The home watch industry, long operating in the background of real estate and property technology, is stepping into the spotlight as demand spreads across Florida, Arizona, and beyond. Clem McDavid, founder of HomeLedger, a property technology company whose Watch Tower platform supports home watch operators in eight states, notes the shift. The heaviest concentration of customers is in Florida and Arizona, with additional presence in North Carolina, New York, and Colorado.
McDavid attributes the geographic spread to changing patterns in second home ownership. The pandemic spurred many people to buy or retain vacation properties, yet many owners lack the time or inclination to maintain homes they don't occupy full-time. This gap has fueled demand for reliable home watch services, a trend McDavid expects to continue.
The industry, however, faces challenges from what McDavid describes as 'ghost kitchens'—marketing operations that present a polished online presence but deliver no actual service. These lead-generating entities can leave homeowners without the protection they believe they've purchased. McDavid argues that as such practices erode trust, operators with verifiable service histories will stand out. Professionalism and documented reliability become key differentiators in a crowded market.
Beyond the classic second home, McDavid sees home watch demand extending to primary residences, particularly among younger homeowners who value convenience over DIY maintenance. This broader customer base expands the market well beyond seasonal coastal areas, offering growth opportunities for operators who adapt.
At the high end, McDavid notes the existence of companies serving ultra-high-net-worth estates with full-time staff and household management—a different price point from typical home watch services. HomeLedger itself works with clients on the property side, coordinating tasks like stocking before an owner's arrival or timing seasonal upkeep. This indicates the category can serve a wide range of home values and service levels.
For McDavid, the common thread is the need for absentee homeowners to have a reliable, documented eye on their property. Operators who prove they show up consistently are building durable businesses. As home watch expands into new states and property types, those investing in professionalism and record-keeping now will be best positioned for future growth.
HomeLedger's platform is designed specifically for home watch operators managing vacant and seasonal properties. More information is available on its resources page.
