Home Watch Questions: Straight Answers for Second-Home Owners

Second-home owners tend to ask the same handful of questions before they hire anyone to watch their house: how often, what gets checked, what happens if something goes wrong, and what it costs. Here are straight answers for the Coachella Valley, based on how Desert Estate Home Watch works. Where an answer depends on the provider, we say so.

What is home watch?

Home watch is a scheduled, visual, non-invasive observation of your home while you are away. A provider walks the property, notes visible concerns, takes photos, and sends you a report. It is different from property management, security, and home inspection. Home watch versus property management, security, and inspections explains how.

How often will someone visit?

Desert Estate Home Watch provides one scheduled visit every week, all year. We do not offer biweekly or monthly plans. Other providers set their own schedules, so ask anyone you are considering. See what happens during a weekly home watch visit for a walk-through.

What gets checked?

• Exterior and entry points

• Visible condition of windows and doors

• HVAC and thermostat concerns, where accessible

• Visible plumbing, leak, and irrigation concerns

• Pool, spa, landscaping, storm, and pest observations

• Mail, package, and flyer observations when visible

Does the provider go inside my home?

It depends on the plan. Weekly Home Watch covers the exterior and approved accessible observations. Estate Home Watch adds expanded interior observations when you approve access, including temperature checks and visible moisture, leak, and odor concerns. Interior access is always your decision.

Does home watch include pool care, lawn care, or repairs?

No. We observe and report on pool, spa, and landscaping conditions, but pool service, landscaping, and repairs stay with the vendors and contractors you hire. If we see something that needs attention, we tell you promptly and you decide who to call. Active members can ask us to arrange approved vendor access as a concierge service.

What about the air conditioning?

We note thermostat readings and any visible HVAC concerns where accessible. We do not service or adjust your system as part of a weekly visit. What setting is right for an empty house is a question for your HVAC contractor; see what can go wrong in a vacant home during summer.

Is mail collection included?

Weekly visits include mail, package, and flyer observations when visible. Collecting and securing mail and packages, or forwarding them per your instructions, is a concierge service for active members and is scheduled separately. Whether mail collection is included varies by provider, so ask.

How are findings reported?

After every visit you receive a digital report with time-stamped observations and photos. If we notice something that may need attention, we contact you promptly rather than waiting for the next report. What a good home watch report should include shows what to look for in any provider's reports.

What happens in an emergency?

Home watch is not emergency response. If you or anyone else sees an emergency at your property, call 911. When we observe a concern during a visit, we contact you promptly with photos and notes, and you authorize any follow-up work. We cannot guarantee response times or the availability of third parties.

How do I choose a provider?

• A fixed visit schedule that is written down

• A clear scope of what is and is not covered

• Photo reports, and a sample you can see before signing

• Plain answers about keys, access, and privacy

• Any coverage or protections the provider claims, in writing

• Honest limits: observation, not repair or security

For a longer list of questions, read who should check on your home while you are away.

What does home watch cost?

Weekly Home Watch is $249 a month and Estate Home Watch is $329 a month. Both include one visit every week and a photo report after each visit. Concierge services are scheduled separately and may carry additional fees. See the pricing page for the details.

How do I get started?

Request a consultation. We review your property details, speak with you about your needs, and if you decide to move forward we provide the service agreement and onboarding information. For the full picture, read our guide for seasonal homeowners or request a consultation.