Why empty homes need a regular visit
Many Pinellas County homeowners split the year between Florida and somewhere up north. Leaving a house closed for months is stressful for good reason. A slow leak, a tripped breaker or a pest problem can run for weeks with nobody there to notice, and a small repair turns into a big bill. Summer heat and humidity add their own risks for furniture, walls and anything left in the fridge.
A snowbird home check puts a trusted set of eyes on the property while you are away. Gina has lived in Pinellas County for years and treats each home she checks as she would her own. Her goal is simple: catch small problems early and keep you informed.
Who books home checks
- Snowbirds who spend part of the year outside Florida
- Vacation homeowners who live in another state and visit a few times a year
- Families who have inherited a Florida property and have not decided what to do with it
- Adult children whose parent has moved, for example into assisted living, leaving the Florida home empty
What every check covers
Each visit follows a full list, so nothing gets skipped:
- A visual walk-through of the exterior and every room inside
- A look for water damage, leaks, mold and signs of pests
- Making sure doors, windows and other entry points are secure
- Bringing in mail, packages, newspapers and flyers so the home looks occupied
- Running faucets and flushing toilets so plumbing seals do not dry out
- Checking the thermostat and that the air conditioning is working, to keep humidity down
- Looking in the refrigerator and throwing out anything expired
- Checking the water heater, breaker panel and smoke detectors
- Looking for storm damage after severe weather or hurricane activity
- Watering indoor or outdoor plants, if you ask
After every check you get a detailed written update with time-stamped photos, sent straight to you.
When something needs attention
If Gina spots a problem, such as a drip under a sink or a breaker that has tripped, she gets in touch with photos and a description. From there you choose the next step. She can help coordinate a repair through her network of trusted local tradespeople and wait at the home while the work is done through home service appointment waiting. If you need a new provider, local referrals cover plumbers, electricians, HVAC and lawn care.
Hurricane season
Storm season in Florida runs from June through November, and it is the time owners worry most. Gina checks for wind or water damage once severe weather has passed and sends you photos so you can see the property for yourself. For evacuation planning, Pinellas County’s Know Your Zone app lets you enter an address to see its evacuation zone and the nearest shelters.
Mail and small tasks
Mail can be held at the house, forwarded to your address up north, or scanned and emailed so you can keep up with bills. Checks can also include other concierge tasks, such as returning a package or coordinating a service visit.
For families of a parent who has moved
When a parent’s Florida home sits empty, someone has to keep watch while the family decides on next steps. Gina can be that person, sending you the same photos and written report after each visit. It fits well with broader help for elderly parents from out of state. German-speaking owners are welcome too, since Gina speaks English and German.
Choosing a check schedule
Schedules flex with the season. Weekly checks make the most sense in the hot, humid months. Many owners start weekly in June and July and switch to every other week in the fall. Each check is billed at the occasional rate of $120 for a two-hour minimum, with $60 per extra hour. For steady checks all season, a monthly membership gives priority scheduling and a lower rate. The pricing page has the numbers, and the free 20-minute consultation covers your property and travel dates.
Gina checks homes in St. Petersburg, on the Pinellas beaches, in Dunedin and across the county.