Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about home watch service, pricing, insurance, and how Greg works in the Treasure Valley.
About Home Watch
What is a home watch service?
Home watch is the scheduled inspection of an unoccupied home while the owner is away. A trained professional walks the property inside and out, checking for issues like water leaks, storm damage, pest intrusion, and HVAC failure, then reports findings directly to you with photos and written notes.
How often should a vacant home be checked?
Most insurance companies recommend inspections at least every 7 to 14 days for unoccupied homes. During Idaho winters, weekly checks are strongly recommended. Greg offers weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly plans. The right frequency depends on your property, your insurance requirements, and your comfort level.
What's the difference between home watch and property management?
Property management handles the business side of a rental property: booking, guest relations, maintenance coordination. Home watch provides a separate service involving physical inspection of the property itself. Home watch inspections are independent of whether the property is rented. Many homeowners use both services because they address different needs.
What's the difference between home watch and a house sitter?
A house sitter lives in your home. Greg doesn't: he visits on a scheduled basis with a detailed checklist, takes photos, and reports everything to you. It's professional property monitoring, not house sitting.
Is home watch worth it if I already have a property manager?
If your property manager doesn't physically inspect the property on a regular schedule, home watch fills that gap. Many property managers handle logistics but don't walk the property between tenant turnovers. Home watch provides independent verification of your property's condition.
Why does an Idaho home need regular checks?
Idaho homes face unique seasonal risks: frozen pipes, ice dams, heavy snow loads, pest intrusion, and power outages. The Treasure Valley's freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on vacant properties. Catching problems early, before a small issue becomes a costly repair, is exactly what home watch is for.
About the Service
Is there a contract or commitment?
No long-term contracts. Most clients pay month-to-month. You can pause or cancel anytime: just give Greg a heads up.
What if there's an emergency?
Greg is available for emergency visits ($75 per visit, or included with Concierge Care). He'll assess the situation, take action if safe to do so, and keep you updated every step of the way.
How quickly do I get my inspection report?
After every visit, you'll receive a written report with photos, typically within 24 hours. Priority alerts for urgent issues come immediately by phone or text.
What areas do you serve?
Idaho Home Watch serves the entire Treasure Valley: Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Kuna, Middleton, Garden City, and surrounding communities in Ada County and Canyon County. If you're unsure about your area, just call and ask.
Do you check on homes during Idaho winters?
Yes. Winter is when vacant homes are most vulnerable. Weekly checks are strongly recommended during Idaho winters to catch frozen pipes, furnace failures, ice dam damage, and other cold-weather issues before they become catastrophic.
Can you coordinate with my property manager or Realtor?
Absolutely. Greg regularly coordinates with property managers, Realtors, estate executors, and family members. He can be your eyes and ears on the ground while others handle the business side.
What if I need a one-time check?
One-time visits are available. Whether you're going on a two-week vacation or need a single pre-sale inspection, Greg can accommodate. Call to discuss your needs.
Do you offer pre-departure walkthroughs?
Yes. Greg offers a pre-departure walkthrough ($75) to make sure your home is ready before you leave. He'll walk through the property with you, identify any issues that need attention, and help you prepare for your absence.
About Insurance
Will home watch reports help with my insurance?
Many insurance policies require regular documented inspections of unoccupied homes. Greg's photo reports and written records serve as proof that your property was being actively monitored. Check with your insurance agent about their specific requirements.
How often does my insurance require vacant home inspections?
It varies by policy. Most insurers require or recommend inspections every 7 to 14 days for unoccupied homes. Some policies limit or exclude coverage after 30 to 60 days of vacancy. Check your policy's vacancy clause and ask your agent about inspection requirements.
Can you provide documentation for my insurance company?
Yes. Greg's reports include photos, written findings, and visit timestamps, suitable for insurance documentation. He can provide additional documentation or custom reports if your insurer requires specific formats.
About Greg
Why does Greg's real estate license matter?
Greg is a licensed Idaho real estate broker, not just someone with a clipboard. That license means he's held to state licensing standards, understands property from structure to systems, and carries the professional accountability that comes with a real estate broker's credential. When you hand over your keys, you're handing them to a qualified professional.
Will Greg personally inspect my home?
Yes. When you hire Idaho Home Watch, you get Greg, not a rotating cast of inspectors. He learns your home, knows your concerns, and builds a relationship you can count on.
Is Idaho Home Watch a franchise?
No. Idaho Home Watch is a focused, personal service built on deep local expertise. It's not a franchise, not a side hustle, and not a call center. It's one experienced broker giving your home the attention it deserves.
Related resources
What can go wrong while you're away, and how to prevent it.
Read the guidesBase Model $149/mo, Concierge Care $299/mo, plus add-ons.
View plansHome watch across Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa and more.
Find your cityWinter prep checklists, insurance vacancy clauses, and more.
Read the blogStill have a question?
Call or text Greg directly at 208-536-0242, or send a message and he'll get back to you, usually within a few hours.