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Is Home Watch a Scam?

The Truth About the Industry and What You Need to Know in 2025

Red dice spell "SCAM" against a blurred background of colorful dice. The shiny surface reflects the letters, creating a serious mood.

The short answer is no—home watch is not a scam. However, due to recent economic changes and job losses, the industry has seen an influx of underqualified operators and misleading certifications that have confused many homeowners if you're planning to leave your property unattended—whether a primary home, vacation property, or seasonal residence—it's essential to understand the truth behind the industry, how to vet providers, and what separates professionals from pretenders.



Why the Confusion? How the Pandemic and Economy Changed the Landscape


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Over the past 4-5 years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many people lost their jobs and looked for new income sources. This led to a surge of individuals entering the home watch space without formal training, qualifications, or relevant experience.


Some private companies began offering "Home Watch Inspector" certifications—often for a large fee—promising a new career path. These programs typically include:

  • A few hours or days of online training

  • Generic inspection checklists

  • A "certified" badge or diploma

  • A DIY website and start-up package


However, these certifications are not endorsed by any state, and they do not provide the hands-on experience or licensing necessary to adequately inspect and manage homes, estates, or condominiums.



Real Risks We've Seen in 2025


Model house with red roof beside a white mask on a gray background, creating a mysterious and surreal atmosphere.

At our company, we’ve received an increasing number of calls in 2025 from frustrated homeowners across the country. Some have hired “certified” home watch companies, only to return and find:


  • Black mold infestations left unnoticed

  • HVAC failures that were never reported

  • Security issues due to unlocked doors or windows

  • Water damage that could have been prevented with early detection


In one case, a homeowner returned to find half of his property overtaken by mold, with a strong odor that any experienced inspector would have recognized. Unfortunately, the company he hired had no training in mold detection or property condition assessment.

Often, these companies consist of a single “certified” person who outsources the work to teenagers or untrained assistants with no background in property care, construction, or home systems.



What Makes a Qualified Home Watch Company? Is home watch a scam?

Not all home watch companies are created equal. Many professional, licensed, and experienced firms exist—and they do exceptional work. But it's essential to know what to look for:


Experience Matters More Than Online Certificates


We’ve partnered with and met highly qualified professionals who are:

  • Licensed home inspectors

  • Real estate brokers

  • General contractors

  • Licensed property managers

  • Former HOA or estate managers

Now, they steer clear of using generic checklists. Instead, we help them customize their inspections to match the layout, systems, and unique requirements of each property.


Customization is Key – No Two Properties Are the Same

We believe every home is unique, which drives our commitment to providing tailored inspection services:

  • Our initial 2–3 visits focus on understanding the property thoroughly, assessing its structure, layout, age, and unique features, while engaging with homeowners to capture their concerns and priorities.

  • Our team designs custom inspection routes to target areas needing attention, ensuring detailed evaluations and comprehensive insights into the property's condition.

  • Each report is personalized and updated based on previous findings, tracking the property's changes over time to aid informed decisions on repairs and improvements.

  • We avoid generic checklists, instead creating detailed reports that highlight each home's unique aspects, focusing on property-specific concerns.


Whether inspecting a condo in Boca Raton, a luxury estate, or a seasonal snowbird home, our inspections adapt to each property's challenges and opportunities, providing clients with the most relevant information for maintaining and enhancing their living spaces.



How to Protect Yourself from Unqualified Home Watch Companies


Two people in a discussion; one holds a pen over a notebook. They're seated on a sofa with a glass table nearby, conveying a focused mood.

Ask the Right Questions


Before hiring anyone, ask:

  • What is your background in property management or inspection?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, or insured?

  • How long have you been in business?

  • Will you be performing the inspections personally?

  • What kind of reporting system do you use?



Verify Their Credentials


Don't rely solely on websites or certificates. Check for:

  • Real licensing through state or local boards

  • References and testimonials

  • Proof of insurance

  • Sample inspection reports



Beware of “One-Man Shows” That Outsource Work


It's typical for individuals to become "certified" and then employ others to conduct the physical inspections.

Ensure that the person you interview in person is the one performing the work—or that their team is thoroughly trained and experienced.


Our Philosophy: Experience, Customization, and Long-Term Savings


Gray puzzle with a glowing blue piece about to fit into place, creating a sense of completion. The background is simple and plain.

With decades of experience in real estate, property management, HOA leadership, and licensed inspections, we provide clients with exceptional peace of mind. Our expertise enables us to effectively manage property complexities and maintenance. We recognize that homeownership is a significant investment requiring diligent care. Our tailored property management approach:


  • Saves homeowners money by identifying and addressing minor issues early, preventing costly repairs. Regular inspections and maintenance help avoid financial burdens from neglected repairs.


  • Protects property values through constant oversight. Consistent monitoring and preventative maintenance enhance and secure property investments.


  • Adapts to each home’s systems, offering customized solutions for HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and mold prevention, ensuring the integrity of every property.




Final Thoughts – Do Your Homework Before Hiring

While home watch is not a scam, some providers certainly are. The rise in “credit” or “certified” companies with no real experience poses a risk to homeowners.

If you’re trusting someone with your investment property, make sure they’re truly qualified—not just someone with a certificate and a website. Look for licensing, experience, customization, and accountability.


That said, we also believe in mentoring and uplifting the next generation of professionals. At Safe Home Management, we proudly work with many new startups across the country, offering guidance, support, and mentorship. We help them build legitimate, trustworthy, and successful businesses based on real experience, ethics, and professionalism.


We’re always open to helping new entrepreneurs who demonstrate the right qualifications, motivation, and potential. If you’re starting and want to do it the right way, Safe Home Management is here to help.


Safe Home Management – Boca Raton, FL

We are proud to be licensed, experienced, and trusted by homeowners throughout South Florida. Whether you're gone for a few weeks or a few months, we protect your property like it’s our own.




 
 
 
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