Home Watch explained
What Home Watch does—and what it does not do.
Home Watch is a scheduled, visual review of an unoccupied property, followed by documentation and communication that helps the owner stay informed from a distance.
The practical definition
A reliable local set of eyes, following an agreed plan.
A Home Watch provider visits on a scheduled basis and looks for readily apparent changes or concerns in the accessible areas included in the service plan. The owner receives a written update and useful photos after the visit.
If something appears out of the ordinary, the provider documents what was observed and contacts the owner. The homeowner remains in control of what happens next, including whether an approved service provider should be contacted.
How Home Watch differs from other services
| Service | Primary purpose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Home Watch | Scheduled visual observations of an unoccupied home | An agreed checklist, written updates, photos, and communication about readily apparent concerns |
| Home inspection | A technical evaluation and professional opinion about a property’s systems and condition | A separately licensed or regulated service with a different scope and purpose |
| Security system | Electronic monitoring for specific triggered events | Alerts from sensors or cameras; not a physical walkthrough of ordinary property conditions |
| Property management | Managing rentals, tenants, bookings, or lease-related responsibilities | Operational and financial oversight of an occupied or income-producing property |
| Repair or trade service | Diagnosing and correcting a specific problem | Work completed by the appropriately qualified or licensed provider |
Who may benefit
Built for owners who cannot easily check the property themselves.
The right visit frequency depends on the home, length of absence, owner preferences, and any requirements in the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Common Home Watch situations
- Seasonal residents leaving Florida for part of the year
- Second-home owners who live in another state
- Homeowners taking an extended trip
- Families helping an absent homeowner
- Owners who need authorized vendor access or local photo confirmation
Choosing a provider
Ask questions that reveal how the service actually works.
Clear answers are more useful than broad promises. The provider should be able to explain the visit scope, reporting, access process, limitations, and pricing before receiving a key.
- What is checked during every visit, and what is outside the service scope?
- Will I receive a written report and useful photographs?
- Who will enter the property, and how is access information protected?
- What happens if a readily apparent concern is found?
- How are additional visits, vendor coordination, and storm-related requests priced?
- What business registration and insurance does the provider currently maintain?
A thoughtful first step
Find out what a Home Watch plan could look like for your property.
A complimentary walkthrough helps define the right frequency, property-specific checklist, reporting, and pricing before you decide.