The weather is warming. Car carriers have been spotted. The hum of private jets is quieting. This can only mean one thing in Naples: season is coming to an end. Soon houses will sit empty, the traffic will ease up, and the heat and rain will begin.
Naples is home to thousands of seasonal residents affectionately known as “snowbirds” who migrate to escape the summer heat. With all these part-time residents leaving, their homes sit unoccupied and unattended. But a vacant home is a vulnerable home. It takes a lot of work to maintain a home, especially the large, multimillion dollar waterfront estates we see throughout downtown Naples. With all these snowbirds gone over the summer, who’s left to look after their homes?
With temperatures often in the 90s, rainfall peaking between June and September, and hurricane season lasting six long months beginning in June, it’s no surprise many residents opt to leave during the summer. However, these conditions pose risks for unattended homes. The combination of heat and rain increases the likelihood of roof leaks, electrical failures from lightning strikes, and mold growth. Mold remediation can be costly and often isn’t covered by standard homeowner’s insurance, highlighting the importance of proactive home oversight.
Although technology like remote monitoring systems offers some reassurance, it’s not a substitute for in-person oversight. Cameras may deter intruders, but they can’t prevent all issues. Without vigilant oversight, maintenance tasks may be neglected, and unoccupied homes may become targets for pests.
When Old Naples resident Allison Rueck left last summer, she contracted with Luxury Home Services founder Marc Halcrow, a long-time Naples resident experienced in managing luxury estates, to provide comprehensive estate management services and oversight for her multimillion dollar, newly constructed home. As a graduate of the Home Watch Academy and a certified home watch reporter, his experience gave her the peace of mind she was looking for.
When the home faced water intrusion issues — an expected and common challenge in the summer months — prompt action from Luxury Home Services helped mitigate the damage. But when the completely unexpected happened during the repair process, it further validated the need for oversight.
“When I visited the home for a routine visit after the repairs were done, I realized items were out of place and immediately notified the homeowner,” Halcrow said. “Turns out the painter had made themselves comfortable laying in the bed, doing laundry and joyriding in the golf cart.”
“You can’t make this stuff up,” added Rueck. “We were comfortable with the builder accessing the home and did not involve the estate manager throughout the repair process. In retrospect, we just wish we had kept them in the loop so they could provide oversight during the repairs. We are grateful they caught this unexpected challenge early on.”
“While this scenario is rare, things like this do indeed happen,” added Halcrow.
Preparing for summer absences requires careful consideration. Finding a trusted provider is essential. Depending on one’s needs, different service providers offer various levels of oversight. Some offer traditional home watch services, while others act as estate managers, offering a range of concierge services. Services can include inspecting, maintaining and otherwise keeping an eye on a home or can include more comprehensive services such as pre- and post-storm checks, closing and opening residences for season, coordinating and supervising contractors and meeting deliveries and repair personnel.
“During hurricane season especially, it’s crucial to have a plan in place for home protection,” said Halcrow. “This goes beyond securing outdoor furniture. You need to ensure proper oversight during and after the storm. It was alarming to see how many people who were responsible for looking after people’s homes left during Hurricane Ian and Irma.”
Halcrow suggests asking these questions when evaluating service providers:
• How long have you been in business?
• What were your past experiences with hurricanes? How long did it take to check on the properties after the storm?
• What type of insurance do you have?
• How far away are the people who will be checking my home?
• What experience and training do you have in managing homes?
•Are you a member of the Home Watch Network or Home Watch Association?
• What is your cost structure? Per visit structure vs. an annual subscription.
“Having a presence around the home can be reassuring, prevent or lessen property damage and deter squatters and other intruders,” added Halcrow. “Investing in estate management services ensures your multimillion-dollar asset is properly taken care of and protected, and your home away from home is ready and welcoming when you return.”
The time to prepare and hire a professional is now, before seasonal residents plan their mass exodus. If you’re headed out of town this summer, consider hiring a professional to look after your home and give you peace of mind. It’s worth the investment.
To learn more about Luxury Home Services, call 239-631-9586 or visit www.napleslhs.com.
Article Link: https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/turn-up-the-heat-and-rain-snowbirds-are-you-ready/