Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Home Watch Provider: How to Find the Right Fit for Your Home

Not all home watch providers are created equal. From neighbors doing favors to seasoned professionals, there’s a wide range of options. To help you make the best choice for your Babcock Ranch home, we’ve broken down common types of home watch providers and shared key questions to ask in an interview to identify the “Real Deal” professionals who will safeguard your investment.

Types of Home Watch Providers

• Neighbors Doing Favors
  Friendly neighbors may offer to check on your property while you’re away, but they’re often untrained, uninsured, and may not make your home a priority if they’re busy, on vacation, or just have a tee time. And in the face of a major issue, like a storm or fire, they may not be prepared to handle it.

• Hobby Home Watchers
  Often starting as well-intentioned neighbors, these providers decide to take on more clients but may lack a business license, training, or insurance. Without a support network or professional guidance, they may miss warning signs and be unprepared for challenging situations.

• Scoundrels
  Unfortunately, some see home watch as “easy money” and may exaggerate their credentials or fail to show up. They may push clients toward other businesses they own and misuse your property. Reliability and integrity are key concerns here.

• Real Deal Home Watch
  Your best choice by far. These are trained, insured professionals who take their work seriously and see home watch as a career, not a side hustle. They’re equipped with the knowledge and resources to handle emergencies, communicate effectively, and maintain high standards of care.

Essential Questions for Finding the Right Home Watch Provider

These questions are designed to help you gauge the professionalism, preparedness, and reliability of any home watch provider you’re considering:

1. What do you do during a typical home watch visit?

A reputable provider should have a detailed checklist for each visit. Look for tasks like:

• Cycling water through sinks, showers, and toilets to avoid odors and drain flies.

• Running appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, to prevent hoses from drying out.

• Inspecting walls, ceilings, and baseboards for signs of water or other damage.

• Checking humidity levels, especially in tropical climates like Florida, and adjusting the AC to prevent microbial growth.

A thorough provider will customize their checklist to match your home’s needs and climate.

2. How often do you visit a home, and what frequency do you recommend?

For peace of mind, it’s best to choose a home watch service that offers multiple visits per month. Monthly visits are generally insufficient, as a lot can go wrong in that time. Frequent visits increase the likelihood of early detection for any issues.

3. How do you handle problems or damage?

A professional home watcher will assess each issue, communicate with you (or your designated contact), and coordinate the appropriate steps to keep damage from escalating. Look for someone with a network of qualified, licensed service providers rather than someone who claims they “do it all.” Avoid providers who try to perform unlicensed repairs or have friends do the work.

4. What insurance do you carry?

Although home watch isn’t a regulated industry, any reputable provider should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million and, ideally, additional professional liability coverage. This ensures protection for your property and peace of mind for you as the homeowner.

5. What happens if you’re unavailable for a scheduled visit?

Reliable providers should have a backup plan in place, such as a credentialed partner or team member who can step in if they’re unavailable. This ensures that your home won’t be left unattended if the provider has an emergency, illness, or other unexpected obligation.

6. How do I know that visits are actually happening?

Ask about tracking and reporting methods. Many professional home watch providers use GPS-enabled software that timestamps each visit and records checklist items. Look for a provider who sends you a detailed report, including photos, so you can stay informed from afar.

7. How much do you charge, and what do those fees cover?

Professional home watch services generally start around $60 to $80 per visit, with higher fees for larger homes or estates. Be cautious of extremely low prices; true professionals charge enough to ensure quality service, training, and reliability. Additional tasks, like coordinating vendors or accepting deliveries, may be billed by the task or hour.

8. What qualifications do you have for providing home watch services?

Look for a provider who takes their role seriously, with formal training, ongoing education, and an investment in professional standards. A legitimate provider should have a registered business and be bonded and insured. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to quality and client trust.

9. What should I expect when I leave and before I return?

Many Real Deal home watchers provide both post-departure and pre-return visits to ensure everything is in order when you leave and when you arrive back home. This level of detail helps prevent issues like forgotten items or a thermostat set improperly from causing bigger problems.

Conclusion

This guide isn’t intended to be exhaustive, but it should give you a sense of the professionalism and reliability of the home watch provider you’re interviewing. Choose someone who is well-prepared, knowledgeable, and someone you feel comfortable entrusting with your home.

Contact Hive Home Watch to learn more about our services and how we can help protect your investment and provide peace of mind while you’re away.