A Stuart area guide for preparing a vacant home before leaving.
A vacant home needs more than a locked door. Stuart area homeowners should think through access, HVAC, water concerns, exterior exposure, vendor contact information, and documentation before leaving a property unattended.
What homeowners should think through
Prepare the home before the first visit
A Home Watch provider should know how to enter the home, what areas require attention, which contacts to use, and which items are normal or abnormal for that specific property.
Clarify what should be observed
Home Watch is not a licensed inspection. It is a visual observation and documentation service. The homeowner should understand which areas are included in the scheduled check and which items require a licensed provider.
Document known concerns
If the home has had prior water intrusion, pest activity, HVAC problems, door seal concerns, irrigation issues, or vendor access concerns, those details should be shared during setup.
Set communication expectations
Homeowners should know when summaries are sent, how concerns are escalated, and what approval is needed before vendor coordination.
Preparation checklist
- Alarm instructions
- Gate or community access
- Known leak history
- HVAC preference
- Exterior furniture status
- Vendor contacts
- Emergency contacts
- Visit summary preference
Common questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this only for homes inside Stuart city limits? | No. This guide is written for Stuart area homeowners and can also help homeowners in nearby Martin County communities. |
| Does Sailfish Home Watch perform repairs? | No. Sailfish Home Watch does not perform licensed trade work. It can document concerns and help coordinate with homeowner approved vendors when authorized. |
| Why should known concerns be shared? | Known concerns help the visit process focus attention on areas where a homeowner already knows problems may occur. |