Before You Pack Your Bags for Summer Travel, Protect Yourself and Your Home

For many of us, summertime means travel time—whether it’s a few weeks at the beach or a grand tour through Italy. But an unprepared home can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Follow these simple steps to safeguard your property while you’re away.

The Risks of Leaving Your Home Unoccupied

• Attracting Intruders

  
  

   Piled-up mail, dark windows and empty driveways send a clear signal: nobody’s home. That makes your property an easy target for theft or vandalism.

• Unchecked Maintenance Issues

  
  

   Minor leaks can quickly become major problems. For example, a toilet leak can pour in roughly 250 gallons of water over just four days, and a malfunctioning water heater can flood your basement if left unchecked.  Most homeowners insurance policies limit or deny coverage if damage could have been prevented by timely action.

• Mold Growth

  
  

   If your air conditioning goes off, mold can begin to form in as little as 48–72 hours. Unfortunately, many insurers either exclude mold damage or offer only minimal coverage.

• Pest and Wildlife Damage

  
  

   Damage caused by raccoons, rodents or squirrels is generally considered preventable—and therefore not covered by standard homeowner policies.

  
  

Why Choose a Professional Home Watch Service?

The best way to protect your home—and your peace of mind—is to hire a trained, reliable Home Watch professional to keep an eye on things while you’re away. As travel resumes and insurance costs climb, Home Watch has emerged as one of the fastest-growing home services. Whether you own a primary residence or a second home, regular home checks can save you thousands in potential repairs.

What a Home Watch Service Provider Does

1. Initial Property Assessment

   
   

    – Document key features of your home

   
   

    – Collect contact information for your preferred service vendors

2. Scheduled Visits (Every Two Weeks Minimum)

   
   

    – Remove mail and packages

   
   

    – Evaluate all entry points and perimeter for security issues

   
   

    – Check plumbing, HVAC, appliances and major systems

   
   

    – Look for signs of leaks, mold, pests or wildlife intrusion (for a comprehensive list visit)

3. Coordinating Repairs

   
   

    If an issue requires attention, your Home Watch professional will contact you immediately and arrange for qualified service providers at your direction.

4. Visit Reports

   
   

    After each property assessment, you’ll receive a concise, easy-to-follow report summarizing the findings of the visit.  No greater way to know your home is safe and secure!

   
   

Additional Concierge Services

In addition to routine home watch services, many Home Watch businesses offer a range of concierge options to make coming home a breeze:

• Arrange for house cleaning or laundry pick-up

• Be there for Home deliveries

• Pantry and refrigerator stocking with your favorite essentials

• General handyman services for small repairs and maintenance

Imagine arriving home to a spotless house, fully stocked and in perfect working order—ready for you to relax without missing a beat. Now that’s a vacation!

Don’t let an unexpected disaster ruin your vacation! Enjoy your travels with complete confidence by hiring a home watch professional today!