Question 1

What is exactly is Home / Estate Watch?  Or sometimes called Property Watch or Property Management?

Accepted Answer

A Home Watch service provides reassurance and security when you're not at your property. The official definition states, Home Watch is "A visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues." This means trained professionals regularly examine your residence to identify any developing problems. Service providers typically create a customized inspection checklist tailored to your specific requirements and priorities. Should any issues be discovered during these visits, you will be notified so the matter can be dealt with in a cost effective and expedient fashion.

Question 2

Who are your Home / Estate Watch Clients?

Accepted Answer

Home Watch services are ideal for a wide range of situations, including:
Homeowners wondering who will keep an eye on their property while they’re away
Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina residents who travel and leave their primary or secondary residence vacant and need someone to keep an eye on things
Snowbirds 
Individuals who must leave town unexpectedly due to a family or personal emergency
Homeowners whose careers, military service, or deployments require frequent time away
Sellers with vacant homes currently listed on the market
Professional athletes who relocate during the off-season
Seniors who remain at home but are no longer able to manage regular property upkeep, as well as those who leave suddenly because of health-related emergencies
Adult children of seniors who live outside the region area and need a trusted local representative
Financial institutions managing portfolios of unoccupied or foreclosed properties
Real estate professionals responsible for vacant listings
Owners of short-term rental properties during off-season periods or extended vacancies
Commercial property owners with unused or vacant buildings
Members of the Foreign Service who prefer not to rent out their homes while stationed elsewhere

Question 3

Why use Home Watch when you are away?

Accepted Answer

Studies from the Insurance Institute show that vacant homes face a significantly higher risk of problems, including:
Vandalism or unauthorized entry/break-ins
Water leaks that go unnoticed and cause extensive, costly damage
HVAC failures that can lead to frozen or burst pipes and potential subsequent mold growth
Water leaks that go unnoticed and cause extensive, costly damage
Blocked gutters or roof issues that may result in serious interior damage
Pest infestations, as insects and rodents can quickly take over an empty home
Illegal occupancy or squatting
 
While Providentia Home Watch cannot prevent issues from occurring, early detection can greatly limit the severity of the issue. Acting as your local partner we identify concerns before they escalate—helping turn potential disasters into manageable situations.

Question 4

What is the difference between House Sitting and Home Watch?

Accepted Answer

House sitting and home watch are both services that help look after properties when owners are away, but they differ significantly in scope and commitment:
​
House Sitting:
Someone actually lives and sleeps in your home while you're gone
Typically involves longer stays (weeks to months)
The sitter handles daily tasks like collecting mail, watering plants, maintaining the home's "lived-in" appearance, and often caring for pets
More personal relationship required since someone is living in your private space
Home Watch:
Periodic check-ins rather than continuous presence (might be daily, weekly, or as needed)
Scheduled visits to inspect the property
Focuses on specific tasks: checking for issues like leaks, break-ins, weather damage, and that systems are working
Less intrusive since no one is actually living there

Question 5

Does Providentia Properties perform rental management?

Accepted Answer

No, Providentia Properties does not handle rental management for short term vacation rentals.  Instead we partner with local rental property managers and refer business to our trusted partners.

Question 6

Why use a Home Watch Professional and not your neighbor, relative or friend to keep an eye on your place while you are gone?

Accepted Answer

While you may have trusted neighbors or family members nearby, they typically lack professional home watch training. There's a significant difference between checking on a home and conducting thorough, systematic inspections on a routine scheduled basis. Neighbors or friends might not be available for consistent visits or equipped to provide detailed checklists and comprehensive walk-through reports. Additionally, if an issue arises while they're responsible for your property, it could strain those personal relationships. By entrusting your home to Providentia's Home Watch professionals, you gain peace of mind knowing you are in trusted hands of insured and bonded professionals.

Question 7

Who will be accessing and watching my house?

Accepted Answer

Our Home Watch professionals hold NHWA accreditation, which signifies that we've been thoroughly vetted by the National Home Watch Association. This accreditation confirms we maintain appropriate insurance and bonding coverage, have a clean complaint record, and provide accurate information on our website.  Furthermore, all company principals must pass a criminal background check and must agree to follow the Mission Statement and uphold the Code of Ethics of the NHWA.

Question 8

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No.  We do require that you sign an agreement to document that we have proper authorization to enter your home for the agreed upon visits, however you can cancel at any time and will only be charged for the services incurred up to the point of canceling.

Question 9

Can I find Providentia Properties on Thumbtack?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Simply use this link to find Providentia Properties on Thumbtack

Question 10

Is Home Watch a security service?

Accepted Answer

No, Home Watch is not a security service.   Providentia Home Watch serves as a set of eyes and ears via routine visits (as mutually agreed upon) to your home.  During our visits we visually assess the condition of your property and support you by detecting any issues that may arise early.

Question 11

How frequently should Home Watch visits be scheduled?

Accepted Answer

The real answer, it depends.

The ideal frequency for home watch visits depends on several factors, including how long the home will be unoccupied, the season, weather conditions, the age of the property, and homeowner preferences. While some homeowners prefer weekly visits, others may choose bi-weekly or customized schedules based on their specific needs.

Regular home watch visits can help identify potential issues such as water leaks, HVAC concerns, storm damage, pest activity, security issues, or other unexpected problems before they become more costly and difficult to address. Homes that are vacant for extended periods, particularly during seasons with extreme weather, often benefit from more frequent monitoring.

At Providentia, we work with each homeowner to develop a home watch schedule that aligns with their travel plans, property needs, and comfort level. Whether you are away for a few weeks, several months, or only visit your property seasonally, we can help provide peace of mind by keeping a watchful eye on your home while you are away.

Question 12

Can someone check on my second home in Western North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Why yes we can! Many second-home owners and seasonal residents use home watch services to help protect their property while they are away. Professional home watch visits typically include visual inspections of the interior and exterior, checking for signs of water intrusion, HVAC issues, storm damage, pest activity, security concerns, and other conditions that may require attention. Regular monitoring can help identify small issues before they become costly problems. Home watch services are particularly valuable in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina where mountain weather, seasonal temperature changes, and extended vacancies can create unique risks for unoccupied homes.

Providentia provides professional home watch services throughout Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, offering scheduled property visits, detailed reporting, vendor coordination, and responsive support to help homeowners maintain confidence that their property is being cared for while they are away.

Providentia Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is exactly is Home / Estate Watch? Or sometimes called Property Watch or Property Management?