Home watch Blog

Why Insurers Are Raising Rates or Leaving Certain Areas Home insurance companies base pricing and availability on risk. Several national factors have dramatically changed that risk profile over the last decade. 1. More Frequent and Severe Weather Events Many parts of the country have experienced stronger and more frequent hurricanes, wildfires, hailstorms, and flooding. When a single weather event affects thousands of homes, insurers may face losses far beyond what they collected in premiums. Repeated high-cost events cause companies to reconsider where they can sustainably operate. 2. Increased Cost to Repair or Rebuild Even small claims have become more expensive. Construction materials, labor, and specialized services cost significantly more than they did a few years ago. As the cost to repair homes rises, insurance companies adjust premiums to match the financial exposure. 3. Rising Reinsurance Costs Insurance companies also carry their own protection, known as reinsurance. When global losses climb, reinsurers raise their prices. Those increases are passed along to homeowners. In some markets, reinsurance has become the largest contributing factor to higher premiums. 4. Regulatory and Legal Pressures Insurance regulations differ by state. In certain regions, insurers say they cannot charge premiums that reflect emerging risk. In others, litigation trends have increased the cost of settling claims. When the business environment becomes too unpredictable, insurers may reduce their presence or stop writing new policies. Why Seasonal, Second, and Frequently Unoccupied Homes Are Under Increased Scrutiny From an insurance perspective, there is a significant difference between a home that is occupied daily and a home that sits empty for weeks or months at a time. A property that is not being seen on a routine basis is more likely to experience a larger loss because early signs of trouble may go unnoticed. Examples: A minor plumbing leak in a regularly occupied home is often noticed quickly. In a home left unattended, that same leak can saturate floors and walls, lead to microbial growth, and cause significant deterioration before the owner is aware of the problem. A loose shingle on an occupied home might be seen and repaired promptly. On an unoccupied property, water intrusion may continue for weeks. These are the types of situations insurers factor into underwriting decisions. Many policies contain conditions related to occupancy, vacancy, heat maintenance in cold weather, and prompt reporting of damage. If a property is left unoccupied for extended periods, owners may be required to take additional steps to maintain coverage. In some cases, certain types of damage may not be covered if the home was not being checked as required by the policy. What Homeowners Can Do to Strengthen Their Insurance Position Although homeowners cannot control weather patterns or marketplace decisions, they can take practical steps to demonstrate responsible ownership and reduce the likelihood of large losses. 1. Reduce Risk Where Possible Consider the home as an underwriter would. Address visible maintenance issues, keep trees trimmed away from structures where appropriate, maintain the roof, and ensure water is directed away from the foundation. Updating older systems may also lower the risk of a major claim. 2. Understand Your Policy Conditions Policies vary widely. Homeowners should review requirements related to unoccupied time, temperature settings during winter months, and what constitutes a vacant property. If you plan to be away for an extended period, speak with your agent and ask what steps are required to remain in full compliance. 3. Document Maintenance and Improvements Clear documentation can be beneficial when changing insurers or filing a claim. Keep records such as receipts for roof work, HVAC service, plumbing or electrical updates, and photographs that show the condition of the property. Organized documentation demonstrates that the home is being cared for and not neglected. 4. Review Options and Shop When Necessary In a challenging market, shopping for insurance can produce significantly different outcomes. Rates can vary between companies, and underwriting guidelines change frequently. An independent agent may have access to carriers that others do not. Where Home Watch Services Fit Into Today’s Insurance Landscape Home Watch services provide scheduled visual observations of a property and report any obvious issues to the homeowner. This aligns directly with what many insurers expect when a property will be unoccupied for extended periods. Home Watch does not replace licensed trades, does not perform repairs, and is not a home inspection, property management, or security service. It is a structured, documented process designed to help homeowners stay informed about the visible condition of their property when they cannot be there themselves. Professional Home Watch visits can support homeowners in three important ways: 1. Demonstrating Reasonable Care Many insurance policies contain an expectation that the homeowner will take reasonable steps to care for the property. Regular Home Watch visits create a clear record showing that the home has not been ignored. This can be useful if questions arise regarding how long a condition existed or whether it was addressed promptly. 2. Identifying Issues Earlier While Home Watch does not prevent damage, routine visual observations can bring attention to visible concerns before they escalate. Early detection often results in smaller repairs rather than large claims. 3. Providing Organized Documentation Home Watch reports, often including date-stamped photos and structured checklists, become part of the homeowner’s maintenance records. This documentation helps tell a clear story: the property is seen on a consistent schedule, and any concerns are communicated for the owner to address through appropriate professionals. For insurers evaluating overall risk, a well-documented pattern of responsible ownership is favorable. Home Watch is a visual observation of a home or property, looking for obvious issues and reporting them to the owner. It is not a home inspection, property management, or security service. The home insurance environment is changing rapidly, and homeowners face new challenges related to rising rates, reduced availability, and stricter underwriting standards. While these broader trends are beyond individual control, homeowners can strengthen their position by reducing risk, maintaining documentation, understanding policy requirements, and ensuring that the property is being seen regularly when unoccupied. For those who spend significant time away from their home, or for anyone who wants an added layer of oversight and documentation, professional Home Watch services offer a structured and reliable solution. They support the homeowner’s responsibility to remain informed about the visible condition of the property while maintaining clear boundaries about what the service does and does not provide.

If you spend part of the year away from your home, one of the risks you may not think about enough is someone moving in without your permission — and then trying to stay.

Microbial growth (mold) can silently destroy an unoccupied home in a matter of weeks.

A Certified Home Watch Reporter (CHWR) is a trained professional who conducts regular, documented visits to your home while you are away. Their purpose is to observe and report on the condition of the property, ensuring potential issues are identified and addressed promptly before they escalate into costly problems. What Is a Certified Home Watch Reporter? A Certified Home Watch Reporter is not a house-sitter or a security guard. They are educated professionals who meet strict standards of training, ethics, and accountability. The title represents a level of expertise that goes far beyond casual observation. Certified Home Watch Reporters follow detailed checklists and reporting procedures that document every visit, giving homeowners confidence that their property is being cared for by someone qualified and trustworthy. Because the Home Watch industry is not regulated by most states, certification matters. Home Watch Academy’s certification sets the benchmark for professionalism, education, and integrity in the field. A Certified Home Watch Reporter brings reliability, consistency, and accountability — the qualities homeowners deserve when entrusting someone with their property. Why Unoccupied Homes Need Professional Home Watch Services When a home is left unoccupied, even for a short time, small issues can go unnoticed and turn into major repairs. A slow leak can cause extensive water damage. A power outage can trigger humidity and mold growth. A tripped breaker might leave your refrigerator off for days. Insects or rodents may enter through tiny gaps, and storm damage can go undetected until it’s too late. In addition to maintenance concerns, many homeowners are unaware that insurance coverage may depend on regular property visits. Some insurance policies require documented checks on unoccupied homes to maintain coverage. If a problem occurs and no record of regular visits exists, the insurance claim could be denied. A Certified Home Watch Reporter ensures those visits happen — on schedule, with written reports, and with proof of observation. This can protect not only your home but also your insurance coverage. The Benefits of Hiring a Certified Home Watch Reporter 1. Documented Visits and Professional Reporting Every visit from a Certified Home Watch Reporter is documented. You’ll receive a detailed report, often with photos, outlining the condition of your property and noting any issues found. This provides transparency and peace of mind while also serving as a valuable record should you ever need to demonstrate due diligence to your insurance provider. 2. Insurance Compliance Many homeowner insurance policies specify that homes left unoccupied must be checked regularly. A Certified Home Watch Reporter fulfills this requirement by providing scheduled visits and accurate documentation. This simple step can prevent complications during a claim and even lead to potential insurance benefits. 3. Peace of Mind Knowing that a trained professional is looking after your home allows you to focus on what truly matters — whether that’s your travels, family, or business. Certified Home Watch Reporters communicate directly with you and act promptly if a problem arises. You can rest assured that someone qualified and dependable is taking care of your property. 4. Protection of Property Value Routine Home Watch visits protect the long-term condition of your property. Early detection of problems prevents small issues from turning into expensive repairs. Regular visits also help deter theft or vandalism. By maintaining an occupied appearance and addressing maintenance needs promptly, a Certified Home Watch Reporter helps preserve both the safety and value of your home. A Responsible Choice for Homeowners Engaging a Certified Home Watch Reporter is an investment in both peace of mind and property protection. It’s the difference between hoping everything is fine and knowing it is. By choosing a certified professional, you’re ensuring your home receives consistent care from someone who understands the responsibility that comes with entering another person’s property. Responsible homeowners take proactive steps to protect what matters most. Hiring a Certified Home Watch Reporter is one of those steps. It means your home will be cared for with the highest standards of professionalism, documentation, and integrity — even when you’re miles away. In summary: Certified Home Watch Reporter services provide professional documentation, insurance compliance, peace of mind, and reliable protection for your property. It’s a level of service designed for homeowners who expect more than just a “check-in.” It’s about safeguarding your investment, your comfort, and your confidence — every day you’re away.

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Discover why the term ‘licensed’ is misleading, what really matters when choosing a Home Watch provider, and how training and certification set true professionals apart.

Exceptional Home Watch Training since 2008

In his bestselling book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell introduced the 10,000-Hour Rule—the idea that achieving mastery in any field requires around 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. It’s not just about natural talent; it’s about time, focus, and a deep commitment to growth. That concept resonates with me deeply because, since 2008, I’ve dedicated my professional life to the Home Watch industry. Over 17 years, I’ve invested far beyond 10,000 hours—not just teaching, but learning, refining, and innovating. For 9 of those years, I was the first and only person offering formal Home Watch training. There were few industry standards, no playbooks, and no roadmaps. I help create them. Along the way, I introduced the jargon, nomenclature, and slogans that are now widely recognized across the industry. Phrases like “Trained – Tested – Trusted” and “The Difference Between Damage and Disaster” didn’t exist before— It was part of building a foundation for Home Watch to grow into a respected profession. Today, there may be others entering the Home Watch training space. I see that as a reflection of how much the industry has grown, and I’m proud to have contributed to that growth. But I also know this: true expertise isn’t built overnight. It’s built through real-world challenges, continuous learning, and a track record of helping others succeed. For me, mastery isn’t something you reach and check off a list. It’s a mindset—staying curious, staying relevant, and staying dedicated to those you serve. It is a true honor, privilege, and responsibility that I take very seriously. If you’re exploring a future in Home Watch, my advice is simple: Find a mentor who hasn’t just read about the 10,000-Hour Rule but has lived it. In this industry, experience isn’t just valuable; it’s what separates those who truly serve from those who simply show up. After all, it’s not just about logging hours. It’s about what you do with them. Always grateful, ~Diane

When it comes to training for a career in the Home Watch industry, eLearning is truly a game-changer. As the founder of the Home Watch Academy, I’ve seen firsthand how online education empowers aspiring professionals to succeed. Let me share with you why eLearning offers several key advantages over traditional classroom or boot camp training for Home Watch professionals. Flexibility and Convenience One of the greatest benefits of eLearning is its flexibility. Students can access course materials and complete training at their own pace, from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially beneficial for those balancing other commitments or transitioning from another career. Unlike rigid classroom schedules or intensive boot camps, eLearning allows you to fit your training around your existing responsibilities. Whether it’s early mornings, late evenings, or weekends, you decide when and where you learn. Cost-Effectiveness Traditional in-person courses come with extra expenses—travel, accommodations, and physical materials can quickly add up. With eLearning, these costs are virtually eliminated. Plus, the digital nature of online courses means materials are easy to update and distribute, ensuring you always have access to the latest industry information without the need for costly reprints. Personalized Learning Experience Everyone learns differently, and eLearning accommodates that. With online training, you can spend extra time on concepts that challenge you while breezing through familiar material. This personalized approach is difficult to achieve in a classroom setting, where a standardized curriculum often dictates the pace. Improved Retention and Recall At the Home Watch Academy, we leverage proven methods like spaced repetition and active recall to help students retain information long-term. Unlike a one-time classroom session, eLearning allows you to revisit materials as often as needed. This approach not only enhances understanding but also ensures you’re prepared to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Content The Home Watch industry is always evolving, and staying current is critical. eLearning platforms can offer a wider range of multimedia resources and interactive tools compared to traditional classrooms. This means you’ll have access to the most current industry standards, best practices, and legal requirements—all updated quickly and efficiently in an online format. Ongoing Support and Resources One of the unique advantages of eLearning is ongoing access to course materials and resources. Unlike a one-time boot camp or classroom session, online training gives you the ability to refer back to specific topics whenever needed. This is invaluable for Home Watch professionals who encounter new challenges or want to refresh their knowledge. Scalability and Consistency eLearning ensures that all students receive the same high-quality training content, regardless of their location or the size of the class. Consistency is crucial for maintaining professional standards across the Home Watch industry. At the Home Watch Academy, we’re committed to providing training that sets the benchmark for excellence. Empowering Your Success By leveraging these advantages, eLearning provides a more effective, efficient, and accessible method for Home Watch training. It’s designed to meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals without disrupting your life. Whether you’re starting a new business or enhancing your skills, the Home Watch Academy is here to guide you every step of the way. Explore the possibilities and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Home Watch. With the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive training offered through eLearning, your success is just a click away. https://www.homewatchacademy.com/ ~Diane Pisani, Proud Founder Home Watch Academy