Snowbird Home Watch

06/15/2026

One of the most surprising and concerning things many homeowners discover is just how vulnerable their property can be while they're away.

Insurance companies often require documentation showing a home was being regularly checked during an extended absence. Without proof of visits, some claims can become much more difficult to process or may even be denied.

This past winter, one of my clients experienced a water issue at their property while they were away. The detailed reports from my home watch visits became critical in documenting the home's condition and confirming the interior temperature during each visit.

Smart homeowners don't wait until there's a problem to learn their insurance requirements. Before leaving for an extended period, call your insurance provider to understand their expectations and consider hiring a professional home watch service to provide documented visits and peace of mind while you're away.

"When did this happen?" 🤯
And that's where documentation matters. 🙌

Without consistent observations, photographs, reports, and a documented history of the property, answering that question can be difficult.

Home Watch is not about predicting problems.
It's about creating a documented record of a home's condition over time.

A trained Home Watch Reporter understands the importance of consistency, documentation, and recognizing changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Because when questions arise, memories are not documentation.
Records are.

Home Watch is a professional discipline built around trained eyes, documentation, consistency, and recognizing patterns over time, not simply reacting to one event.

Thinking about starting a Home Watch business?
Take the quiz:

https://www.yourhwp.com/home-watch-quiz

Interested in becoming a Certified Home Watch Reporter? Learn more:

www.findhomewatchtraining.com

Looking for a Home Watch professional in your area?
Find one here:

www.findhomewatch.com

06/11/2026

When it comes to Home Watch, trust isn't just important, it's everything.

If someone is entering your home while you're away, are they insured? Bonded? Background checked? Do they follow professional standards and a code of ethics?

These are questions every homeowner should ask.

That's why we're proud to be an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association (NHWA). Accreditation requires a vetting process and demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, accountability, and ethical business practices.

In our latest blog post, we share what NHWA accreditation means, why it matters, and how it helps protect homeowners throughout North Oaks, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, and surrounding communities.

Read the full article here or at blog link in bio: https://www.snowbirdhomewatchmn.com/blog/5wjq1u2pyq92kvo0314qpi70mkiloe

06/06/2026

North Oaks Wildlife Week in Review

One of the best parts of caring for homes in and around North Oaks is getting to experience the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds us every day.

This week's highlights were especially memorable:

-A large snapping turtle carefully choosing a sunny spot to lay her eggs

-A wild turkey confidently strutting through the yard

-Peonies bursting into bloom

-An Eastern Wood-Pewee on the ground taking a rest

-A hummingbird hovering at a nectar feeder, moving so fast that I can't believe I got a picture

-A mallard duck proudly leading her brand-new ducklings on their first adventures

These moments are a reminder of what makes North Oaks such a special place to call home. While we're checking on properties and ensuring everything is secure, we're also fortunate enough to witness nature's daily show.

Which nature sighting have you seen in your neighborhood this week?

👇 Tell us in the comments!

06/01/2026

Minnesota may not see hurricanes like our friends down south, but severe storms, hail, high winds, and heavy rain can still cause major damage when you're away from home.

Whether you're heading to the cabin, taking a summer vacation, or spending extended time out of town, regular home checks can help catch issues before they become costly repairs.

Our summer Home Watch schedule is filling up quickly, and we have limited availability remaining. If you're looking for trusted, professional home watch services in North Oaks, Shoreview, White Bear Lake or surrounding areas, contact us today to reserve your spot.

Have questions about how Home Watch works? Send us a message. We'd be happy to help.

05/25/2026

I’m sharing an important public safety video from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, and we’re proud to see our own Ana featured in it as a neighborhood watch block captain!

Summer means more activity around town with kids playing, vacations, yard projects and our snowbirds back! But it also means we need to be extra mindful about simple ways to prevent crime in our community.

Crime prevention experts talk about the “Crime Triangle” which is a suspect’s ability, desire, and opportunity to commit a crime. While we can’t control someone’s intent, we can reduce opportunity. That’s where you come in.

Practice These Simple Safety Tips: Deter • Detect • Deny

🌟 Deter
• Keep homes, garages, and outdoor spaces well-lit.
• Close garage doors and lock entry doors even for short periods.
• Use timers for lights when you’re away.

🔍 Detect
• Stay aware of your surroundings and what’s normal in your block.
• Report suspicious activity promptly to law enforcement.
• Get to know your neighbors... a connected neighborhood is a safer one.

🚪 Deny
• Lock car doors and take valuables out of sight.
• Secure bicycles, tools, and outdoor equipment.
• Make your home look occupied, especially when traveling.

These simple habits make a big difference in preventing crime and protecting our neighborhood.

📽️ Watch the video to see Ana in action and get more great tips!

05/20/2026

Snowbird Home Watch wrapped up another busy stretch of caring for homes in and around North Oaks, MN and it feels great to look back on our year.

This week I got together with a great group of women of the Minnesota Home Watch Collaborative who also run home watch businesses in the Twin Cities. We shared ideas, compared notes, and talked about ways to bring even more value to the homeowners we serve. It is always refreshing to connect with people who understand the work and the heart behind it.

Feeling recharged and ready for the months ahead. As always, I’m grateful for the trust homeowners place in Snowbird Home Watch and excited for some fun in the sun with my kids this summer!

05/13/2026

🌷 The warmer temps are finally here!
Most of our snowbird clients have returned, and nothing makes us happier than opening our inbox to notes like these:

“I am thankful for you and sing your praises all the time!!”

“We are so grateful for all of your work and dedication while we had problems at the house this winter. Knowing you were handling it was a godsend!”

“Thanks so much for taking care of the house. I appreciate your thoroughness!!”

Being trusted to watch over your home is something we never take for granted. Welcome back, everyone! 💕🏡

05/06/2026

Technology is great but it can’t replace a trained set of eyes. 👀
Power outages, dead batteries, mystery smells and missed alerts happen. That’s why human oversight still matters and it is so important if you leave your home for periods of time. A Certified Home Watch Reporter can spot what smart devices can’t and take action when needed.

Perfect blend of smart tech + real people = true peace of mind.

Home Watch vs. Technology:
Why Human Oversight Still Matters

Smart thermostats, leak detectors and security cameras are ubiquitous, but Home Watch Academy warns that smart devices depend on power, internet and proper configuration.

Power outages, router failures or dead batteries can silently disable these systems. Even when alerts arrive, someone must enter the home, verify the issue and coordinate service.

Smart sensors cannot smell dampness, notice small roof leaks or detect subtle HVAC problems.

In contrast, a Certified Home Watch Reporter offers a physical presence, observes conditions, confirms systems are functioning, and provides clear documentation.

Technology is a tool—human oversight turns notifications into action.
www.findhomewatch.com

05/04/2026

Summer getaway coming up? With the big storms and tree damage we’ve seen in recent years, peace of mind matters. Make sure you have someone here who can check in and handle anything that pops up while you’re away.

04/29/2026

🌷 Welcome back, snowbirds! Spring is finally here in Minnesota, and I hope your winter escapes left you refreshed and relaxed. If you’re already dreaming of next year’s sunshine, reach out to start planning your peace of mind!

www.snowbirdhomewatchmn.com