Home Watch Business: Free Blueprint Sample
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Provide scheduled visual checks of vacant or seasonal homes and send owners a clear report after every visit.
Illustration: 20 visits × $50 = $1,000 sales before expenses and taxes. The bookings and expenses are examples, not expected earnings. See the price comparison and budget notes below.
Is This Business Right for You?
A Home Watch owner checks accessible areas for obvious issues, documents observations, and keeps the homeowner informed while they’re away.
What you would do
- Check agreed doors, windows, and visible plumbing.
- Look for visible leaks, storm damage, or pest indicators.
- Record indoor conditions and agreed observations.
- Send a dated photo report after each visit.
A good fit if you are
- Dependable and detail-oriented.
- Comfortable working independently.
- Available for local visits with reliable transport.
- Careful with keys, access details, and client privacy.
Visual checks only; technical inspections, repairs, security patrols, and rental management require a separately verified scope.
Choose What You’ll Offer
Decide which services you can reliably deliver, then define your service area, visit frequency, and exclusions.
- Standard home check: agreed accessible interior and exterior areas.
- Dated photo report: clear observations after every visit.
- Extra visit: separately quoted and subject to safe access and availability.
- Vendor access: only with written authority and suitable coverage.
| Package | Include in your quote |
|---|---|
| Single visit | Visit window, scope, report, and fee |
| Recurring plan | Exact visits per month and reporting |
| Optional requests | Separate price and authorization |
Review Your Home Watch Startup Costs
Your startup budget depends on location, coverage, and equipment you already own. Get quotes for Home Watch-specific insurance, local setup, supplies, and operating reserves before choosing a budget.
| Item | Include in your estimate |
|---|---|
| Insurance & preparation | Coverage, training, agreement review, and setup costs |
| Basic supplies | Phone/camera, flashlight, and secure key storage |
| Website & local marketing | Service page, printed materials, and a small test budget |
| Ongoing costs | Travel, software, payment fees, and a cash reserve |
| Your startup total | Complete your quote-based worksheet |
Budget evidence: the NHWA emphasizes coverage specifically for Home Watch. Optional NHWA membership is listed at $615 per year plus a $50 background check for each principal or owner. The optional Home Watch Academy Business Owner course is listed at $1,999; its separate graduate resource subscription costs extra. These are separate choices, not universal requirements or a complete startup total. Whether you already own a vehicle and phone also affects your upfront costs.
Download Cost & Pricing Worksheet (Printable PDF)
Two pages with fillable fields. Enter your own calculations; totals do not calculate automatically. You can also print and write by hand.
Budget evidence applies only to the optional items named above. Your complete startup cost also needs your own equipment, insurance and local setup quotes.
Business-Specific Requirements
Confirm these items for the Home Watch services you plan to offer.
- Check whether your specific service scope requires local permissions.
- Confirm coverage for property visits, keys, reporting errors, and business driving.
- Document key custody, access, emergency contacts, and spending authority.
- Use a locally reviewed service agreement defining scope, fees, and service limits.
Homeowner insurance: Ask each homeowner to confirm absence, inspection and documentation requirements with their insurer before leaving. Conditions vary by policy; Home Watch visits do not guarantee continued coverage or prevent every loss.
Optional accreditation: NHWA business accreditation is separate from individual certification and any local licensing requirements. Consider it as a way to build credibility, and confirm appropriate insurance and bonding for your services. Only advertise credentials you currently hold.
Home Watch Pricing & Earnings
Price the whole job: travel, the visit, reporting, and administration. At an assumed $50 per visit, 10 paid visits bring in $500 and 70 bring in $3,500 in monthly gross revenue. These are scenarios, not verified typical earnings; profit depends on actual expenses.
| Published example* | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Compass Point: one-time visit | $49.00 |
| Illustrative monthly calculation | Amount |
|---|---|
| 20 visits × $50 | $1,000 revenue |
| Example business expenses (excluding owner pay) | $300 |
| Left to pay yourself and cover taxes** | $700 |
*Compass Point’s published starting price. This is one provider’s example, not a market average or a recommended rate. Scope, location, and prices vary. **Hypothetical figures only. The $700 still needs to cover your own time and taxes; it is not take-home pay or an earnings forecast. Replace assumptions with actual costs.
Optional visit packages
Using the hypothetical $50 visit rate, two visits in a month would be $100 and four visits would be $200 before expenses. These are calculation examples, not recommended market rates. Price for home size, agreed scope, travel, reporting and administration.
State exactly how many visits are included. Twice monthly means 24 visits a year; every two weeks means 26. Weekly service can require five visits in a month, so explain how extra visits are charged or included. Set payment and cancellation terms in writing.
Optional add-on services
Consider contractor access, arrival preparation and pre- or post-storm visual checks. Agree on tasks, time limits, fees and spending authority first; charge approved groceries and other purchases separately. Storm visits depend on safe access and availability. Do not promise emergency response or undertake repairs outside your qualifications. Extra travel and waiting time can reduce the margin.
Another business’s price can help you compare offers, but it does not tell you how much you will earn. The bookings and expenses here are examples. You may have no sales while bills still need paying.
Tools & Resources
Start with a consistent checklist, secure photo records and reliable report delivery. Specialized reporting software, customer portals and location check-ins are optional as the business grows.
- Phone with camera and charging backup.
- Digital checklist and photo-report template.
- Flashlight and supplies within your agreed scope.
- Anonymous key tags and secure storage.
- Scheduling, invoicing, and secure client records.
- Reliable transport and clear identification.
See a Real Business in Action
Each blueprint links to a real, live business website for inspiration. Visit this example to explore how it presents its services, organizes its website, and communicates with potential customers. Use what you learn to create your own original content and branding.
Featured Business: Compass Point Home Watch
Visit Compass Point Home Watch ↗What to look for:
- What is included in each service
- How prices are listed or quotes are requested
- How customers make an inquiry or booking
- What helps a customer decide whether to hire it
This is an independent example, not a partner or endorsement of 100 Business Blueprints. Services and prices may change.
How to Run a Home Watch Business
Plan a compact route. Start with a manageable group of nearby neighborhoods and measure travel time between visits. Allow time for reports and unexpected issues. Offer a neighborhood discount only when actual travel savings cover it.
First agree on services, visit frequency, fees, payment terms, cancellation, and emergency instructions in a locally reviewed service agreement. The two supporting forms below cover property access and visit reporting; the access form is not a complete service contract.
Key Holder & Access Agreement
This printable agreement covers who holds access, permitted use, storage, third-party entry, and return of keys.
Download Key Holder Agreement (PDF)Print and complete. Have the agreement reviewed for your location and coverage before signing.
Home Watch Visit Report
This printable checklist and report records visit details, property observations, photos, issues, follow-up, and the next visit.
Download Visit Report (PDF)Print and complete for each visit. Tailor the checks to your agreed services and the property.
Steps for each visit
- Confirm the signed service agreement, schedule, access authorization, emergency contacts, and spending limits.
- Complete the agreed checks and record findings in the visit report.
- Photograph concerns and contact the owner under the agreed plan.
- Secure the property, send the dated report, record the next visit, and invoice under the agreed payment terms.
Both forms are clean, unbranded PDFs with room to complete by hand. Customize them for the property and agreed scope. Check only safe, accessible areas; do not climb, open electrical panels, or attempt repairs. For immediate danger, leave and contact emergency services from a safe location, then notify the owner.
Where to Find Customers
Introduce yourself to agents serving second-home buyers, community managers and trusted local service providers. Share a service sheet and an anonymized sample report. If you test an introductory offer, define one limited visit rather than promising a free month. Obtain permission before promoting within a community.
- Real-estate agents serving seasonal homeowners.
- Community and condominium associations.
- Cleaning, pool, garden, and property-service businesses.
- A service-area website and local search presence.
- Community groups that allow business promotions.
- Referrals from satisfied clients.
Advertising & Ready-to-Use Marketing
Flyer & Facebook marketing kit
Add your business name, service area and contact details to the flyer and social graphic. Check that the offer matches the work you can provide before sharing it.
Download editable marketing kit (ZIP)
Extract the ZIP and open the customize.html file in your browser. Enter your details to download a square PNG or print your flyer. Ad copy and a printable flyer are included.
Leaving home? Have us look after it.
Starter offer: Single visit
A scheduled visual check of agreed accessible areas, followed by a dated photo report.
Facebook ad A: benefit first
Leaving home? Have us look after it. Scheduled home checks, photo updates, and timely reports of visible concerns while you’re away. Start with single visit: A scheduled visual check of agreed accessible areas, followed by a dated photo report. Message "HOME" with travel dates and neighborhood. [Business Name] | [Service Area]. We will confirm availability, scope and price before booking.
Ad B, inquiry reply and referral introduction
Facebook ad B: offer first
Start with single visit. A scheduled visual check of agreed accessible areas, followed by a dated photo report. Agreed interior and exterior checks. Message "HOME" with travel dates and neighborhood to ask about availability. [Business Name] | [Service Area].
Reply to an inquiry
Thanks for asking about home watch service. Please send travel dates and neighborhood. I will confirm whether single visit fits, what it includes, availability and the price. Please keep access codes and sensitive records out of this first message. [Business Name]
Referral introduction
Hello [Name], I offer home watch service. Scheduled home checks, photo updates, and timely reports of visible concerns while you’re away. My starter offer is single visit. If someone asks about this service, may I send you a short service sheet to pass along? They can contact me directly at [Phone / Website]. Thank you, [Business Name].
Short headline: Plan your home checks
Next step: Choose Send Message if you regularly check your business inbox, or Learn More if you have a page explaining the offer.
These are sample designs and messages for you to customize. Advertise only services you provide. Try one version at a time and keep track of inquiries and bookings.
Your first marketing plan
Explain your service area, visit scope, and quote process on a simple service page.
Introduce yourself to relevant local agents and property-service businesses.
Use a fixed, affordable test budget. For seasonal postcards or online ads, start with a small service area and track inquiries, paying clients and acquisition costs before expanding.
Ready-to-customize marketing content
| Referral partner introduction | |
| Community post | Download PDF |
| Follow-up after an inquiry | |
| Website & flyer copy | Download PDF |
| Sample Facebook ad & test checklist | Download PDF |
Where to advertise locally
- Google Business Profile: create and verify a free profile for an eligible Home Watch business that serves customers in person. Add your service area, services, hours, phone, website, and photos. Hide your address if customers are not served there. Google service-area guidance.
- Nextdoor: create a business page and introduce your Home Watch service to nearby homeowners.
- Craigslist: use the local Services section and check the posting fee before submitting.
- Thumbtack: consider it only if a suitable Home Watch category is available in your area; review lead charges and set a budget first.
- Facebook: use your business Page and local homeowner or community groups that allow promotions. Ordinary Marketplace listings do not allow services.
- HOA and neighborhood websites or newsletters: ask the administrator about an approved business listing or advertisement.
Video: How to create a Facebook ad
Watch Meta’s beginner tutorial, Create ads from a Facebook Page, for a five-step introduction to setting up an ad.
▶ Watch the video on Meta Blueprint ↗Opens Meta’s video lesson in a new tab. Have your Home Watch image, ad copy, service area, and budget ready. Facebook’s screens may look different as the platform changes.
Your Launch Checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress through the steps above. Work at your own pace and allow time for training and required approvals.
Start paid work only after you can do it safely and well and have the required permissions, insurance, agreements, and customer approval. Paid advertising is optional.
NHWA: Home Watch insurance · NHWA: membership fees · Home Watch Academy: optional training prices
National Home Watch Association · Compass Point pricing · SBA startup guide
U.S.-oriented educational sample. Costs, requirements, and results vary. No personal coaching or individualized legal, tax, or insurance advice. No earnings guarantee. Templates should be customized before use.