7 Reasons Why I Recommend Weekly Home Watch Visits.

Proactive Maintenance: Identifying a minor issue before it escalates can prevent significant damage. In real-life scenarios, homeowners often assume their property is secure if no problems have occurred previously. However, unforeseen incidents can occur suddenly, regardless of past experiences. For instance, during routine weekly visits, I've encountered instances like a leaking ceiling or a cracked pipe causing water damage. Without timely detection, such issues could lead to extensive damage over time.

When It Happens To You: Many assume their homes are immune to damage if nothing has occurred in the past. However, this isn't always the case. We're familiar with the adages, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong" and "It's not a matter of if, but when." I service several clients weekly, and while most visits reveal no issues, occasionally, surprises await. During one visit, I found a steady stream of water dripping from a first-floor condo ceiling. In another instance, water was flowing down a driveway due to a cracked pipe. Both properties were on a weekly service plan. Imagine the consequences if these issues had gone unnoticed for two weeks—the damage could have been catastrophic.

Insurance Compliance: Some homeowners' insurance policies may include a clause mandating regular checks on unoccupied or vacant homes within a specific timeframe. However, these clauses often lack clarity regarding who should conduct these checks. If your policy requires inspections every 10 days but your home watch provider only visits every 2 weeks, it's crucial to adjust the frequency to comply with the policy terms. Failure to do so could result in denial of insurance claims for damage occurring during unmonitored periods. To avoid such issues, I recommend reaching out to your insurance agency to clarify any relevant clauses in your policy.

Tax Benefits: Many of my clients rent out their homes seasonally, which offers a convenient means to generate extra income to offset various expenses associated with owning a second property, such as management fees, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs. Importantly, if you derive rental income from your Arizona home, you can deduct the expenses incurred for home watch services from your taxes. Leveraging this tax deduction can effectively subsidize the cost of weekly home watch visits, thereby enhancing the security of your property without significantly increasing your expenses. However, it's advisable to consult with your CPA or accountant for professional guidance on maximizing tax benefits.

Priority Servicing: Every home watch provider operates uniquely, but most prioritize their weekly clients with a "serviced first" approach - a practice my company also follows. Offering two service frequencies (weekly and bi-monthly), we ensure all clients receive equal treatment under normal circumstances. However, during emergencies or natural disasters, our weekly clients take precedence. This prioritization reflects our gratitude for continuous support and business throughout the year.

Technological Limitations: Some potential home watch clients believe their Wi-Fi thermostat and video cameras suffice when they're away. While these are useful devices, they should never replace a trusted home watch professional. These devices are helpful for detecting temperature/humidity spikes or criminal activity, but they can't detect significant issues like a roof leak. Consider if a leak occurred today: what damage would occur in 7 or 14 days? This underscores the importance of a weekly home watch service.

Risk Mitigation: Nobody wants to spend on "what ifs." Yet, being unprepared could leave you regretting missed precautions later on. Home watch is crucial for unoccupied homes, serving as a risk mitigation service akin to insurance. While nobody enjoys paying for insurance, having it when needed is invaluable. Considering the investment in your Arizona home, home watch becomes an obvious choice. By embracing weekly home watch visits, clients can proactively protect their homes, minimizing risks and ensuring peace of mind. Contact Desert Key LLC today to schedule your weekly inspections and stay ahead of the unexpected.