used a home watch if something went wrong you call somebody, the lovely woman next door from me passed away in September , for the family I go over once a week and check the place very simple, I’m also not concerned with having workmen in my home when I’m not there because I keep nothing personal there and the only time my homes are locked is when I’m away , I never lock house when I’m here

I think if you have someone look in once a week that is a home watch, you just don't pay for it...

[merrymini]

Had house watch and they start with a head of steam and finish with a fizzle. My neighbor picks up my mail and looks in periodically. I treat them to dinner when I am here. Turn off the water main and bleach in toilets and a thermostat and camera with internet works well.

[jameslewis]

Down home property management is the best

[main12use]

I use Randall at Affordable Home Watch. 810-479-6363. He is very reliable. Starts car and golf cart. Checks everything inside and outside for me. He is also a good handyman. Very reasonable!

[mikeritz53]

Originally Posted by Garywt

We are actually snowflakes. We do not use any home watch. We have friends that have a key and check on things plus neighbors on each side will text us if they see any issues. All has been fine for 2 years.

Check the Classifieds in The Village Sun, it is not cheap so companies in there are more likely to be established. Keep in mind some HomeOwners Policies ( not all ) have a Vacancy Clause. It means a claim can be denied if you do not have a company making weekly checks. They do not recognize a Neighbor, Friend or even a Relative as a qualified person. Plus if something happens at your house that neighbor, Friend or Relative does not have their own Insurance to cover any losses.

[Barborv]

I have a women who was recommended by my neighbors to come twice a month to check on my home. She lets us know if anything needs attention. We had her shut the water and she checks and told us there was a sulfur smell when she would run the water. we had that taken care of. She sends us pictures of our lawn, etc. Also very reasonable.

[PompeyKing]

I would definitely give your neighbors your contact information. A rental house on our street had water running down the driveway. No one knew how to contact the owner. As it turned out, the owner had stopped by and saw the running water. It would have been nice to call or text them about problems. (I did give the owner one of my cards and said they could text or email their contact information, but never heard from them!)

[HiHoSteveO]

Along with the good advice from others above,
I would also recommend, no matter if you have a home watch service (or not)
and no matter if you already have a ring or other camera or two (or not)

The Wyze Cam Pan (under $40) is great to have. Cheap and it can automatically pan around the room to follow if it detects motion. Short videos are saved to the cloud automatically for free. Access from anywhere. Longer videos can be had if you subscribe to their Cam+ service but not required.
Helps to keep everyone honest.

Wyze Cam Pan

[davephan]

Having a monitored security system, including monitored smoke detectors is a good idea. Also monitor for water leaks with water detectors. Temperature monitoring is also important. The temperature monitoring could be done with a remote thermostat if you check it daily or it can alert you.

Remote control or automated lighting can give the vacant home a look that it being lived in.

Cameras are a good idea too. A snow removal company is needed and maybe a lawn mowing company. Reliable mail forwarding is needed too, and no newspaper service.

An automatic and remote reset switch for your cable modem or DSL modem. These are available from the “5G store” online. Periodically, you’ll need to power cycle your Internet modem or security cameras. The Internet power switch monitors your Internet connection. When the Internet connection quits working, it power cycles your Internet modem automatically. This will reduce the need to have someone visit your home just to power cycle things.

All those things will cost money, but will give you more peace of mind when you are over a thousand miles from one of the homes you own. It could also reduce the cost of the on site visits, or dependence on a neighbor, friend, or in law for on site visits.

[GPGuar]

Originally Posted by Accidental1

We just bought a new home here and will be snowbirds for a few years. Do you use a home watch service while you're up North? If so, please share with me the reasons why you do? If not, reasons why you don't. Thank you!

Save your money and ask a neighbor to look in a couple of times a month. Shut off whole house water and raise the Thermostat. We were snow flakes for seven years until we moved down permanently. Never had any problems.

[Villages Kahuna]

Originally Posted by Accidental1

We just bought a new home here and will be snowbirds for a few years. Do you use a home watch service while you're up North? If so, please share with me the reasons why you do? If not, reasons why you don't. Thank you!

You’ll have lots of choices. Get recommendations or referrals.

All it takes is one unattended leak for your money to be well spent.

[Jon Little]

See Littles Watchful Eye website. Bonded and insured. References provided.

[MacScuba]

Heartily recommend Don Cunningham. He has been watching our house for the last year. Texts inside and outside photos each week, runs dishwasher so seals don't dry, covers toilets. He is your "instant friend" in Florida. Offers many other services too, like coordinating contractors or receiving deliveries. Just leave the thermostat to hold between 60 and 82, and call Don. Home

[kenoc7]

Originally Posted by Accidental1

We just bought a new home here and will be snowbirds for a few years. Do you use a home watch service while you're up North? If so, please share with me the reasons why you do? If not, reasons why you don't. Thank you!

We have been snowbirds for 11 years in The Villages and I believe a home watch service is essential. Check your insurance policy. We currently have an excellent service which sends us half a dozen pictures on average every ten days.

[dshoberg]

Yes....definitely! We had neighbors who were gone over the summer....who knows when their A/C went out but, $50,000 later, they now have a mold free home....fyi - insurance did not cover damages