Why Every Homeowner Should Consider Certified Home Watch Reporter Services
October 22, 2025
Diane Pisani
Owning a home is one of life’s greatest investments. But what happens when that home is unoccupied for weeks or months at a time? Whether you’re a seasonal resident, travel often, or own a second property, leaving your home unattended can expose it to unnecessary risks. That’s where the services of a Certified Home Watch Reporter become essential.
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.
