Home Watch

The Most Trusted Home Watch Service at the Beach by Melissa LaScaleia Almost eighteen years ago, Coastal Carolina Home Watch became the first company to offer professional home watch services on the Grand Strand and Waccamaw Neck. From concentrating on those who have homes at the beach but live out of the state or country, it was obvious that the service was sorely needed. “Home Watch is a service that visits unoccupied homes to make sure that things are all right during the homeowner’s absence,” says the company’s founder Jack Luber. “We are your line of communication while you are not here, always looking out for your best interests.” Over the years Coastal Carolina Home Watch has come to represent different things to their very loyal clients. Partner Steven Montesano found this out quickly. “When I came on board,” he says, “I quickly realized how diverse our services were because we work to meet our clients’ individual requests – and they have a lot!” From Debordieu Colony on the Waccamaw Neck to the Golden Mile, from the Market Common and Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach to Cherry Grove in North Myrtle, Coastal Carolina Home Watch’s core service is home checks. They visit the home and use the latest in reporting technology to keep their clients notified as to the date and time of the visit as well as the home’s condition. Pictures and videos are recorded and shared in the event of any issues. Over the years, services offered to their clients have expanded to include handyman; cleaning; rental by owner (Airbnb, VRBO) assistance, concierge, keyholder; pre and post storm services; and most recently, attorney probate assistance. Steven shares: “Our clients place a lot of trust in us because of our adherence to strict protocols and high standards. Each member of our team has passed criminal background checks, and as a company, we maintain a comprehensive range of insurance coverage. We are often asked to represent our clients while they are out of town because they are confident in our judgement, and respect our commitment to their privacy and confidentiality. It is the bedrock of what we do.” Longtime team member Jocelyn Dewey will tell you about the relationships Coastal Carolina Home Watch has with their clients. “We have some clients that have been with us for over fifteen years,” she says. “We know their families and they know ours. They tell us to: ‘Go ahead and take care of it,’ if we feel it needs doing. The trust and confidence people have in our team is something that we will never put in jeopardy or violate.” CCHW acts as your advocate and representative in your absence. They can arrange for and coordinate projects while you’re away so your time at the beach is spent doing what you want to do, not what you need to. “The homeowner hires the necessary vendors or contractors to perform the service,” Jack says. “But if we give the client a company to talk to, rest assured that we have a copy of that company’s insurance and we are listed as a certificate holder. We vet them because our reputation means everything to us.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch is the charter member of the National Home Watch Association. The organization was founded fourteen years ago to set guidelines, ethics, best practices, training programs, and insurance requirements for the home watch industry. CCHW became the first accredited home watch company in North America. All its team members proudly claim the designation of NHWA Certified Home Watch Professionals, ranking them among the elite in the home watch industry. Hiring Coastal Carolina Home Watch is like having your very own team here at the beach. Like their motto says: “We are your eyes and ears…when you’re not here.” Facebook Instagram Globe Phone

ARE YOU PROTECTED? WHO’S WATCHING YOUR HOME? Savvy people understand the importance of protecting that which they’ve invested in, and that which they love. And Coastal Carolina Home Watch has been doing just that for almost two decades. They perform home check services for out-of-town owners of residences from Cherry Grove to the Grand Dunes, from the Golden Mile to Debordieu Colony, and everything in between on the Grand Strand and Waccamaw Neck. Many people underestimate the importance of properly monitoring their investment at the beach while they’re away— leaving it to the care of a friendly neighbor or friend, a smart home device, or simply to fate. “So many things can happen while you aren’t here, things that could be disastrous if they go undiscovered,” says the company’s founder and president, Jack Luber who began the company after his own home had a brush with near disaster during a prolonged absence. A judicious homeowner looks for a local presence that is professional, nationally accredited, discreet, and bonded and insured, to care for their home in their absence. The list of things that can befall your unattended home include: HVAC Failure Water Leaks Mold Pest Infestation Vandalism Storm Damage Power Outage What kind of procedures do you have in place to care for your home or investment property? Water damage and mold are the top insurance claims in the state of South Carolina. Let Coastal Carolina Home Watch be Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here. Some Benefits of Engaging Coastal Carolina Home Watch Include: Keyholder services Rental assistance (VRBO and Airbnb) 24 hour alarm response GPS-enabled time and date stamped inspection reporting General monitoring and reporting to homeowner of home and property, inside and out, and status of work performed by hired contractors General visual inspection of home and property, inside and out, for damage, vandalism, and proper maintenance Pre-and-post-storm services Basic handyman services Arranging for contractors, service personnel, and cleaners Concierge services— arrangement for airport transportation, personal chef, reservations, and shopping Absolute discretion and 100% confidential Can act as your local HOA contact Local representation Licensed, bonded, insured, criminally background checked  Accredited through the National Home Watch Association Affordable protection you and your home deserve and need.  Facebook Instagram Globe Phone

Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Now in its 16th year, Coastal Carolina Home Watch mitigates out-of-town homeowner’s fears about the condition of their home with their fully comprehensive home watch services. Owned by Jack Luber, the company provides secure house and condo checks to part-time, seasonal, or traveling residents of the Waccamaw Neck and Grand Strand areas. They can also be your local contact for alarm companies, HOAs and service providers. Jack and his fully vetted and insured team ensure there’s a presence watching over your home while you’re away— they perform home-watch checks using a time-stamped geo-location reporting system, so you, as the homeowner can track their status and see the current condition of your home while you’re away.  The company is there to look for issues that can arise in a homeowner’s absence, and stop them before they become big problems. “If we suspect a problem, we immediately contact the owner — most times with a solution,” Jack says. “We’ll coordinate with the client and follow their directions and wishes but have an extensive array of contacts to provide needed services. Think of us as your advocate when you aren’t at the beach.”  Jocelyn Dewey, who manages the business side of the company as well as customers’ needs, adds, “Our company creed really says it all: it’s to represent a client’s best interests at all times.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch also offers handyman, concierge and even cleaning services for their clients.  “People love the fact that we can perform services ourselves or make arrangements for bigger projects,” Jack says. “We’ll meet the HVAC, pest control, and any other company technician to let them in and out. We always check that the work or service performed is up to our very high expectations. I’ve learned that when the homeowner doesn’t have local representation, work done is not always up to par.” Covid’s two-year presence has caused many people to forgo visiting as much as they ordinarily would, leaving homes unoccupied for longer periods and susceptible to things like, mold, mildew, water leaks, storm damage, insect or critter infestation, and break-ins. “As a result, more people have needed our services,” says team member Steven Montesano. The company has always worn protective booties in homes, but have now added additional steps to their visits and cleaning procedures to ensure the peace of mind of their clients in the age of Covid. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of clients requesting that their car be waiting for them at the airport, so they can have less contact with people while traveling,” Jocelyn says. Estate and trust attorneys, conservators and executors also use the company’s services.  “Because of our insurance, bonding, criminal background checks, local knowledge and accurate and timely reporting, we are the go-to for estate assistance,” Jack says. “People pass away and their homes need to be checked. Families need help with arranging for the home to be secured, cared for, and many times packed up and readied for sale. Trying to do that from a long distance is almost impossible without local help. And that’s what we do. “We are quite experienced dealing with estates, conservatorships, and trusts. And, because we are extremely confidential, that part of our business continues to grow.”  Some people confuse Coastal Carolina Home Watch with property management, which is inaccurate. Jack clarifies: “While we do offer assistance to those homeowners that rent their properties using VRBO or Airbnb, what we do is act as their local representative to make sure that the home is in great shape and ready to rent. “We’ll be on call, schedule the cleans, keep the place stocked, and make sure everything is working properly. Then, we’ll check on it when it’s not rented. We don’t arrange for bookings, advertise the unit, or collect the rent like a property manager does. For many clients, we are the local contact for their property managers.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch is the founding member of the National Home Watch Association. The association exacts a strict vetting process which includes criminal background checks and consumer affairs check; they require proper insurance and bonding for all members. Coastal Carolina Home Watch is accredited by the association, and carries their professional designation, the highest accreditation in excellence that can be garnered. “My company is really the key to having peace of mind while you’re away,” Jack adds. “We’re your eyes and ears when you’re not here.” Office hours: M-F 9am-5pm. Available and on call 24/7. Globe Phone

The devoted team of Coastal Carolina Home Watch. From left to right: Kevin Reed, Jack Luber, and Jocelyn Dewey. Serving homeowners along the Grand Strand and beyond, to give peace of mind when you’re away. Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Do you live out of state or country but own property along the Grand Strand or Waccamaw Neck? Do you have a rental property that you market through VRBO or Airbnb and need a local partner to oversee details to keep your guests happy? Do you worry that while you aren’t here, damage could happen to your home and it wouldn’t be discovered until you came back? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should consider using the services of Coastal Carolina Home Watch. “So many things can happen while you aren’t here, things that could be disastrous if they go undiscovered,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Jack Luber. “HVAC failures, water leaks, mold, insect and rodent infestation — even unwanted human guests. When storms and hurricanes are headed towards our coast, what kind of procedures do you have in place?” Years ago, Jack lived on the New Jersey Shore and owned a second home in Surfside Beach. Like many people, he felt secure when he was away from his vacation property because it was part of an HOA which had a property manager. He assumed they were keeping an eye on things.  Jack found out the hard way, after his Surfside house endured a water leak, that they only maintain the common areas, and that it was his responsibility to make sure there were no problems with his home. The ensuing costs of time, money and stress inspired him to look for a service provider to help manage his property when he was out of town. But he was unable to find any professional company offering a comprehensive service. This realization was the spark that led to him open Coastal Carolina Home Watch in 2005.  “I needed someone to be my eyes and ears,” he says. “Someone to let me know exactly what was happening and act on my behalf and at my direction if a problem was discovered. I knew that if I needed this kind of help, others must too.” Over the years, in addition to home checks, Jack’s company has evolved to include such comprehensive services as: concierge, keyholder, arranging for contractors and service people, cleaning, rental assistance (VRBO and Airbnb), alarm response, pre-and-post-storm services, and handyman services. Coastal Carolina Home Watch does their job with pride and confidence; and they know how much their clients love what they do and how they do it. “When a client engages our company, they know that confidentiality and privacy are our priorities,” Jack says. “They know that we will communicate and report to them using reports that include pictures or videos, and that we use a customized checklist that is time and date stamped that shows our location via geolocation.  They know that we carry not only general, but professional liability as well as workers compensation insurance. We even carry a cyber policy. The idea is to eliminate as many worries as possible from having people in their home.” Kevin Reed inspects every inch of the kitchen. Jocelyn inspecting the chandelier. Previous Next Team members Kevin Reed and Jocelyn Dewey have seen a much-increased need for Home Watch over the past year. “With all of the snowbirds and seasonal residents holding back on coming to the beach because of the pandemic, more people have signed up with us,” Kevin says. “They have homes, but do not want to come back until things become more settled.” “Our Canadian clients were called back home before they would have gone back in a normal year,” Jocelyn adds. “And now, with the Canadian travel restrictions, they need us more than ever.” Because home watch is not a recognized nor regulated business in the U.S. and Canada, Jack founded the National Home Watch Association in 2009. “There are many companies that have the keys and alarm codes to people’s homes and performing what they say is home watch,” Jack says. “But most do not have insurance, bonding or any safety protocols. You could ask a neighbor, friend, or an acquaintance, but if he or she misses something or makes a mistake that causes damage, what then? What if things go missing or your home is used while you aren’t there?” Jack serves as the executive director of the National Home Watch Association, which sets standards, policies and procedures for the industry, as well as accredits its companies. The NHWA has members throughout the U.S., Canada, and now Australia. Coastal Carolina Home Watch became the first member accredited by the NHWA in 2010; its entire team has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professionals. “Coastal Carolina Home Watch is who you call when you need people to visit your home on a scheduled basis, to look for obvious issues, and let you know what is happening in an accurate, concise, and timely manner,” Jocelyn says. “We are the people that you can depend on to look after your best interests when you can’t be there to do that for yourself.” “We will monitor work being performed and service companies that you are paying to provide service — whether you are here or not,” Kevin says. “Even if you have cameras, a security system, the Ring, or a Nest, you still need someone close by to respond if there is an issue. We fill that gap.” “Whatever it is that you need, whatever concerns you may have, we have the local knowledge, education, experience, and the know-how to get things completed or arranged for you in the most professional and cost-effective way possible,” Jack adds. “From Debordieu Colony and Prince George on the Waccamaw Neck, to Grande Dunes and Cherry Grove in the north, and the Golden Mile and the Market Common … Read more

Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Have you ever worried about your home or condo while you aren’t here at the beach? Have you wondered if the people you’ve hired to do things while you’re gone are doing them? And, when a storm is on the way, do you worry if everything will be all right in your absence? Do you have an unbiased line of communication letting you know what’s really going on? Those were just a few of the concerns that worried Jack Luber when he owned a vacation home in Surfside Beach but lived 750 miles away on the Jersey Shore. It was these feelings of powerlessness and lack of security that inspired him to start Coastal Carolina Home Watch in 2005. The company provides house and condo checks, keyholder, concierge, and custom services to part-time and seasonal residents of the Waccamaw Neck and Grand Strand areas. They can also be your local contact for alarm companies, HOAs and service providers. “Our team provides professional and confidential services,” Jack says. “We give our clients confidence in knowing that we are looking out for them while they are out of the state or country. We visit their homes and look for obvious issues that they wouldn’t discover because they aren’t here. “Every time we are at their home, they receive a report with a customized checklist, including pictures or videos, that is time and location stamped, and shows our findings in detail. And because it reflects geo-location and time, our reports can be used to show insurance companies or HOAs when we were there and what the condition of the property was.” According to Jack, the biggest concerns for unattended homes and condos in our area are HVAC malfunctions, humidity issues and water leaks. “There are many things that lead to mold growth, and it doesn’t take much time for a mold issue to develop,” he says. “So many things can happen in an unoccupied home, so having us visit and check things out for our clients can keep small issues from turning into big ones, as well as potentially preventing things from starting in the first place.” The team of Coastal Carolina Home Watch has your back, caring for your home while you’re away, as if it were their own. — Photo Meganpixels Parker And, homeowners can rest with ease knowing that in the event of a storm, Coastal Carolina Home Watch will always conduct pre and post storm procedures at your residence. Since a house is one of the most expensive purchases most people will ever make in their lifetime, protecting it properly from damage should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. “When I wasn’t here and there was a storm or hurricane on the way, I could only hope that things were taken care of,” Jack says. “All I knew was what I saw on TV, and that isn’t always so accurate.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch has been accredited by the National Home Watch Association since 2010, meaning it has been vetted for proper insurance, licenses, consumer affairs and BBB complaints. Additionally, the principles have been criminally background checked. The entire Coastal Carolina Home Watch team has been background checked as well.  Each team member carries the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional. This guarantees that any team member visiting a client’s home has been trained and continues to receive continuing education, following the best policies and procedures in the Home Watch Industry. Kevin Reed, who is a native of Georgetown, is the lead Home Watch specialist and a talented handyman. Kevin enjoys forging relationships with his clients. “We always look out for the client,” he says. “Our clients trust us because they’ve learned that we always provide them with our best assessment of the problem.”  Jocelyn Dewey is a long-time team member who handles the business side of things. “Jocelyn is an integral part of what we do,” Jack says. “She has been the voice on the other side of the phone for the last four years. People know and trust her.”  “I enjoy helping people,” she says. “And so many of our clients have become friends because of the trust they place in us.”  — Photo Meganpixels Parker Coastal Carolina Home Watch recently added a new team member. “Jenn Piccolo is the voice you’ll now hear when you call in, and she’ll be setting up appointments and coordinating your service vendor visits. She is also responsible for our social media,” Jack says. Nowadays, with advances in technology offering features like smart homes and cameras, many people don’t think they need someone to check on their home. But Jack notes that a camera can’t tell you what a room smells like, or when something feels wrong. And it can’t reset a modem or internet connection. Moreover, asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house still puts you in a vulnerable position. “It’s a big responsibility you’re asking them to take on,” Jack explains. “And there are a lot of things to consider. What if they make a mistake, or miss something that results in damage? What if they become busy, ill, have to leave town, or just drop the ball? Now, you’re powerless, and now a small problem can be a big one. And if they injure themselves on your property they can sue you.” In contrast, the team of Coastal Carolina Home Watch are professionals that carry not only general liability insurance, but also professional liability, workers compensation and cyber-security insurance to protect you, your home and your privacy. “We are your line of communication and advocate for you on your behalf,” Jack says. Coastal Carolina Home Watch carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, is a member of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors, and the Pawleys Island Litchfield Business Association. “Every home should be treated with respect,” Jack says. “And for every … Read more

Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Coastal Carolina Home Watch performs house-check and keyholder services for homeowners who maintain a home at the Beach but do not live here year-round.  “My late wife and I purchased a condo in Surfside Beach back in the mid-’90s,” says Jack Luber, the owner. “We lived in New Jersey full time and came down for vacations and would rent our place when we weren’t using it. But we discovered that there was no one here that we could rely on to keep an eye on it. We were 750 miles away and couldn’t monitor it from that distance.  “Things happen when you’re not around and you have no way of knowing if someone isn’t checking—insects and pests, mold, cracks, leaks, fires, break-ins, vandalism, storm damage. And if you don’t discover those things right away, they can turn into big problems that cost a lot of money and aggravation. It’s very frustrating and upsetting to show up ready for a vacation, only to be greeted with a problem instead.     “We started this business because we needed this service. Because of the amount of renters and tourists in our area, there are always different people going in and out of homes, and no one is really paying attention. We realized that other people must need a service like this too.”  Jack started Coastal Caroline Home Watch in 2005. They perform weekly or bi-monthly house checks, using a checklist customized to your specifications, to make sure things are okay and running smoothly in your absence. They can also customize a visiting schedule.  “An empty home is a vulnerable home,” Jack says. “If somebody moves into your home in your absence, they have what is called adverse possession and they have legal rights to stay. Removing them is not as easy as you would think. Depending on how long they have been there, affects how hard it is to evict them.”  Jack has also seen instances where an individual will rent out someone else’s home on Craigslist—even drawing up leases. Jocelyn using a hygrometer to check moisture levels and humidity. High moisture can quickly lead to mold, and turn into a big problem fast. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We’ve had to meet the police at a few homes when people find out that their lease or rental agreement is bogus,” he says. “It is so important for a professional company to be checking on these homes. We add a level of security to the home because we provide a presence. There are so many tell-tale signs that a home is empty.  “You have responsibilities to keep up with whether you’re there or not. Most HOAs have rules regarding landscaping and appearance, or request that a homeowner has a local contact in their absence. We’re a line of communication for the homeowner.”  Coastal Carolina Home Watch can also make arrangements for work that needs to be done— like repairs, insect extermination, or cleaning— using their clients’ existing service providers, or they can recommend companies— all of whom are insured and whom he has personally vetted.  “We make sure that the work you’re paying for is done correctly,” Jack says. “Too many times, people contract with a landscaper or another kind of service, and because those folks are not there, the job is not done as well as it should be. We’ll do whatever we can to make life less stressful and more enjoyable while you’re here at the beach. If you have a request, let us know, and we’ll do our best to accomplish it. Taking care of the customer, looking out for them, is what we’re all about. Their best interests are the most important thing in my business.”  Jack feels fortunate to have such a loyal, dedicated team that is in alignment with his mission working with him to help safeguard his clients and their homes. Jocelyn Watson handles all the scheduling for Coastal Carolina Home Watch.  “This place doesn’t run without her,” Jack says. “She grew up here, so she’s familiar with the area and the things that can go wrong.”  Here, Jack checks the electrical box to ensure it’s not tripped after an electrical shortage. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Kevin Reed is a native of Georgetown County and the company’s lead home watch expert.  “They know what needs to be done and they do it,” Jack says of his team. “They understand the values and vision of the business, and are on board with that.”    Many people might wonder why a service like this is necessary? Why not ask a neighbor or friend to watch your home?  “Your neighbor isn’t insured for this, and they’re doing you a favor,” Jack says. “If something happens, are they equipped to handle it? Are you a priority for them? They could be traveling, get sick, have a personal crisis, or just get busy—all things that might prevent them from checking your home.  “If they miss something, or just-plain drop the ball and there is a problem, what can you do? You’re still powerless to fix the problem or at the least, it’s now a big problem for you. And if they injure themselves on your property they can sue you.”  Jack carries general and professional liability insurance, as well as workers comp, and cyber-security insurance to fully protect his clientele from any type of exposure.  With every visit, Coastal Carolina Home Watch will send you a report which includes pictures, comments and even geo-locating, noting the time and date they were there, and what they checked. This report can be used as documentation for your insurance company in the event it’s necessary to make a claim. “We’re going to notice problems and give people the best description of what is happening so they’re able to make an intelligent decision as to how to take care of it,” Jack says.  Jack founded the National Home Watch Association in 2009 so … Read more

Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Coastal Carolina Home Watch performs home-watch services for homeowners when they are out of town. The company is the brainchild of Jack Luber, who began it in 2005, when he and his wife moved to Murrells Inlet. “My wife and I purchased a condo in Surfside Beach back in the mid-’90s,” he says. “We lived in New Jersey full time and came down for vacations and would rent our place when we weren’t using it. But we discovered that there was no one here that we could rely on to keep an eye on it.  “We were 750 miles away and couldn’t monitor it from that distance. Things happen when you’re not around— insect and pest infestation, mold, cracks, leaks, fires, break-ins, vandalism, storm damage. And if you don’t discover those things right away, they can turn into big problems that cost a lot of money and aggravation. It’s very frustrating and upsetting to show up ready for a vacation, only to be greeted with a problem instead.” When Jack’s wife contracted multiple sclerosis, the couple decided to move to the beach full-time. That was when Jack decided to begin Coastal Carolina Home Watch. Because he was aware that he needed someone he could trust to take care of his own home when he was away, he knew other people did too.  He used his knowledge as a homeowner and his business know-how from a career in marketing and sales, to start a business doing just that for the Grand Strand com­munity he now calls home. “We started this business because it made sense,” he says. “An emp­ty home is a vulnerable home. Think of the thousands of second homes that ex­ist down here. On the Grand Strand we have four separate tourist seasons—golf season in the spring and fall, beach in the summer, and the snowbirds in the winter, so there are always different people going in and out of homes, and no one is really paying attention.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch conducts a thorough investigation of your home to ensure things are okay and running smoothly in your absence. –Photo by Meganpixels Parker Coastal Carolina Home Watch will visit your home weekly or bi-weekly and go through a checklist that has been customized to address your requests and needs, to make sure things are okay and running smoothly in your absence. They also offer customized schedules for travelers. “You have responsibilities to keep up with, whether you’re there or not,” Jack says. “Most HOAs have rules regarding landscaping and appearance. We’re there to make sure that the work you’re paying for is done correctly.Too many times, people contract with a landscaper or an­other kind of service, and because those folks are not there, the job is not done as well as it should be.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch can also arrange for any kind of work that needs to be done, like repairs, insect extermi­nation, or cleaning.  “I promise my clients that anyone or any company we’ve recommended to work on their home or property, that we have a copy of their insurance before they can do any work,” Jack says. “There are a lot of unlicensed and uninsured people do­ing business in our area. And that means if something goes wrong, the homeowner has no protection if the work isn’t done to their expectations or satisfaction.  “If someone gets hurt, the homeowner has no protection against a lawsuit. What if a worker gets hurt and decides to sue? Many people who live out of the area are taken advantage of because they aren’t there to oversee what’s happening. That’s the service we provide—we are your eyes and ears when you’re not here.” To adhere to that principle, Jack conducts a criminal background check on all his employees. He also carries general and professional liability insurance, workers comp, and cyber-securi­ty insurance to fully protect his clientele from any type of exposure. “It’s my job to protect my clients,” Jack says. “Their best interests are the most important thing in my business.” — Photo Meganpixels Parker “It’s my job to protect my clients,” he says. “Their best interests are the most import­ant thing in my business. When a client says to me, ‘Jack, do what you feel is best,’  I know that I’m doing the right thing for my clients. Trust is everything.  “If there are storms coming, we do our very best to protect the home. After the thousand-year flood, we had clients with flooded homes. We were there with claims adjusters, bringing in and getting bids for repair services. We’re a line of communication for the home owner.” They can even water plants, stock your pantry and prepare your home for your arrival, and even arrange for you to get picked up from the airport.   “We’ll do whatever we can to make life less stressful and more enjoyable while you’re here at the beach,” Jack says. “A lot of HOAs re­quest that a homeowner have a local con­tact, and some people just want someone to have a key on hand, in the event of an emergency. We do that, too.” There is also the issue of squatters. Yes, they are real, and it does happen, espe­cially in areas with a high population of second homes, like ours. “If somebody moves into your home in your absence, they have what is called adverse possession and they have rights,” Jack says. “It is a legal principle, and re­moving them is not as easy as you would think. Depending on how long they have been there affects how hard it is to evict them.” Jack has also seen instances where an in­dividual will rent out someone else’s home on Craigslist—even drawing up leases.  “We’ve had to meet the police at a few homes when people find out that their lease or rental agreement is bogus.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch from left to right: Jack Luber, Jocelyn Watson, Kevin … Read more