Not all home watch services are equal. These 10 questions will separate professional operations from weekend side hustles before you hand over your keys.
1. Are you insured and bonded? Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and professional liability. If they have to look into it, keep looking.
2. What does your inspection checklist look like? Ask to see the actual checklist. It should cover exterior, interior, and systems in detail.
3. Can I see a sample inspection report? Professional companies produce written, photographed reports after every visit. Ask to see one.
4. How do you handle emergencies? What's the response time? Who gets called first? What happens if you're unreachable?
5. Do you supervise vendors? When a repair is needed, do they coordinate and supervise, or just hand you a phone number?
6. What are your pricing and contract terms? Get pricing in writing. Ask about cancellation terms and what's included vs. extra.
7. How many properties does each of your inspectors manage? More than 40-50 properties per inspector compromises thoroughness.
8. Are you a member of any professional associations? NHWA membership requires meeting standards around training and insurance.
9. Can you provide references from clients with homes like mine? Ask specifically for clients with comparable properties.
10. What technology do you use? Professional operations use inspection software that produces documented reports, not text messages.
Related reading: 5 Questions to Ask Any Home Watch Company Before You Hire Them.
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