Attention Snowbirds & Investors!

How Did Your Investment Make It Through The Summer?

By Russell Miller

How to protect your

investment while you're away?

November is a very popular month for the return of Snowbirds!

Home watching has come a long way since Snowbirds began the tradition of leaving their Florida nest! The nest has become an important investment and to care for and have it watched, is essential!

An official association of certified professionals called the NHWA (National Home Watch Association) has been in operation for the last 13 years and the number of local experts has been growing ever since. https://www.nationalhomewatchassociation. org/ Members have been screened and must be accredited and insured to be recognized annually.

What are possible mishaps or property horror stories?

There are obvious issues that historically will tend to need regular monitoring. Water damage in Florida is without a doubt, the number one item on Home Insurance claims! A/C malfunctions and pest infestation are also important possible nightmares while you’re away from your vacant house! Other examples and very costly claims are molds, sugar ants/insects, appliance breakdowns, roof/pool leaks, and various plumbing issues that may also involve neighbors!

What are the standard items on a Home Watch report?

Flushing every toilet along with running water at all sinks and garbage disposal are the main plumbing arteries that need to be activated regularly. AC checks along with structural verifications of lanais, ceilings, roofs, garage door openers, and all lights and alarms.

Communication with various vendors/maintenance experts such as pool, landscape, tree care and Pest Control. HURRICANE PREPARATION PLAN is a must!

Knowing local experts to correct problems is KEY!

To discover obvious issues and notify property owners is one thing but being able to react promptly and find trustworthy local experts is another.

Home Insurance companies encourage bi-weekly visits

You might run into heavy opposition from the insurance inspector if you cannot prove to them that someone has been there in the last 2 weeks! And modern HomeWatch companies usually offer GPS-date stamped reports with more than 25 pictures to back up the proof!

Your Florida investment deserves the supervision of experts and it’s always great peace of mind to know that someone, as caring as you, is there watching your Florida pied à terre!

Welcome back home dear snowbirds!

▸Russell Miller, contributing author and CEO of Ice Palm International Concierge and Consulting. Russell is also a Florida licensed Realtor, part of the Sklar Team at Coldwell Banker Realty.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L CONCIERGE & CONSULTING SERVICES

Ice Palm is a one-stop shop for modern concierge services based in Fort Lauderdale. We provide a wide array of services for Snowbird Owners and Investors. Ice-Palm does HomeWatching while property is vacant, supervises house cleaning, renovations and other vendors. For peace of mind while you’re away, the Ice-Palm Team is there while you’re not! Call 954-239-7176 or Canada 514-827-3666 www.ice-palm.com