Florida is paradise for seasonal residents. The weather is warm, the sunsets are stunning, and life moves a little slower here on the Gulf Coast. But when you leave your St. Petersburg or Treasure Island home for a few weeks or months, what happens while you are gone?
That question is one more and more homeowners are asking. And the answer can mean the difference between returning to a well-cared-for home or coming back to unexpected damage and costly repairs.
At In Good Hands Home Watch and Concierge Services, we provide professional property checks and peace of mind for part-time and absentee homeowners across St. Pete, Tierra Verde, Gulfport, Snell Isle, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area.
Let us explain why this service is no longer optional for many Tampa Bay homeowners and what you should expect from a trustworthy home watch partner.
Why “Having a Neighbor Check” Is Not a Real Plan
We hear this all the time. “My neighbor said they would keep an eye on things.”
While neighbors can be helpful and well-meaning, they are not trained to spot problems early. They are also not insured, bonded, or obligated to follow through consistently.
They might walk by and see that everything looks fine, but that same day your AC could stop working. Your ice maker could begin leaking. Your back door might not be fully closed. And your neighbor would not know unless they went inside, and understood what to look for.
Home watch professionals do just that. We are trained to look for early signs of damage, risk, or failure and take action before a minor issue becomes a major problem.
The Top 5 Risks of Leaving Your Florida Home Unattended
1. Humidity and Mold
Florida’s climate is humid year-round. If your AC system malfunctions while you are gone, humidity levels inside your home can spike quickly. Mold does not take long to appear and can spread faster than most people expect.
We monitor your thermostat and humidity during every visit and make sure your home stays dry, cool, and protected.
2. Leaks and Plumbing Issues
Even a slow leak can cause significant damage. Water under the sink, around toilets, behind the fridge, or in your laundry room can go undetected for weeks. That leads to warped cabinets, water-stained floors, and mold growth.
We check all water sources, run faucets, flush toilets, and scan for signs of leaks during every inspection.
3. Storm and Wind Damage
Living in Florida means preparing for sudden thunderstorms and hurricanes. Your outdoor furniture, pool area, windows, and doors need attention both before and after storms. Without someone to inspect and report, damage can go unnoticed for days or weeks.
We provide pre-storm prep, post-storm visits, and help coordinate any emergency repairs.
4. Break-ins or Vandalism
Vacant homes are a target. Whether it is a break-in or simply mail piling up and signaling no one is home, an unoccupied house can draw the wrong kind of attention.
We bring in packages and flyers, check locks, inspect all access points, and make sure your home appears lived in.
5. HVAC or Appliance Failures
We have seen homes with spoiled food from power loss, freezers that stopped working, and HVAC systems that quietly failed and allowed humidity to rise. Without regular checks, you might not find out until the damage is done.
During each visit, we test appliances, verify power and AC systems, and ensure everything is operating as it should.
What Is a Home Watch Visit Like?
A typical home watch visit includes both interior and exterior inspections. Every visit is customized to your home, but here are a few things we check each time:
- Walk perimeter and inspect for exterior damage or intrusion
- Bring in mail and packages
- Inspect doors, windows, and screens
- Check for signs of water intrusion
- Flush toilets and run sinks
- Test HVAC and check humidity readings
- Look for pest activity
- Verify alarm systems or smart devices
- Inspect pool and patio area
- Send a report with photos and notes
If we notice anything unusual, we contact you right away. If a repair or cleanup is needed, we coordinate with your preferred vendors or ours.
We do not just check off a list. We care for your home as if it were our own.
Why St. Pete Homeowners Choose In Good Hands
Our clients live all over the country. Many are snowbirds who spend part of the year in Tampa Bay and the rest up north. Others are busy professionals who travel frequently. Some are retirees who want peace of mind when they are not at their coastal home.
They choose us because they want:
- A consistent, professional team
- Reliable reporting and photo documentation
- Local knowledge and fast response times
- Support with vendors, deliveries, or emergencies
- Someone they trust to be in their home when they are not
Most importantly, they want to enjoy their time away without worrying about what might be happening back in Florida.
Local Service You Can Count On
We proudly serve homeowners in:
- St. Petersburg
- Tierra Verde
- Gulfport
- Snell Isle
- Coquina Key
- Treasure Island
- South Pasadena
- Bayway Isles
- Old Northeast
- St. Pete Beach and nearby areas
If your home sits empty for more than a few weeks each year, it is time to schedule a professional home watch visit.
Real Clients. Real Results.
A couple from Michigan recently returned to their Tierra Verde home after four months away. Because they hired us to perform bi-weekly home checks, they came home to a cool, clean, mold-free house. Their neighbor across the street, who had not hired a service, came home to a strong mildew smell and warped wood flooring due to a hidden HVAC issue.
It is not luck. It is preparation and proactive care.
What Does It Cost?
We offer customized pricing based on your home’s size, location, and how often you want visits. Most clients choose weekly or bi-weekly visits. Additional concierge services are available if you want help prepping for arrival or managing tasks while you are away.
Your first visit is free so we can walk the property together and create a custom plan that fits your needs.
Ready for Peace of Mind?
If you are planning to leave your Florida home for the season or you simply want someone to check in regularly while you are away, we are here to help.
Call In Good Hands today at 781-290-9780 or click here to request your free visit.
Your home deserves real care, not just a quick glance. Let us keep an eye on it so you can truly relax.
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