Homeowner Services

Property Care Services

You can never predict what you may find when you return home. In Northern Michigan, the seasons that we love so much also bring challenges to your home. From safety to snowbanks, groceries to gardening, rain, shine, and everything in between, NorthWatch has you covered. So come up north...and enjoy every minute.   

Routine Inspections

  Interior

  • Inspect for signs of damage due to weather, pests, insects, vandalism or other disturbance

  • Confirm that the security system is set and working properly

  • Check security of  all windows and entryways are secure

  • Visual inspection of all HVAC systems

  • Note any suspicious odors

  • Visual inspection of walls, ceilings, windows, tubs, and showers for evidence of water damage, leakage, mold or mildew

  • Check that the thermostat is set at requested temperature and humidity

  • Visual check of water heater

  • Replace batteries in smoke detectors, change light bulbs, and reset clocks if needed

  • Check fuse box for tripped breakers or evidence of power surge

  • Requested reporting on any home maintenance, repairs or construction
     

 Exterior

  • Ensure all entrances are secure

  • Visual check for evidence of forced entry, vandalism, or damage due to weather, pests and insects

  • Removal of newspapers, flyers and other evidence of non occupancy

  • Requested retrieval and forwarding of packages and mail

  • Visual inspection of roof and gutters from the ground as well as inspection of outbuildings, yard, landscaping, and lakeshore

  • Light shoveling to keep entrance to home clear

Post-Storm Inspection

  • Inspection of the exterior of the home and property

  • Check for flooding, leaks, or water damage

  • Temperature check to ensure the furnace is working properly

The frequency of  routine inspections is decided by the homeowner and can be weekly, biweekly, monthly, or on an as needed basis.  Inspections include an email or text report per visit with photos if necessary and referral services as needed.

Vacation Rental Management     

Provided for homeowners with weekly, monthly,  and/or seasonal rentals

List your Home With Us!

  • Build and manage listings on Airbnb and the NorthWatch website

  • Focus advertising with guests of the Traverse City Horse Shows

  • Screen potential guests and manage reservations

  • Create necessary rental agreements/contracts between homeowner and guest

  • Provide a guide book for the property containing a welcome letter, house rules, and local information

  • Ensure the home is ready for guests and provide entry at specified arrival time, welcoming them with any necessary instructions for the home as well as highlights of the area

  • Act as the local contact for both the homeowner and guest during visits

  • Arrange for and supervise housekeeping

  • Survey the home after guest departure to check for damages and report to the homeowner on the condition of the property

  • Oversee any problems that may arise by scheduling for repairs if needed or answering to guest concerns and requests

  • Additional services available upon request

Concierge Services 

NorthWatch acts as a personal assistant, performing any task a guest or client may not have the time for, or the local connections and resources to easily accomplish. From meeting service providers and receiving deliveries for our Homewatch clients, to organizing personal chef and daily housekeeping services for our guests, NorthWatch can deliver!

Local Contact Liaison Service   
    •  Pick-up/receive deliveries
    •  Open/close home for vendors, service providers, police, etc as needed
    •  Record and report progress of projects, repairs, etc

Seasonal Opening    

    • Coordinate services for:  lawn care, housekeeping, dock and hoist installation, etc.
•  Plug in all electrical items
•  Turn on any electric breakers and water mains as needed
•  Turn on water heater and ice maker
    •  Light cleaning of interior of home
    •  Linens placed in bedrooms/bathrooms
    •  Cycle dishwasher, clothes washer, garbage disposal
    •  Reset clocks
    •  Replace light bulbs
    •  Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed
    •  Purchase groceries and stock refrigerator/pantry
    •  Outdoor furniture/decoration placed
•  Light yard/beach clean up
    •  Set air conditioner/furnace to requested temperature and replace filters as needed
    •  Adjust blinds/curtains
    •  Add salt to water softener

Seasonal Closing  
    •  Coordinate services for dock removal, winterization, lawn/landscaping clean-up,
    snow removal, cleaning service, other services if applicable and as requested
    •  Light cleaning of interior of home
•  Adjust blinds/curtains
•  Unplug all electrical items
•  Adjust temperature
    •  Collect and remove any garbage and/or recycling
    •  Confirm that dishwasher, washer and dryer, and refrigerator are clean and empty
    •  Security check including doors, windows, security system, etc
    •  Store outdoor furniture/decor

Get In Touch 

Reach out to us- and let us help you with your vacation home needs.