Vacant Home Protection
Real Property Management Oceanfront provides quality services to ensure a stress-free experience while you are away from your home. Our professional managerial service will inspect both the inside and outside of your home to safeguard your property and belongings and ensure it’s security.
How does it work?
After our consultation and walkthrough, RPM Oceanfront will conduct scheduled home visits. Upon completion of these visits, your home will be securely locked, and you will receive a notice of all results. We will email you the visit date and time if there are no issues.
If an unfortunate event is detected, you will be notified via phone. Photos will be taken and emailed. After reaching out to you, we will be happy to contact your vendor of choice to schedule and make the necessary repairs. If you do not have a preferred contractor, we will arrange a visit with one of our own.
Vacant Home Protection
- Evaluate seasonal maintenance and snow removal to maintain the exterior aesthetic of your home
- Safely collect and secure all packages, mail, and other deliveries
- Maintain the temperature of the home while looking for signs of potential water leaks, damage, or mold
- Evaluate and clear hazards from the roof, gutters, and sidings of the home
- Ensure all mechanicals, faucets, toilets, sinks, lights, and other appliances are in working condition
- Verify working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and security systems
- Evaluate steps, doors, and windows to secure the inside of the home from animals and intruders
- Verify no signs of vandalism, theft, or damage
Extra Services
- Winterizing
- Scheduling of maintenance and repairs
- Storm preparation and cleanup
- Meet and unlock the home for contractor visits
Step 1: Contact us!
There is no charge and no obligation. Upon initial conversation, a walkthrough can be scheduled to look at the home and develop and maintain a service plan with associated pricing.
Step 2: Beginning of Service
Our service will begin monitoring your home on the agreed date. A Real Property Management Oceanfront team member will regularly visit your home to conduct home checks and provide the services listed above.
After each visit, our team will email a report outlining and detailing the condition of your home and any issues that may have arisen. Home visits can be made weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, or we can create a custom schedule to your liking.
Pricing
Pricing for our vacant home watch service will vary based on the frequency of visits, the size of your property, the number of bathrooms, kitchens, appliances, etc., and any other unique features of your home that require checks or maintenance. Pricing and costs will be established during our no-fee walkthrough visit of your home so that you can clearly understand the services you receive. Give us a call!
The Real Property Management Difference
We are the eyes and ears in watching over and maintaining your home on a regular basis while it is vacant. We provide a comprehensive and proactive approach to ensure peace of mind when a homeowner is away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacant Home Protection
Is Unoccupied House Insurance Worth It for Investors?
For serious investors, the question is not whether it is worth it. The question is whether you can afford not to have it.
Vacant properties are statistically more vulnerable to vandalism, theft, water damage, fire, and liability claims. A burst pipe can go unnoticed for weeks. A small electrical issue can escalate into a major loss. Even minor vandalism can delay leasing timelines and reduce asset value.
Unoccupied house insurance is designed specifically for these scenarios. It protects:
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The structure of the property
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Detached structures such as garages
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Liability exposure
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Certain forms of malicious damage
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Losses during renovation or repositioning periods
For investors focused on preserving equity and minimizing unexpected capital expenses, this type of policy acts as risk management rather than an added cost.
How to Protect a Vacant Investment Property
Insurance is one layer of protection. Operational discipline is another.
Professional investors treat vacant periods strategically. A vacant home should never appear vacant. Exterior maintenance, lighting, and property condition directly impact risk exposure.
High-performing investors typically implement:
- Security systems with monitoring services
- Timed interior lighting
- Well-maintained landscaping
- Water shutoff procedures or leak detection systems
- Clear documentation of property condition
- Routine inspections during vacancy
Protecting a vacant home is about controlling variables. The better your preventative strategy, the stronger your risk position and insurability.
How Often Should a Vacant Property Be Checked?
From a risk and compliance perspective, regular inspections are non-negotiable.
Most insurers require documented property checks every 7 to 14 days during extended vacancies. Weekly inspections are considered best practice, especially in colder climates where frozen pipes present elevated risk.
Consistent inspections help you:
- Identify maintenance issues early
- Prevent minor damage from escalating
- Maintain policy compliance
- Reduce claim disputes
For investors managing multiple properties, having a formal inspection schedule or property management partner ensures continuity and documentation.
How Much Does Unoccupied House Insurance Cost?
Unoccupied house insurance premiums reflect increased risk exposure.
On average, investors can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per month depending on property value, location, condition, and coverage limits. In many cases, premiums are 50 percent to 100 percent higher than standard landlord insurance due to vacancy risk.
However, when compared to the financial impact of a denied claim or a major uninsured loss, the monthly premium represents a small fraction of your asset’s total value.
For portfolio investors, it is a cost of protecting cash flow, equity, and long-term appreciation.
