Home Watch Interview Guide

Answer You Want To Hear

On each visit, I will cycle the water which includes: brushing and flushing toilets, running water in sinks, tubs, and showers, to keep the drain traps wet so there are no smells or drain flies, checking for visible leaks, run the dishwasher and washing machine regularly.

I use my flashlight to look at ceilings, visible walls and baseboards for signs of water or other damage. I am trained to identify irregularities and to catch a damaging situation in the early stages.

In a tropical climate, like Florida, I will check the humidity level and, if it is over 50%, will adjust the thermostat so the AC operates properly to draw humidity out of the air. Please know that all procedures vary by climate, type of home, and equipment.

BONUS

Many Hobby Home Watchers offer to open your home before you return. They will turn the water, and water heater, ON.

NOT GOOD!!

The Real Deal Home Watcher knows that your water should be OFF any time the home is vacant and vulnerable. It is a BEST PRACTICE to NOT turn the water on in advance of your arrival. We do not want to leave your home vulnerable, even for a few hours. You need to turn your own water on, very slowly and gingerly, at the water main when you get home.

BE sure to check the correct procedure for your water heater.

Answer You Want To Hear

There is, currently, no license, or official requirement, in Home Watch. It is not a regulated industry at this time.

Expect at minimum a General Liability Insurance Policy in the amount of 1 million dollars with a 2-million-dollar aggregate. Many companies also carry professional liability and other coverages.

BONUS

Some businesses that claim to have a license, or advertise such, are referring to their Business Tax Receipt that anyone can get for about $50.00. They sometimes list a license from another business that has nothing to do with Home Watch. This is misleading and they count on the homeowner not to check their credentials.

Just because their website states that, they are insured does not mean they are! It is your right and responsibility, to verify the credentials of all your service providers. Ask for their COI (Certificate of Insurance). Check their business name, coverage amounts and expiration date. Get a new COI each time the current one expires.

Answer You Want To Hear

Every situation is unique. I will always troubleshoot appropriately and communicate with the homeowner or designated person(s). I have a variety of resources and have access to qualified service providers.

BONUS

Beware of the Home Watch provider who does “everything” themselves or work for which they are not licensed or insured. Even a handyman license may not cover them to even hang a ceiling fan or change a toilet flapper! There might also be a red flag when they have a relative, or friend, who can do the work!

Answer You Want To Hear

The price, for professional Home Watch services, starts around $45 to $65 per visit and increases based on the size of the property.

Concierge services, like meeting vendors, shopping, accepting deliveries, etc., also bill at $45 – $65 or more per task or per hour.

BONUS

Will you find it cheaper? Of course. You can find virtually everything cheaper if you look long enough and are willing to settle for less. A Real Deal Home Watcher is so much more than someone who just pops in for a bit of time. True professionals know what to look for and have resources to handle just about any situation.

This is about your relationship with the person to whom you have entrusted your home! They will be your Home Watcher, eyes and ears, representative, advocate and, maybe even become a valued friend.

Home Watch is not a commodity, so the decision should never be made based on price.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Answer You Want To Hear

1. I, the business owner, or my business partner will make the visit.
2. I have a team of employees/reporters/other Certified Home Watch Network Reporter™* who make visits with our company.
3. We use GPS enabled software. ** You have a customized checklist that I can open on my mobile device when I am at your property. You will receive a report after each visit that you can access from your private portal any time.*Certified Home Watch Network Reporter™ designation is offered exclusively by the IHWA.
   **If software in not used, confirm that the reporting must be in writing and properly documented.

   BONUS

   So many homeowners complain that they don’t know when their Home Watch person makes the visit. Some have come back, after months away, to discover that the check they left on the kitchen counter is still there and no visits were made.

   Sorry, dear Seasonal Resident: It is your responsibility to hold them accountable. Excellent communication is the cornerstone of a Real Deal Home Watch Company.

   Hiring the one, or two, person Home Watch company may be preferred by many seasonal residents. You are working directly with the  business owner(s) and they have skin in the game.

   When working with a company that has employees, ask their level of training for Home Watch as well as if the same person makes the visit or if it is rotated among staff.

   It is important that you know who is in your home and that you receive a report after each visit.

Answer You Want To Hear
The Plan B is very important. Should I be unable to make a visit, I have a partner, team member, or colleague who is also credentialed, that could help out. It is a benefit of my affiliation with the Home Watch Network™.

BONUS

Very frequently, the Home Watch company has no contingency plan. Visits are often missed or your keys are given to someone who is neither trained nor insured.

Imagine if the Hobby Home Watcher, who has no back up plan, experiences a serious illness or must care for a loved one. At a time of tragedy, we do what we have to do. A Real Deal Home Watcher has a support system.

Answer You Want To Hear
I have invested in training and ongoing education. I have a properly registered business, am insured, bonded, and passed a background check. I take part in ongoing training and testing.

As an approved business with the HWN, I subscribe to their high standards and best practices.

BONUS

Prior career experience matters, but it should not be the exclusive reason to hire the Home Watch provider. Home  Watch skills are quite specific.

Real Deal Home Watchers keep up to to date with trends, and ways to improve the quality of their visit and the services offered.

Answer You Want To Hear
I cannot prevent anything from happening. It is my job to make a comprehensive visit and notice an irregular, or damaging, situation in the early stages; before it can become a disaster.

BONUS

For many companies, it is a practice to conduct a Post Departure Visit to the home shortly after you leave to make sure everything is in order. Often, the homeowner leaves a door unlocked, water on, thermostat set improperly, and so much more!

A Real Deal Home Watcher also visits shortly before your return. In fact, we call it our Murphy’s Law Visit.