Home watch is an interesting business and pricing is all over the place.  There are “Neighbors Doing Favors” who will look in on your home for free, dinner or a couple rounds of golf.

There are businesses that offer home watch as an add-on service, maybe because their primary business is not so busy.  But, what happens when their primary business bounces back?  Will they make your home a priority or skip visits because they are too busy?

Some people start a home watch company (often not even a legitimate, legal, business) and figure that they only need to make some play money.   They soon realize that home watch is a serious business and they are not charging enough to cover expenses.  Visits do not get made.  Homes may experience damage.  The business does not last.  Low cost home watch providers are out there.   They charge $15 – $25 per visit.  They may even visit “as often as you would like” instead of a regular schedule.  If someone offers a monthly visit, think twice.  Home watch visits should be no less frequent than every 2 weeks.

Fortunately there are a handful of professionals that take home watch very seriously and treat it like a business.  They have a corporation, are city and county registered, insured and bonded.  They are trained, experienced and will be able to handle any situation.  These companies will charge from $35 – $60 per visit, or more, depending on the size of the house.

A proper home watch visit takes time and expertise.  A Home Watch Specialist is trained to know the early signs of damage and catch it before it becomes an expensive disaster.

Even the most minor mold or water damage will cost thousands!!  Early detection is the key to saving money.

So yes, you pay now for a qualified home watch service.  Or pay later to repair the damage!