The home watch industry, long a quiet niche within real estate and property technology, is gaining prominence as second-home ownership continues to rise. Clem McDavid, founder of HomeLedger, a property technology company, notes that its Watch Tower platform now supports home watch operators across eight states, with the heaviest concentration in Florida and Arizona, alongside customers in North Carolina, New York, and Colorado. This geographic spread reflects broader trends in second home ownership, which surged during the pandemic and has remained strong.
McDavid explains that many vacation and second property owners are not equipped or interested in maintaining homes they do not occupy full-time. This has fueled demand for home watch services, which provide regular property checks and maintenance coordination. However, the industry has also attracted what McDavid describes as "ghost kitchen" operations—marketing companies that appear legitimate online but have no actual service capability. These entities generate leads without ever performing a visit, leaving homeowners frustrated and skeptical. McDavid argues that this environment benefits genuine operators who can demonstrate a documented service history, as trust and reliability become differentiators.
Beyond the traditional second home market, McDavid sees home watch demand extending to primary residences. Younger homeowners, busy with careers and family, are increasingly willing to pay for periodic property checks rather than spend weekends on upkeep. This widens the customer base well beyond seasonal coastal markets, making home watch services relevant to a broader demographic.
The market also spans various price points. McDavid notes that some companies serve ultra-high-net-worth estates with full-time staff and comprehensive household management, while HomeLedger's customers work with high-end clients on property coordination, from stocking a home before arrival to timing seasonal upkeep. This diversity indicates that the category has room across a wide range of home values and service levels.
For McDavid, the common thread across all markets is the need for absentee homeowners to have a reliable, documented eye on their property. Operators who can prove they show up consistently are building durable businesses. As home watch continues to expand into new states and property types, McDavid expects that those who invest in professionalism and reliable record-keeping will be best positioned for future growth. More information on how HomeLedger supports this work is available on its resources page.
