FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about Home Watch, insurance compliance, and what to expect when working with Advocate Home Watch Services.
What is Home Watch?
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Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues. It’s a professional service designed to identify potential problems early — before they become costly disasters. During each visit we inspect both the interior and exterior, checking for leaks, HVAC or plumbing issues, pest intrusion, security concerns, and more.
Why do I need Home Watch if I already have neighbors or family nearby?
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Neighbors mean well, but they’re not trained to identify early warning signs and aren’t insured if something goes wrong. Advocate Home Watch Services provides professional, scheduled inspections, GPS-verified reporting, and insurance-backed reliability.
How often should my home be checked?
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North Carolina insurers generally require frequent checks (every 48–72 hours, sometimes weekly or monthly) for unoccupied homes. Standard policies often reduce coverage or exclude perils like theft, vandalism, and water damage after 30–60 days of vacancy, so always check your specific policy for the exact timeframe and requirements.
- Standard occupied home: insurers may want checks every few days during brief absences.
- Unoccupied home (utilities on, furnished): some policies treat this as “unoccupied” after 30–60+ days, triggering vacancy clauses.
- Empty home (no utilities): higher risk, often requiring checks every 30–90 days, or weekly in damp climates.
What does “vacancy” mean for my policy?
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- Vacancy clause: a standard clause limiting or voiding coverage for perils (theft, vandalism, water damage) if the home is empty for 30 to 60+ days.
- Coverage changes: fire and wind damage usually remain covered, but other losses may not be if the vacancy clause is triggered.
What happens if you find a problem?
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We will contact you immediately with a detailed report and photos. Depending on the situation, we can coordinate with licensed vendors or oversee repairs on your behalf.
Are you insured and bonded?
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Yes. Advocate Home Watch Services LLC is fully insured and bonded for your protection and carries professional liability coverage specific to Home Watch services.
What areas do you serve?
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Denver · Sherrills Ford · Mooresville · Davidson · Cornelius · Huntersville · Charlotte. We serve luxury & retirement communities throughout the Lake Norman area (The Point, Verdict Ridge, Trilogy, The Peninsula, River Run, Bailey’s Glen and more) and the Charlotte area (Highland Creek, South Park, Myers Park, Dilworth, Providence, Ballantyne, Quail Hollow and more).
Will I receive a report after each visit?
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Yes. Each visit includes a GPS-verified electronic report with photos and timestamps — delivered directly to your inbox.
Do you offer concierge or vendor coordination services?
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Yes. We can meet service providers, monitor maintenance, and verify completion — all while keeping you informed.
Do you provide services for homes that are occupied full-time?
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Yes. Some of our full-time residents use our services for maintenance oversight and vendor coordination.
Are you available during storms or emergencies?
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Yes. We provide pre-storm preparation, post-storm inspections, and coordination of emergency repairs as needed.
How do I get started?
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Contact us to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your home’s needs, create a service plan, and begin watching over your home right away.
What is the difference between a house sitter and a Home Watch professional?
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A house sitter lives in your home while you’re away. A Home Watch professional visits on a scheduled basis to perform a documented visual inspection — and leaves. Home Watch is a professional, insured, NHWA-accredited service with GPS-verified reporting after every visit. House sitters are typically uninsured individuals with no professional accountability or standardized inspection process.
How much does Home Watch service cost in the Lake Norman area?
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Home Watch pricing varies based on property size, visit frequency, and the specific services included. We offer customized service plans — contact us for a free consultation and a quote tailored to your home and schedule.
Do you serve all communities around Lake Norman, including The Point, Verdict Ridge, and Trilogy?
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Yes. We provide Home Watch services throughout the Lake Norman area including The Point, Verdict Ridge, Trilogy Lake Norman, The Peninsula, River Run, Bailey’s Glen, NorthView Harbour, SailView, Westport, and Birkdale — as well as Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Denver, and Sherrills Ford. If you don’t see your community listed, contact us — we frequently accommodate adjacent neighborhoods.
What happens if there is an emergency at my home while I am away?
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We contact you immediately with a full report and photos. Depending on the situation and your preferences, we can coordinate with licensed and insured professionals to address the issue — acting as your on-site advocate while you arrange your response from a distance.
Can I share my Home Watch reports with my insurance company?
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Yes. Our GPS-verified, photo-timestamped reports are designed to document active monitoring of your property. Many homeowners share these reports with their insurer as evidence of regular property checks — supporting compliance with vacancy clause requirements and demonstrating good-faith oversight of the home.
Is Advocate Home Watch Services accredited by the NHWA?
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Yes. Advocate Home Watch Services LLC is an Accredited Member of the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) — the industry’s leading credentialing body. NHWA accreditation requires background checks, proof of insurance, and adherence to professional standards. You can verify our membership directly at nationalhomewatchassociation.org.
Recommendations for NC homeowners: Read your policy and confirm the vacancy clause and timeframe; contact your agent to discuss extended absences; arrange professional property checks; and consider a dedicated policy or endorsement if you’ll be gone over 30 days.
Trust is our foundation. Let’s talk about your home.
Reach out by phone or email and we’ll connect with you to discuss your property’s unique needs and schedule an in-person walkthrough.