Gulf Waters Blog
Regular Updates by Gulf Waters Home Watch, Inc.
 While a property management company provides comprehensive management services for rental properties, a Home Watch professional provides inspections and maintenance services for properties that are not rented out, typically seasonal single-family homes or condominiums.
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 Always look out for the client’s best interest.
Always protect the best interests of the Home Watch Industry. Always maintain proper insurance and bonding. Always maintain current business licenses. Always look to improve on existing industry standards. Always be diligent when checking the references of anyone or any company that you agree to do business with. Always think twice before speaking about competitors. Always use honesty and integrity in your business dealings.  For condo owners, while a home owners association is responsible for common grounds and common areas, you are responsible for everything from the “studs in.” Problems in an overhead unit can create major damage to the unit below. Common pipes in common walls are also notorious for causing problems to multiple units. An experienced home watch service, will discover any issue and advise you if they may arise.
 The National Home Watch Association is a group of elite Home Watch services from across the U.S., Canada and Australia that have agreed to operate their businesses according to the highest set of standards and guidelines in the industry. These standards and guidelines ensure the clients of these Accredited Members that they are fully protected by proper insurance, bonding, and procedures provided by them. In addition, Accredited Members have agreed to uphold and abide by the Code of Ethics and Mission Statement of the NHWA.
 Not all companies qualify for membership in the National Home Watch Association. Member have been carefully screened. References have been checked, and insurance, bonding and licenses have been verified. Each member has agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics and set of standards. Membership in the NHWA can be verified by visiting our NHWA Accredited Member Locations Page or by contacting the NHWA today.
 The cost of a home watch company can vary widely depending on several factors, including the services offered, location, frequency of visits, and the size of the property. Here’s a general breakdown of the potential expenses:
1. Basic Services: Most home watch companies offer standard services such as visual inspections, checking for signs of damage, inspecting HVAC systems, and monitoring for pests or leaks. Basic services might start around $35-$50 per visit, but rates can increase depending on the thoroughness of the inspection. 2. Frequency of Visits: Costs will also depend on how often you want the service to visit your property. Weekly visits will be more expensive than monthly check-ins. The average cost for weekly visits could be around $100-$175 per month, while monthly visits may cost $60-$100. 3. Property Size and Complexity: Larger properties or homes with more complex systems (e.g., swimming pools, irrigation systems, or guest houses) might incur higher fees due to the extra time needed for inspection. Rates for larger properties could be $75-100 or more per visit. 4. Additional Services: Some companies offer extra services like hurricane preparation, coordinating with maintenance providers, or accepting deliveries. These add-ons can raise the overall cost, often charged at an hourly rate or as a flat fee. Overall, the expense of a home watch company can range from a few hundred dollars a year for basic services to several thousand dollars annually for more comprehensive or frequent services. It’s wise to compare quotes from different providers. It's important to most homeowners to hire a reputable home watch company that is licensed, insured and bonded.  Home watch companies, like Gulf Waters Home Watch, provide services to monitor and care for a home while the owner is away. They conduct regular inspections to ensure the property remains in good condition, checking for issues like leaks, pest infestations, HVAC malfunctions, or security concerns. Home watch services may include basic maintenance, coordinating repairs, and even managing services like lawn care or pool maintenance. They are particularly popular in areas with seasonal residents, such as vacation homes, or for people who frequently travel for extended periods. The goal is to prevent minor problems from becoming major issues and to give homeowners peace of mind that their property is being looked after in their absence.
 Gulf Waters Home Watch offers alarm response services, where we will be the first contact if a security alarm is triggered. We also provide emergency response services for issues like plumbing leaks or power outages. If a hurricane or serious storm is coming, we can be there to help prepare and protect your investment. We are only minute away.
What else can a home watch company do in addition to watching my home when I am not there?10/17/2024  One of the other services that Gulf Waters Home Watch provides is a Concierge Services to all our clients. We can provide various services such as coordinating deliveries and pickups, stocking the refrigerator with food and beverages, cleaning your home prior to you arriving or departing, and arranging transportation for clients and their guests.
 The question is, how can you not have one? So many things can happen to your home in your absence: break-ins, water leaks, electrical problems, insects, mold, and storms, to name a few. Conversely, preventive measures such as storm preparation and proactive maintenance should prevent many situations from arising. Even if you have a trusted neighbor or relative nearby, having a professional acting on your behalf is a much better and more effective option.
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