When I first ventured into the Home Watch industry, I quickly learned that it’s a well-known and widely embraced service in southern states like Florida and Arizona. Snowbirds in these areas have come to rely on professional Home Watch businesses to care for their seasonal homes while they’re away, recognizing the risks of leaving a home unattended. But here in Minnesota—and other northern states—Home Watch is a relatively unknown concept.
This gap has sparked both challenges and opportunities for me and my other home watch colleagues. It also prompted me to reflect on why this service is so prevalent in the south but remains underutilized in the north, where it’s just as valuable, if not more so.
Why the South Gets It Right
In southern states, snowbirds leave their seasonal homes for months at a time and often don’t have a network of local friends, family, or neighbors to keep an eye on things. Without trusted contacts nearby, many turn to professional Home Watch services to ensure their homes are safe and secure.
Home Watch in the south isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity. Southern homes face unique risks like hurricanes, humidity, and pests, which can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Professional Home Watch services offer peace of mind through regular, thorough visits to catch and address issues early.
The Northern Perspective: Why Home Watch is Overlooked
In contrast, homeowners in northern states like Minnesota often view Home Watch differently—if they’ve even heard of it. Here are some of the common misconceptions I’ve encountered:
Relying on Informal Networks: In Minnesota, many homeowners rely on family, friends, or trusted neighbors to check in on their homes while they’re away. While this can seem like a practical solution, it’s often inconsistent and lacks the expertise to catch subtle issues. A neighbor might walk through a home but not notice early signs of a water leak or a malfunctioning furnace.
False Sense of Security: Many homeowners have lived in their houses for years without experiencing major issues, which gives them a sense of security. But just because nothing has happened before doesn’t mean it won’t. A small problem, like a pipe that freezes and bursts, can quickly escalate into a costly disaster.
Community Comfort: Homeowners here often feel safer knowing their neighbors are nearby and their streets are busy. They assume that if something went wrong, someone would notice. While it’s nice to have a watchful community, relying on this alone leaves gaps.
Frequent Visits by Owners: Some snowbirds return to Minnesota periodically throughout the winter, thinking they’ll catch any issues themselves. However, this approach leaves long stretches of time when the home is vulnerable. Problems like pest infestations or ice dams can develop quickly and worsen before the homeowner’s next visit.
A Mission to Educate
These misconceptions highlight why Home Watch businesses in northern states face unique challenges. Unlike in the south, where Home Watch is already an established industry, here in Minnesota, my colleagues and I are working to spread awareness that this service exists and why it’s essential—even for primary residences.
Our mission isn’t just to promote our businesses; it’s to educate homeowners about the peace of mind that comes from professional Home Watch. The MN Home Watch Collaborative works together to share best practices and support each other in this growing industry. Together, we aim to make professional Home Watch a standard for Minnesota snowbirds and seasonal travelers.
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