MOVING AWAY · SECOND HOMES · PROPERTY CARE
Moved away, but still own the property? Make a clear care plan.
Whether you are waiting for a sale, keeping a family place or returning only occasionally, the useful question is who will do which task, when, and how you will know it was done. A short written plan is easier to carry than a general promise to keep an eye on everything.
- Today: name the person allowed to arrange access and approve work.
- Choose a few repeat photo locations and record the condition before leaving.
- Separate scheduled observations, routine maintenance and work that needs another quote.
Before you leave: gather the property knowledge
Ask your insurer directly about any requirements when the property is unoccupied. A visit plan by itself does not establish coverage or satisfy a policy. Your insurer, utilities and relevant trades should confirm their own requirements.
- List the owner, agent or authorized contact and how decisions will be made.
- Keep existing reports, service instructions and relevant property records together.
- Document the entrance, agreed grounds, drainage trouble spots and outstanding tasks.
- Choose who handles mowing, utilities, specialist servicing, mail and any indoor arrangements.
- Exchange keys and access details privately; do not place codes in a public photo or shared checklist.
Put five decisions in the visit agreement
For a realtor or property manager, identify the owner’s authorization and the actual decision-maker. A target listing or arrival date helps define the work; it does not guarantee a booking.
| Decision | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Areas and access | Named exterior areas, approved entry arrangements and anything excluded. |
| Frequency and scheduling | Agreed visit windows; how weather, access or a requested additional visit will be handled. |
| Report | Dated photos from repeat positions, visible observations, completed tasks and anything not checked. |
| Approval | Who can approve a quote, any agreed spending limit and how additional work is authorized. |
| Follow-up | Who receives a time-sensitive observation, which specialist to contact, and what requires a separately agreed visit. |
Ask for observations you can compare
Useful reports say what was visible at that visit and what changed from the baseline. Include a date, a named location and a photo reference. If a gate prevented access or vegetation hid a feature, the report should say so.
Illustrative wording: ‘Leaves cover the visible opening at the driveway entrance. Photo E2. No cleaning was authorized; please confirm whether to quote the work.’ This is a sample, not a report from a customer property.
Keep the service promise specific
Moss & Sons can agree scheduled exterior photo visits, selected grounds upkeep and coordination of separately approved work. Scope, visit frequency, travel and price are confirmed for the property. Repairs, materials and specialty trades require their own agreement.
These visits are not continuous monitoring, security patrols, emergency response or professional home inspections. They cannot establish the condition of concealed or interior systems. A requested visit after severe weather depends on safe access and confirmed availability.
Recurring work depends on route and capacity. We serve suitable properties around Bremen and the published West Georgia service area, with a separate Ragland-area route in Alabama. No Saturday work; dates are agreed personally.
Start with one manageable arrangement
You can prepare the folder and baseline photos yourself, and assign suitable routine tasks to a trusted person by agreement. Where travel, equipment or several vendors make that difficult, ask for a defined first visit and a proposed rhythm of care.
Send the town or ZIP code, property type, how long you expect to be away, the areas needing attention and your preferred frequency. Keep security details private until access is agreed. Sending an inquiry does not book a visit or start recurring charges.