Most South Florida homeowners understand the importance of having someone periodically visit their home while they are away from South Florida. Some would rather “save a few bucks” by having a neighbor or the “neighborhood guy” watch their home in South Florida. Other homeowners take the time to research their options, talk to others, and decide to hire a professional home watch company in South Florida. So who is right? Do you select the home watch hobbyist or South Florida home watch professional?
The Hobbyist
The hobbyist is that person who wants to earn a few bucks on the side or enjoys collecting compensation in the form of an occasional dinner or bottle of scotch. The simple truth is, the hobbyist is always well-intentioned, but seldom prepared to deliver the basic protections afforded you by a South Florida home watch professional.
Consider for a moment that you decide to rely on the “neighborhood guy” or even a legitimate-sounding company, " Yes, We-Can-Do-Anything Home Watch”. Why not, others in the neighborhood use them. What could possibly go wrong? Well, when the hobbyist damages an item in your South Florida home, your recourse is to suffer the unfortunate loss or seek reimbursement from someone you regard as a neighbor or friend. Even worse, when the hobbyist is injured on your property, they could actually sue you for payment of their medical bills.
What about the hobbyist whose idea of “watching” your South Florida home is driving by or looking out their window once in a while and saying to themselves: “Yup, the house is still there”. What about the neighbor who decides to go on vacation even though they are supposed to be watching your home in South Florida? Sounds ridiculous, right? You only need to hear these stories a few times before you realize that relying on a hobbyist could cost you much more in the long run than hiring a South Florida home watch professional who is insured and bonded.
Are all South Florida home watch companies the same? NO, THEY ARE NOT.
The most important factor that distinguishes the “good” from the “bad”, is whether they carry the proper insurance. There are many companies and individuals practicing home watch in South Florida that do not have any insurance or are not covered for the services they provide.
You may be surprised to learn that many of these "South Florida home watch companies" are only insured as dog walkers, pet sitters, or provide cleaning services, but they are not insured for the home watch. For your protection, take the time to ask them to show you proof of insurance, to explain their procedures for handling your home keys and codes, whether their employees are vetted and how, whether they have a policy that protects your privacy.
Lastly, ask the professional South Florida home watch company how they communicate with you. Do they document each visit? Do they use electronic reporting that includes photographs? Is the report embedded with GPS so you know the date and time they visit your home in South Florida? Make sure you meet any potential home watch provider to be sure you are comfortable with him/her. Do they appear to be trustworthy and responsible? Do they professionally conduct themselves? Do you feel confident that they will properly communicate with you and care for your home as though it was their own?
Safe Home Management because, “When You Are Away You Need To Know, we are on the scene”! We are a local home watch company serving within a 25-mile radius of Boca Raton, Florida.
Contact Safe Home Management at: 561.888.9860, safehomemanagement@hotmail.com
We are here for you!
Visit our blog page for other helpful tips on managing your South Florida home.