When selecting a Home Watch provider, homeowners are placing a significant amount of trust in that individual or company. Asking the right questions can help you better understand their qualifications, procedures, communication style, and commitment to professionalism.

1. Are You a Certified Home Watch Reporter?

Because Home Watch is not a licensed profession, homeowners should ask about training and credentials.

A Certified Home Watch Reporter has completed Home Watch-specific education and demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and continuing education.

2. What Training Have You Completed?

Ask what Home Watch-specific training the provider has completed and whether they continue to participate in ongoing education.

A professional Home Watch provider should be able to clearly explain their procedures, reporting process, and approach to observing your property.

3. What Does a Typical Visit Include?

Every company has its own procedures.

Ask what areas of the home are observed, what documentation is provided, and how findings are reported.

A professional Home Watch visit should follow a consistent process and include detailed documentation of observable conditions.

4. How Are Findings Documented and Communicated?

Documentation is one of the foundations of professional Home Watch services.

Ask:

• Are photos included?
• Is a report provided after each visit?
• How quickly are reports delivered?
• How are concerns communicated?

Clear communication helps homeowners stay informed while they are away.

5. How Would You Handle an Unexpected Situation?

Ask how the provider would respond to situations such as:

• Water intrusion
• HVAC concerns
• Storm-related observations
• Signs of microbial growth
• Utility interruptions

The goal is to communicate observations promptly and document conditions accurately.

6. How Often Will You Visit My Property?

Different homeowners have different needs.

Discuss visit frequency, seasonal considerations, weather-related concerns, and extended travel schedules. Regular observations help establish a pattern of documented conditions over time.

7. Are You Insured?

Professional Home Watch companies should be able to explain their insurance coverage and provide documentation if requested.

8. Who Performs the Visits?

Ask who will visit the property and how consistency is maintained if multiple team members perform visits.

9. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?

Reviews and client experiences can provide valuable insight into professionalism, communication, and reliability.

10. What Makes Your Home Watch Service Different?

This question gives providers an opportunity to explain their approach, procedures, training, and commitment to client service.

Listen for answers that emphasize professionalism, documentation, consistency, communication, continuing education, and attention to detail.

A provider who can clearly explain their process often demonstrates a stronger understanding of the responsibilities of Home Watch.

Why Certification Matters

Not all Home Watch providers receive formal training. Certification provides homeowners with added confidence that a provider has completed Home Watch-specific education and is committed to professional standards, documentation, consistency, and ongoing learning.

Before You Hand Over Your Keys

A key represents trust.

Whether you're away for a season, traveling for extended periods, or managing a second home, asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision.

Download the Ultimate Home Watch Interview Guide and use it when evaluating Home Watch providers. Then search the Certified Home Watch Reporter Directory to locate trained, tested, and trusted professionals serving your area.