For snowbirds, the ability to livein Arizona part of the year and enjoy cooler climes the rest of the year is keyto an enjoyable retirement. But havingtwo homes requires some year-round effort. If you are new to the snowbird life, whatshould you be doing to keep both properties in good condition when you're notat home? Here's a handy checklist to useas a starting point.
1. Hire aCleaning Service
Someone needs to enter your home on a regular basis and makesure things remain in good order and ready for your arrival. This is especially important if your scheduleis unpredictable and you want your home in a “ready state” for you or guests atall times. A cleaning service is ideal for this job.
Have your cleaning service enter the home every two to fourweeks and do a regular cleaning to prevent dust, grime and pest buildup.
2. Maintain Appropriate Insurance
Ensure both homes in the best way for the area in which they arelocated. Insurance needs will differ inthe two regions, so work with a local insurance agent for each property. A home in a flash-flood zone in Arizona mayneed flood insurance, while a property in storm-prone eastern Colorado may needmore coverage for external hail damage or tornadoes. If the homes are significantly different sizesand values, this could necessitate different coverage limits overall.
3. Take Valuables With You
Don't leave anything in your emptyhouse that might attract thieves. Startby packing up valuable jewelry, important documents and antiques. If you can'ttake everything — such as televisions, large artwork or family heirlooms — toyour other home, pack it up and place it out of sight in a basem*nt, attic orinterior storage room.
You may also be able to leave somevaluables with friends or family before packing up for the summer orwinter.
4. Use Remote Devices
Modern technology is a great way tomaintain an eye — and a hand — on your empty property. Doorbell and front-porchcameras allow you to see who comes to the house while you're gone. Keylessentry systems will allow you to let cleaners and repair workers inside withoutbeing at the property yourself. Considera local service to install a security system to help watch the property.
5. Know Local Services
If your cleaning service orneighbors report a problem at your home, how will you handle it long distance? Develop a list of key service providers in thelocal area that you can call for emergency or routine maintenance and repairs.This list should include a local plumber, electrician, handyman, roofingcompany, heating & air conditioningvendor, exterminator, pool service and landscaping service.
By developing a relationship with aresidential property management service such as NorthStarCleaning & Property Services while you're in town, you can have a representative on site with access tolocal service providers for faster response during an emergency when you areaway. This also gives you a one-call resource when you are in residence andneed service from trusted vendors.
6. Shut Off What You Can
Determine what services and devicesyou can safely turn off when you're not using the home for a few months. Consider turning off things like cable andwireless services if you don't have permanent devices such as security systemsor phone lines linked to them.
Cancel subscription services andhave mail forwarded to your other house so things don't pile up.
Turn up or down thermostats,depending on the season, lower water heater temperatures and unplug therecirculating heat pump(s) to save energyand money on electric bills.
By applying these few items whenpreparing your part-time property to be vacant, you can leave with more confidence.At NorthStarCleaning & Property Services,we serve Arizona homeowners of all types, including those with multipleproperties, full-time and seasonal residence. Call us today to discuss ways wecan help keep your home in its best shape all year long.
As a seasoned expert in property management and the unique challenges faced by snowbirds, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the intricacies of maintaining two homes in different climates. With a deep understanding of the nuances involved, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article:
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Cleaning Service:
- Employing a cleaning service is a crucial step in maintaining the readiness of your homes. Regular cleaning, scheduled every two to four weeks, is essential to prevent dust, grime, and pest buildup.
- A cleaning service ensures that your home is in a "ready state" for your arrival or for potential guests.
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Insurance:
- Recognize the importance of tailored insurance coverage for each property, considering the distinct environmental risks in the respective regions.
- Work closely with local insurance agents to determine specific needs, such as flood insurance for properties in flood-prone areas or additional coverage for storm-related damages in other regions.
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Securing Valuables:
- Prioritize the security of your valuables by taking important items like jewelry, documents, and antiques with you.
- For larger items that can't be moved, consider secure storage options within the property, like basem*nts, attics, or interior storage rooms.
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Remote Devices:
- Embrace modern technology for remote monitoring and control of your vacant property.
- Utilize doorbell and front-porch cameras to keep an eye on visitors. Implement keyless entry systems for granting access to service providers without your physical presence.
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Local Services:
- Develop a comprehensive list of local service providers for emergency and routine maintenance, including plumbers, electricians, handymen, roofing companies, HVAC vendors, exterminators, pool services, and landscapers.
- Establish relationships with residential property management services for faster response during emergencies.
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Shutting Off Services:
- Identify services and devices that can be safely turned off when the property is vacant for an extended period.
- Consider turning off cable and wireless services, canceling subscriptions, and adjusting thermostats to save energy and reduce costs.
By implementing these measures, you can confidently navigate the challenges of maintaining seasonal homes, ensuring they remain in optimal condition year-round. If you're in Arizona and seeking expert assistance, NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services stands ready to provide comprehensive support for all your property management needs.
