FAQ
You've got questions. We've got answers.
What is Home Watch?
Home Watch is a visual inspection of property looking for and documenting obvious issues. Property owners who are away for long periods of time use our services to ensure that any issues that develop in their absence are able to be mitigated as soon as possible. Insurance companies like to see vacant property checked by a professional home watch company on a regular basis..
How Much Does Home Watch Service Cost?
Our flat-fee per-visit pricing is transparent and listed publicly on our website Pricing webpage. Our prices are extremely competitive. We believe in transparent pricing and exceptional customer service. If you encounter a home watch company that hides their prices, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.
Why Should I pay for Home Watch Service?
The first thought in your mind may be, "I can hire a neighborhood kid to watch my house." That may be true, but the reason you want to hire our professional home watch company is that we have experience in property inspections and have a trained eye for health, safety, and security, as well as construction methodology. Our written reports and photographs tell the story, and our connections to local contractors may make the difference between getting the quality help you need when you need it or waiting in line for the services you need. Our experience in customer service is well over 30-years. Not to mention, insurance companies like to see vacant property checked on at least every two weeks by a professional home watch company.
Can I trust Martin Home Watch to Watch my Home?
Martin Home Watch was founded by a retired career Fire Captain/Emergency Medical Technician. We have terms of service so both parties know what to expect and what not to expect. You have a chance to meet me and get to know us at our complementary consultation prior to starting service. We can provide references upon request. We are a Limited Liability Company in the State of Florida.
How Frequently do you check on my home?
For Home Watch Service, we check on your property according to the set schedule that you choose when signing up for my services. Our recommendation is every two weeks or once per month, depending upon your situation. Insurance companies like to see a professional check on your property on a regular basis.
What Do you DO when you check my home?
We use a printed checklist that we customize according to your property and your stated needs. We spend an average time of 60 minutes on site and another 30-minutes in our office preparing your report and photos, not including drive-time. If we find anything out of the ordinary, we will send you a text message or call you.
We do not charge extra for other tasks in addition to the home watch check that we are able to complete in an onsite time of 60-minutes, so if you want us to bring in the mail, take out the trash, feed the cat or dog, walk the dog, etc., just tell us when you request service. Visit our Pricing page for details on extended visits, visits outside normal business hours, visits on holidays, and emergent visits for alarm and weather events.
We do not charge extra for other tasks in addition to the home watch check that we are able to complete in an onsite time of 60-minutes, so if you want us to bring in the mail, take out the trash, feed the cat or dog, walk the dog, etc., just tell us when you request service. Visit our Pricing page for details on extended visits, visits outside normal business hours, visits on holidays, and emergent visits for alarm and weather events.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and Zelle (most banks use Zelle - you just have to activate it within your account). We send a request for payment via Zelle for services after they have been provided. All payments are due within 5-business days. We do not accept credit cards.
How do i sign up?
To sign up for our service, use the form on our Pre-Register webpage. There is no charge to sign up, no change fee, and no cancelation fee. We request payment for services after they have been provided. Contact us with questions.
Do i have to sign an Agreement?
No, but you do have to agree to our terms of service. When you have decided to schedule home Watch Visits or House Sitting Stays, we will direct you to our terms of service webpage via an email. The terms of service discloses what you should expect and what you should not expect from us. Knowing what to expect provides peace of mind to both parties. In addition, agreeing to terms of service is standard in our industry and many insurers require them.
What if i decide to end THE service?
We do not charge for services until after they have been provided. If you decide to end our services, there is no penalty. We are here to serve you when you need us. We want you to be happy, and come back again the next time you need home watch services.
what is your service area?
Our service area includes Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and Yulee, FL. Here isa list of the neighborhoods we serve. Should you not find your neighborhood listed, please contact us so we can consider adding service in your new neighborhood. New neighborhoods are being added continuously, as new developments are created in NE Florida.
Flora Parke, Carlton Dunes, Marsh Creek, AIP, Seaside/Summer Beach, South Fletcher, Amelia Concourse, Preserve at Summer Beach, Marsh, Amelia Landings, Amelia National Pkwy, North Fernandina, Ocean Ridge, Shell Cove Circle, Marsh Lakes, Otter Run / Brady Point, Dunes of Amelia, Pirates Bay, Plantation Point, North Hampton, Amelia Island, Ocean Village, Amelia Surf and Raquet, Centre - 17th, Amelia Island Plantation, Sandy Pointe Preserve, Holly Point, The Reserve at Nassau Lak, Blue Heron, Villages of Woodbridge, Nassauville/Councourse, Old Nassauville, Piney Island, Floridian Enclave, Nassauville/Mobley Height, Amelia Woods, Forest Ridge Village, Golfside, Timberlake Times, Ocean Oaks, Fernandina Beach, Isle of Palms of Amelia, Summer Beach Village, Cypress Trail, Cape Sound, Nassau Lakes, Amelia Oaks, Fernandina Airport South, Amelia Park, Fir Street, Ocean Cay, Egans Landing, Arrigo Blvd, Amelia Walk, Cedar Point, Island Village, Natures Gate, Phoenix Walk, Nature's Walk, North Fletcher, High Pointe, Forrest-Mauncy, Palms
Flora Parke, Carlton Dunes, Marsh Creek, AIP, Seaside/Summer Beach, South Fletcher, Amelia Concourse, Preserve at Summer Beach, Marsh, Amelia Landings, Amelia National Pkwy, North Fernandina, Ocean Ridge, Shell Cove Circle, Marsh Lakes, Otter Run / Brady Point, Dunes of Amelia, Pirates Bay, Plantation Point, North Hampton, Amelia Island, Ocean Village, Amelia Surf and Raquet, Centre - 17th, Amelia Island Plantation, Sandy Pointe Preserve, Holly Point, The Reserve at Nassau Lak, Blue Heron, Villages of Woodbridge, Nassauville/Councourse, Old Nassauville, Piney Island, Floridian Enclave, Nassauville/Mobley Height, Amelia Woods, Forest Ridge Village, Golfside, Timberlake Times, Ocean Oaks, Fernandina Beach, Isle of Palms of Amelia, Summer Beach Village, Cypress Trail, Cape Sound, Nassau Lakes, Amelia Oaks, Fernandina Airport South, Amelia Park, Fir Street, Ocean Cay, Egans Landing, Arrigo Blvd, Amelia Walk, Cedar Point, Island Village, Natures Gate, Phoenix Walk, Nature's Walk, North Fletcher, High Pointe, Forrest-Mauncy, Palms
opening and closing visits
The first visit we conduct after your departure (closing visit) may include the following:
The last visit prior to your return (opening visit) may included the following:
- Empty inside trash
- Set hot water heater to vacation setting
- Adjust AC to energy efficient away temperature
- Ensure all windows are and doors are closed and locked
The last visit prior to your return (opening visit) may included the following:
- Adjust AC to comfortable temperature
- Ensure lighted entry for night arrival
- Freshen toilets
- Plug in all electrical fixtures that were unplugged at our Closing Visit
- Bring in any mail
- Grocery shopping (Per Visit fee and Extended Visit fees may apply)
Do you do home repairs?
We do very minor things like changing light bulbs, replacing batteries in thermostats and smoke detectors. We don't do more extensive home repairs, however, we have vetted a number of local businesses that do what they do best. Visit our Amelia Island Business Directory webpage to find a local business. Know of an excellent local business. Have them contact us via our Advertise webpage.
Do you do house sitting stays?
Yes, we do House Sitting Stays at your property. See our Pricing web page for details. Generally, we check-in at 3:00 pm on the first day and check-out by 11:00 am on the last day of a House Sitting Stay. We will schedule House Sitting Stays according to your travel schedule.
HOw can i submit a reveiw of Martin home watch?
You can submit a review of our Home Watch service on our Reviews webpage. We appreciate clients who take the time to let us know how we are doing. Thank you in advance for promoting our fire service veteran owned local small business.
When do snowbirds leave florida?
Though it varies each year, most snowbirds leave Florida in May. Heat and humidity continue to rise steadily through spring and summer, keeping most snowbirds out of state until November. Snowbird season also benefits sun-seeking vacation renters—thanks to an increased inventory of rentals.
We accept new clients any time of the year when our staffing and scheduling allows. Simply use our Pre-Register web page to get started.
We accept new clients any time of the year when our staffing and scheduling allows. Simply use our Pre-Register web page to get started.
Do i have to sign up for multiple visits?
No. You can sign up for a single one-time visit a series of visits, or periodic visits. Most of our clients choose visits every two weeks, or once per month depending upon the situation and type of property. Please reach out to us to see if we can develop a schedule that meets your needs. When you pre-register, it prepares us to be able to watch your property at a moments notice should you require travel. There is no retainer fee, so signing up allows both of us to prepare ahead of time.
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