What home watch is (and why insurers care)
A home watch service performs scheduled visual inspections of a home while its owner is away for weeks or months — snowbird condos in Florida and Arizona, lake cabins up north, mountain places in ski country. Visits follow a checklist: signs of water leaks, HVAC and humidity, pests, storm damage, doors and windows, lanai and pool areas — documented with time-stamped reports and photos to your phone. Most also handle storm preparation and post-storm checks, meet contractors and deliveries, and get the house ready for your arrival.
This matters beyond peace of mind: an undetected water leak in an empty house does catastrophic damage, and many homeowner policies restrict or exclude coverage for homes left unattended too long — some insurers expect periodic checks on vacant properties. Providers accredited by the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) — several are listed here — carry that vetting; the FL/AZ concentration in this directory mirrors where the industry lives.
How much does home watch cost?
Most services charge per visit, commonly $25–$60 depending on home size and market, with weekly or biweekly schedules the norm. Many offer monthly flat plans and add-on services (storm prep, arrival grocery stocking, contractor supervision) priced separately.
How is this different from a house sitter or property manager?
A house sitter lives in; a property manager handles tenants and rent. Home watch is neither — it's a professional inspection service for an empty home you're returning to, with documented visits and no one living there. Many owners use home watch precisely because they don't want occupants.
Does my insurance require it?
Check your policy — many carriers limit coverage when a home sits unoccupied beyond 30–60 days, and some require periodic inspection for vacancy provisions to stay friendly. Written, time-stamped home watch reports are exactly the documentation you want if you ever need to prove the home was being checked.