The recent wildfires in Eastern Washington remind us that disasters don't always happen when we're home. A friend of mine here in Seattle told me yesterday about his aquaintance who was away on business and owned a home near Spokane, It fell within the fire evacuation area. Fortunately, the home survived the fire with only minor damage. But when the homeowner contacted their insurance company to file a claim, they were told the damage might not be covered because the home had

It might seem odd to be thinking about frozen pipes and winter storms when the sun is shining and you're enjoying summer in the Pacific Northwest. But if you plan to spend part—or all—of the winter away from home, now is actually the best time to prepare. Every year, we visit homes that have been carefully locked up by their owners, only to discover problems that could have been prevented with a little planning before winter arrived. Here are three of the biggest risks for un

If you're heading out for a vacation or leaving your home for the winter, here's one item that should be on your checklist: mouse prevention. Every year, we find signs of rodent activity in some vacant homes we monitor. An empty house is the perfect environment for mice—it's quiet, warm, and undisturbed. Once they find a way in, they often invite the rest of the family! The good news? A little preparation before you leave can go a long way. Before You Leave • Remove food sour

When preparing for an extended vacation or spending the winter somewhere warmer, most homeowners do the obvious things: lock the doors, set the alarm, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the house. It sounds like enough. But the reality is that an unoccupied home is at much greater risk than one that's lived in every day. The difference isn't that problems happen more often—it's that small problems go unnoticed until they become major repairs. Water Doesn't Wait Water damage

One of the most common questions I hear is: "Why do I need someone checking my home regularly if everything looks fine when I leave?" The answer is simple: many home problems develop gradually. A recent Home Watch client provided a perfect example. It started with a tiny drop During a routine inspection of an unoccupied home in the Clearview area of Snohomish County, I noticed something unusual on a water supply line near a shutoff valve. There wasn't an active leak. There wa

Whether you're heading south for the winter, taking an extended vacation, or traveling for business, leaving your home unattended for weeks or months can create unexpected risks. Water leaks, storm damage, power outages, pest infestations, and security issues often go unnoticed until they become expensive problems. Before you leave, take these important steps to protect your Seattle-area home and enjoy peace of mind while you're away. 1. Inspect for Water Leaks Water damage i

Last week during one of our homewatch visits, we noticed a small bird flying over and crawling into a dryer vent on the side of a home. The vent was slightly open and there was no screen inside to stop it. After taking a closer look, we discovered there was a nest being built inside the vent. It’s always a little sad to interrupt nature—but unfortunately, this could have become a serious issue for the homeowner if left unnoticed while they were away on vacation. Blocked dryer

One of our Homewatch clients has been abroad for several months, and during a recent inspection I noticed their furnace wasn’t working. The homeowners asked if I could coordinate a visit with their HVAC company—happy to help. The technician arrived, repaired a faulty igniter, and restarted the furnace… only to immediately shut it back off. Then came the dreaded “Can you come take a look at this?” moment—similar to when your mechanic calls you under the car lift. Never a good

Evergreens + fall storms are beautiful—and brutal on gutters. Fir and cedar needles, bigleaf maple leaves, and “atmospheric river”...

During a routine weekly home watch visit, we arrived to find the garage door open. The washer/dryer and a refrigerator had been removed,...

As summer heats up in the Pacific Northwest, keeping your home cool and comfortable isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about energy...

Yesterday, during a routine property check, I found an open window in an upstairs bedroom. Beautiful home—but unfortunately, the window...

Home Security Check: Why It’s Our First Priority At Seattle Area Homewatch Services, the first thing we do when we arrive at your...

If you're away for the season, your home might be a cozy retreat—for mice. At Seattle Area Homewatch Services, we’ve seen an uptick in...

We did a few homewatch visits today. Although we had a major storm last night we didn't see any major damage. Just some tree limbs that...

During a homewatch visit today, I noticed the water heater has small brown discharge on the bottom. The tank appears to be about 10 years...

As winter weather approaches, it may be time to adjust the temperature up in your home. This helps prevent plumbing fixtures including...

Yesterday we did a Homewatch visit to a newer home with hardwood floors and found a water "puddle" on the floor next to the island but...

We found this stain on the bathtub on a first level bathroom during a visit this week. There is no discoloration or moisture on the...