Home Watch services involves visually monitoring a home or property to identify any obvious issues. This service is especially popular among owners of multiple homes, particularly in regions with large populations of part-time residents, such as Florida. Originally, Home Watch began as an informal practice known as “Neighbors Doing Favors,” where year-round residents would keep an eye on the homes of their snowbird friends.

Over time, as demand grew, some individuals began accepting payment for these services without establishing formal businesses, obtaining insurance, or creating written agreements. These individuals became known as “Hobby Home Watchers.”

Around 2008, Home Watch began to evolve into a more professional industry. Trade organizations were established, and professional training and consulting services emerged. Seasonal homeowners also became better informed, learning the importance of thoroughly vetting a Home Watch provider before entrusting them with the keys to their investment properties.

As of now, Home Watch is not a regulated industry. While many companies claim to be licensed, insured, and bonded, it is important to note that there is no official Home Watch license available, and implying otherwise is misleading.

Homeowners should ensure their Home Watch provider is professionally trained, carries proper insurance, is bonded, and offers a clear contract outlining both parties’ responsibilities.

Certified Home Watch Reporters are:

• trained to identify early signs of damage,

• capable of conducting systematic, comprehensive home visits, and

• equipped with the resources necessary to address problems before they escalate.

A “Neighbor Doing a Favor” or a “Hobby Home Watcher” is typically unprepared and lacks the necessary resources to handle catastrophic events.

The cost for our various services varies depending on the service, frequency and size of your home. We will need to review the details of your home which includes type of home (condo, apt, house), size (sq ft), number of bathrooms and additional features. Once we understand your requirements, we can provide a quote for our services. This can be done on the phone or if needed or desired can be done with a visit to your home.

We believe in providing the most accurate and personalized service possible for our home watch clients. That’s why we don’t offer generic quotes without first meeting with you and seeing your property firsthand. While you might find estimated quotes online, they simply can’t account for the unique needs and features of your specific home.

During a free consultation, we can discuss your expectations, preferred services, and any potential concerns. Then, by touring your home together, we can assess its size, layout, security features, and potential maintenance needs. This allows us to create a tailor-made quote that accurately reflects the level of care your home deserves, ensuring you receive the best possible value and peace of mind. Based on the home watch questions we have been asked, we firmly believe this personalized approach is the most professional and responsible way to ensure your complete satisfaction.

During each visit, we cycle the water throughout the home. This includes running water in sinks, tubs, and showers to keep drain traps wet and prevent odors or drain flies, checking for visible leaks, running the dishwasher and washing machine periodically, and brushing and flushing toilets.

We use a flashlight to inspect ceilings, visible walls, and baseboards for any signs of water damage or other issues.

We use a hygrometer in every home to monitor indoor temperature and humidity. At the start of each visit, we check the hygrometer to ensure both are within proper ranges.

If we suspect issues with HVAC systems, refrigerators, or wine coolers, and quickly identify any malfunctions. When high humidity is suspected, we use a handheld pinless surface hydrometer to check moisture levels within walls and on surfaces, helping to detect hidden moisture problems early.  Certified Home Watch Reporters are trained to identify irregularities before they escalate into major issues. 

In tropical climates like Florida, maintaining indoor humidity below 50% is critical. We adjust thermostats as needed to ensure the air conditioning system is drawing humidity out of the air effectively. Procedures will vary depending on the climate, type of home, and installed equipment.

As a best practice, the water should be turned OFF whenever the home is unoccupied, whether you’re leaving for the season, a short vacation, or even overnight. Turn off the home’s main water valve slowly and carefully. Many plumbers also recommend draining the lines by opening a faucet afterward, ensuring you do not leave it open. Do not cover or close drains. Procedures for water heaters will vary depending on the model; in many cases, the water heater and recirculation pump should be turned OFF when the water supply is off. Always consult your plumbing contractor for guidance specific to your system.

Many hobby Home Watch providers offer to “open your home” by turning the water and water heater back on before your return. This is not recommended.  We know that the water should remain OFF whenever the home is unoccupied.

For safety, it is best practice not to have your water turned on in advance of your arrival. To avoid leaving your home vulnerable even for a few hours, turn your water back on yourself, very slowly and carefully, at the main valve upon your return. Also, verify the proper procedure for restarting your water heater.

We recommend visits either weekly (4–5 visits per month) or every two weeks (2 visits per month).

If a Home Watch provider offers only a once-per-month visit, run the other way. Monthly visits are simply ineffective; far too much can happen in that span of time, making such a schedule impractical and risky.

It’s essential to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Some policies require visits by a Certified Home Watch Reporter as a condition of coverage. It is your responsibility to comply with the visit frequency mandated by your insurance carrier. Be sure to check for any changes with each policy notification or renewal, and share these requirements with your Certified Home Watch Reporter to ensure you remain protected.

Naples Property Home Watch will send you a detailed report by email with pictures of any problems identified upon completion of inspecting the interior and exterior of your home. Our electronic reporting software uses GPS positioning to record the actual location of the person submitting the report, so you know the person was actually at your home to perform the check and create the report.

When items are detected during a home visit, they will be listed in the home visit report. We will clearly identify if this is something that can wait or if immediate action is required. Our staff will also reach out to you regarding critical items so we can review the options together. If a repair is required, you can specify who should handle the repairs. You determine who should perform the work and pay for the repairs directly to the service provider. We can assist you in working with them, providing access to the home, and overseeing the work. When all work is completed, you will be notified by our staff.

Yes, additional on demand visits can be scheduled. We understand that there may be something you are interested in following up based on current news or conversation with a neighbor or friend.

We are firm believers in that you get what you pay for. We aim to compete on QUALITY not PRICE. We take pride in bringing you professional service which we feel incorporates the best-in-class service in the industry. We are Accredited members, Certified Home Watch Professionals, and Bonded & Insured. When you get quotes from others that are lower you should consider the experience and their level of commitment. Usually, the lower quotes come from neighbors or part-time home watchers who are not trained, background checked, bonded, or insured.

Absolutely! We can coordinate access to your property for any situation at an hourly rate. All we need is your notification of date and time and any instructions you have.

Currently, there is no official license or regulatory requirement for Home Watch services. This industry is not regulated at this time. However, Naples Property Home Watch maintains Commercial Liability Insurance along with Professional Liability Errors and Omissions Insurance. Our insurance limits are significantly higher than those carried by many other Home Watch providers in the area.

Some Home Watch businesses that claim to be “licensed” are actually referring to their Business Tax Receipt, sometimes called a Business License. This is simply a registration with the county or city where their business is located, obtained for a fee. It is not a Home Watch license, as no such license exists. Additionally, some businesses list unrelated licenses from other industries to appear credentialed in Home Watch. This practice is misleading, and they rely on homeowners not verifying their qualifications.

Remember, just because a website claims a company is insured does not guarantee it. It is both your right and responsibility to verify the credentials of all service providers. Always check their business name, insurance coverage amounts, and policy expiration dates. Request an updated Certificate of Insurance each time the current certificate expires.

Naples Property Home Watch will provide access services and remain on-site for an hourly charge. We ask for at least a 48 hours notification to schedule our personnel.

Each situation is different, and we will always assess the issue thoroughly and communicate with the homeowner or their designated contact. We have access to a wide network of resources and qualified service providers to ensure the job is done properly.

Be cautious of Home Watch providers who attempt to do “everything” themselves, especially work for which they are not trained, licensed, or insured. Even a handyman license may not authorize them to perform tasks such as installing a ceiling fan or replacing a toilet flapper. Another potential red flag is when they rely on a friend or relative to handle repairs, as this may compromise quality and accountability.

1. Either I, as the business owner, or my business partner will personally conduct the visit.

2. After each Home Watch visit, you will receive a detailed report via email.

Many homeowners express frustration about not knowing when their Home Watch provider visits. Some have even returned after months away to find the check they left on the counter untouched—realizing no visits were ever made.

Clear communication is the foundation of a professional Home Watch company. Many seasonal residents prefer working with smaller companies where the business owner is directly involved, ensuring accountability and commitment.

If you choose a company that employs multiple staff members, be sure to ask about their Home Watch training and whether the same person will visit your home each time or if responsibilities are rotated among different employees.

While we cannot guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong, our role is to conduct thorough visits to identify any irregularities or potential issues early, before they escalate into major problems.

As a best practice, our company performs a Post-Departure Visit shortly after you leave to ensure everything is secure and properly set. It is common for homeowners to accidentally leave a door unlocked, water running, or the thermostat set incorrectly—issues that can quickly lead to bigger problems if not addressed promptly.