Tips for Protecting Your Luxury Home or Condo for Boca Raton, Part-Time Residents

To prepare for the future, snowbird season will be winding down in Boca Raton. Our residents will be heading back home. That being the case, protecting your luxury home will be on your top priority. Since many of these homeowners leave their investments empty, we wanted to give you a checklist helping you with your seasonal estate to make your transition a bit easier.

Start with a Deep Cleaning for When You Return

First on the list would be cleaning. Since your home may be unoccupied for a few months, it’s a good idea to hire a cleaning company to go in and perform specific duties such as carpet cleaning, furniture protection and more. When checking your local Yellow Pages or someone from Craigslist, be sure to ask for references and do your ‘due diligence.’ Many of our condominium communities will have a list of reputable cleaning companies where you can make your query through the concierge. If they are a newer company with a recommendation by your management of your HOA, ask to speak to some of their previous clients. The last thing you want to do is hire a company who may cause damages. Another excellent place to do your search for this type of preparation is through Angie’s List.

Ask Your Trusted Neighbors to Stay Vigilant for Your Property

Next, be sure to inform your neighbors when you will be coming back and if you will be renting out your space while gone. The people living in your building will be aware the home will be vacant and keep their eye out for any suspicious activity. Be sure to leave your emergency and contact numbers in the event they may inquire who is entering the home. With an estimated 900,000 part-time residents in Palm Beach County, you can be sure these homes need extra protection from thieves or anyone not welcome. Besides letting the neighbors know, it’s a good idea to alert your HOA or manager as well. These folks can stay privy to any unusual guests or people claiming to do repairs.

Get Your Boca Raton Home Weather Ready for Hurricane Season

If you live in the beach areas, you may want to have impact windows installed. Many of the construction on the newer buildings will include this valuable feature. However, if you live in an older building and won’t be returning until Fall, be sure to have this installation done before moving out. Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November which is typically why the snowbirds miss the significant weather events. South Florida can never guarantee when inclement weather is upon us, so it makes perfect sense to get your home prepped for any serious issues. Don’t forget to have any leaks or repairs fixed as well to complete the weatherproofing process.

Put Your Mail and Subscriptions on Hold

Other than weatherproofing, contact your post office and any mail subscriptions that may clog up your mail delivery while you are absent. Things like your cable or telephone bill can be placed on hold and will help prevent intruders from entering. Thieves look for tips on residency, and your investments are too substantial to ignore. By taking the extra time to ensure you are addressing these issues before you leave, will give you additional peace of mind.

Turn Off and Unplug Appliances Not in Use

Appliances should all be unplugged to help avoid utility bills from increasing. Moreover, these convenient devices can be a nuisance and increase the chances of a fire. Be sure to check your washer, dryer, and televisions to avoid this type of problem before further damage occurs.

Be Proactive with South Florida Wildlife and Possible Entrances

If you live in a country club home and have open areas such as chimneys or outdoor spaces where wildlife can enter, makes sure you hire someone to fill holes and cover entrances. Squirrels, birds, and snakes can nest and become damaging nuisances. Since South Florida is full of exotic animals seeking shelter, you’ll want to take the extra steps at keeping them out of your home.

Do Your Due Diligence Before Renting Your Place Out

If you’ve been contemplating renting out your place while you’re gone, be sure to ask around. In some cases, renting seems to be a viable solution. It helps to get a referral for the temporary house-sitters, so you’re not due for big surprises upon your return. Real Estate agents will help to guide you depending on your ideal renters. Just remember to stay away from sketchy sources where you have no idea who is going to be assuming your lease. Ask for background checks and have them fill out an application for rentals. By doing these additional steps, you could avoid a disaster. Keep in mind, once someone is in your home, it can be very tricky to get them out. The eviction process almost always leans toward the tenant and NOT the landlord so use precaution here.

Donate Leftover Food to Charities

Lastly, donate any food you have left over to shelters and charity. As you can imagine, this is an excellent idea where you won’t have to be concerned with spoiled products. Also, you can start fresh when you return at the beginning of next season. However small, depending on the donation, you may have the ability to get a receipt writing off any of your charity.

These are just a few of the steps necessary to keep your Boca Raton property and investment intact, while you’re traveling abroad or returning to your summer home. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.