[Jerseyborn]

We used Empty Nest to watch our home purchased in March until we could move in this November. Very happy with the care of our home and the communication. We plan to use them until we can move here full time

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by 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

Had a similar problem in another home in the north, heat went out - BUT we have a NEST thermostat I monitor, and I saw the problem.

[Papa_lecki]

I think the message is, if you DON’T have home watch, invest in technology to monitor (thermostat, timers, cameras, etc).

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

[QUOTE=Girlcopper;1898468]

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[/QUOTE
Id love to know what development you live in that you feel so safe and leave your house unlocked. Burglary just waiting to happen

one I spent almost 40 years in dangerous places around the world , I like the idea of coming home to open house ( I do lock condos I’ve owned ) and 2 if there planning to break in there going to break your door or slider that you’ll have to fix or worse it rains and your floor gets ruined , I wear my Rolex and diamond they can have the TV, also to answer the other question the guy asked if anyone used a home watch service I answered no and just told him of another way

[sallyg]

We used a service for two years and will not do so again. All the listed services? Sure didn't look like they did anything. Sweeping driveway and streps, turning on water, flushing toilets and running disposal, etc. etc. about two pages full of expected services. They said they would check in with us every week, never happened. We called them several times after various storms blew thru. Our neighbor was a better source of information.
Our next door neighbor now keeps an eye on our house and we do a thorough job of prepping before we go. The Villages also offers a service for a very low price. They do not enter your house but will walk around the exterior to make sure windows and doors are in tact.
Good luck.

[Smalley]

Originally Posted by msilagy

I don't use a home watch service instead I 1) have a humidistat and set it at 60% so that it keeps the humidity under that amount with the A/C running only when needed to do so. 2) put Saran Wrap over the toilet bowls so water doesn't evaporate. 3) hook up car and golf cart to a tender plus battery charger 4) shut all blinds/drapes. 5) I also have a Marcell device that monitors humidity for the months I'm gone and will text, email, and call me if it goes ver 60% which could mean the A/C isn't working, unplug unnecessary electric devices. Shut the door and walk in 5-6 months later just like I was there an hour before.

Would you explain Hooking up golf cart and car to tender and battery charger? Would that be for electric cart and car? Thanks.

[rfc171]

We have been snowbirds for 17 years! I tried many local home watchers but have not been happy with any of them. Now we use The Villages Empty Nest Program!! They are very professional, trustworthy, and customized to your needs! We couldn’t be happier and not worry about our home!

[BetsyLucsay]

I always have someone watch the house when I go to NY in the summer. He is a retired detective from up north, and is well respected. Bobby Riebel. 717-507-6865. Very reasonable, lives in the Villages. Also e mail is "fiveohhomewatch@gmail.com"