What Is Home Watch (And Why Florida Property Owners Should Consider It)
What is Home Watch and why might I need it for my vacant property in Florida?
Home Watch is a scheduled visual inspection service for vacant or seasonal homes. While it can’t prevent every issue, it’s a smart way to keep an eye on your property and hopefully catch concerns early—before they grow into costly problems.
Why Home Watch Makes Sense in Florida
Owning a second home or seasonal property in places like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or other parts of Northeast Florida often means leaving it unoccupied for weeks—or even months—at a time. And when no one’s regularly checking in, small issues can quietly grow into expensive surprises.
That’s where Home Watch comes in.
At CrossView Property Management, we offer Home Watch services as a way to routinely check in on your property while you’re away. These visits allow us to look for visible signs of trouble—like leaks, pest activity, or damage—so you can take action before issues escalate.
While we can’t guarantee your home will remain problem-free, our goal is to provide regular updates and a watchful eye when you’re not there.
What’s Typically Included in a Home Watch Visit
Every home is different, so Home Watch services should be tailored to your property. Here’s what a general visit may include:
Interior Observations
Visual signs of water leaks or excess moisture
Functionality check on HVAC systems
Flushing toilets and running water in sinks/tubs
Scanning for mildew, pest activity, or odd odors
Confirming doors and windows are closed and appear secure
Looking for signs of forced entry or unauthorized access
Exterior Observations
General condition of lawn, shrubs, or pool (if applicable)
Noticing any storm debris or signs of damage
Removing any obvious signs of vacancy (mail, packages, etc.)
Each visit is followed by a basic report—often with photos—so you stay informed.
What a Home Watch Service Doesn’t Do
It’s important to clarify: Home Watch is not a security service, an alarm monitoring service, or a guarantee against property damage. Our team doesn’t live at your home, and we can’t predict or prevent every problem.
What we do is check in regularly and notify you if something looks unusual, out of place, or in need of attention. That way, you can address potential concerns sooner—before they grow more serious.
Why This Matters for Florida Homeowners
Florida’s warm, humid climate can accelerate wear and tear on vacant homes. Here are a few examples of what Home Watch might help you respond to earlier:
A slow drip under a sink that turns into water damage
AC systems that stop cooling (or create condensation)
Signs of mold or mildew buildup
Rodent or insect activity in attics, garages, or crawlspaces
Post-storm damage to roofs, screens, or outdoor areas
In many cases, early detection makes all the difference.
What to Look for in a Home Watch Provider
If you're considering hiring a Home Watch service in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or anywhere nearby, keep these points in mind:
1. Licensed, Local Professionals
While Home Watch isn’t a licensed industry in Florida, it’s smart to choose a provider with experience in property management and familiarity with the local market. CrossView Property Management is based right here in Northeast Florida—and we’ve walked thousands of homes over the years.
2. Clear Communication
A good Home Watch provider should give you regular updates, reports, and photos—and be responsive when you have questions or concerns.
3. Customizable Visits
Whether you’re gone for two weeks or six months, your property’s needs may change. Make sure your provider can tailor the schedule and checklist to fit your home and comfort level.
4. Storm Readiness Support
Florida storms are unpredictable. While we can’t prevent storm damage, we can check your property before and after weather events to document conditions and inform you of anything urgent.
Our Approach at CrossView Property Management
Our Home Watch services are designed with a simple goal: to help you stay informed about your home when you’re not there. We don’t make promises we can’t keep—but we do commit to being reliable, responsive, and thorough.
Each visit includes a visual inspection, a checklist based on your preferences, and a photo report so you know what we saw.
We take the stewardship of your home seriously—and we know trust is earned through consistency.
Final Takeaway
Home Watch isn’t about guaranteeing protection—it’s about maintaining awareness. Whether you live out of state, travel often, or just need another set of eyes while you're away, a professional Home Watch service can help you catch issues early, respond quickly, and feel more connected to your home—even from afar.
Want Eyes on Your Florida Home While You're Away?
Call CrossView Property Management to learn more about our Home Watch services in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and the surrounding areas. We’ll walk your home like it’s our own—keeping you informed every step of the way.