As Arizona residents and local travelers, we understand the questions that come up before you head out of town: Who will look after the house? Will everything be safe and sound when we return? Can I really trust someone to handle things the right way?
It’s common to consider asking a friend, neighbor, or even hiring a house sitter. But before you hand over your keys, it’s worth understanding the real difference between traditional house sitting and professional home watch services—and how that choice can affect the safety and condition of your home while you’re away.
What Is House Sitting?
House sitting is typically an informal arrangement. Someone stays in your home to keep it occupied while you’re away. They may bring in the mail, water a few plants, or check on pets. Sometimes it’s a friend doing you a favor. Other times, it’s someone you barely know who is looking for a free place to stay.
While this might seem convenient, house sitters are not trained to detect issues that can arise in vacant homes. And more importantly, they may not be insured, bonded, or prepared to respond to problems that require quick action—like a water leak, electrical issue, or pest infestation.
What Is a Home Watch Service?
A home watch service, on the other hand, is a professional solution designed specifically for unoccupied homes. At Valley View Home Watch, we conduct thorough interior and exterior inspections on a scheduled basis while you’re away.
We are trained to look for the early signs of problems that often go unnoticed—things like leaks under sinks, signs of forced entry, malfunctioning HVAC systems, or storm damage. We also check for common issues in Arizona homes, like A/C problems during the summer months or the impact of monsoon season.
Every visit is documented with a detailed report and photos, so you know exactly what’s going on at your property, even from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Why the Difference Matters
When it comes to protecting your home, peace of mind comes from preparation and professionalism—not guesswork. Here’s why more homeowners are choosing home watch services over house sitting:
- Accountability: Licensed, insured, and operating under a service agreement.
- Expertise: Trained to identify red flags and signs of trouble before they become costly repairs.
- Consistency: Visits are performed on a regular schedule and documented every time.
- Privacy and Control: You aren’t giving someone free rein of your home—you’re hiring a professional with a clear scope of work.
- Emergency Response: If something does go wrong, we coordinate next steps with your permission and direction.
It’s Not Just About Watching—It’s About Being Proactive
At Valley View Home Watch, we do more than just keep an eye on your home. We look after it as if it were our own. Whether you’re gone for a month or an entire season, our goal is simple: to ensure that your home is just the way you left it—or better—when you return.
Our clients value the care, professionalism, and peace of mind we provide. And we’re proud to serve communities throughout Mesa and the surrounding East Valley areas.
Ready to Schedule or Learn More?
If you’re planning to leave town soon—or are already away—it’s not too late to put a reliable plan in place. For more information on our home watch services, feel free to give us a call or send us a message in the form below.
We’re here to help you travel with confidence, knowing your home is in good hands!
