Home watch: Experts say research is key to picking provider

Photo by SCOTT MCINTYRE // Buy this photo

Carl Lorenzini, owner of Home Watch Services, Etc., performs a routine inspection of a client's home on Friday, May 9, 2014. Lorenzini inspects each of his client's home every week to make sure everything is working properly as well as look for anything out of the ordinary, among other duties. (Scott McIntyre/Staff)

Photo by SCOTT MCINTYRE // Buy this photo

Carl Lorenzini, owner of Home Watch Services Etc., holds the keys of the various properties that he watches over while his clients are away. Lorenzini inspects each of his clients homes every week to make sure everything is working properly as well as looking for anything out of the ordinary, among other duties. (Scott McIntyre/Staff)

NAPLES Its that time of year again: Winter residents are departing Southwest Florida for cooler climes, many leaving vacant homes behind.

Home watch services are a popular option for people who want to keep tabs on their properties from afar.

These companies visit their clients empty homes regularly to check for signs of problems and to help residences look more lived in. Companies typically provide reports to customers about their visits.

Professional home watchers also notify homeowners of urgent issues, bring in vendors to fix problems, alert law enforcement if there are signs of a break-in or vandalism and respond when an alarm goes off on a clients property.

Because customers entrust so much to the home watch companies they hire, deciding which one to choose shouldnt be done lightly, said Lt. John Barkley, public information officer for the Naples Police Department.

Homeowners should do as much research on the companies as possible, he said. You just shouldnt invite anybody into your house.

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Home watch: Experts say research is key to picking provider