GOOD STEWARD
Home Watch Services
A better way of seasonal home ownership & property care while you are away.
Good Steward Home Watch Services uses a custom program to provide you with the most detailed reports available when inspecting your home as well as the peace of mind knowing the inspector was actually in your home at the time of reporting.
The program we use has a built-in GPS system which only allows us to obtain access to our reporting software when we are inside the home. This GPS system, QRIDit, finds our client’s home via the address on Google Maps and prints out a QRID also known as a bar code, which is then placed in your home all prior to our first inspection. When we enter your home to perform an inspection we scan this QRID with our phone which then brings up your customized check list.
The checklist or reports we email to you after the inspection are totally customizable for your home and your needs. The report not only provides you with information on all the items we inspect but also provides information on other tasks we perform in the home such as starting cars, watering plants, recording thermostat temperatures and much more. Each individulized checklist ensures that your specific needs and requests are met with every visit to your home. This state of the art reporting system also has the unique ability for us to take pictures of any problems found and incorporate them in the report.
There is a QRIDit video provided here for more detailed information about this reporting system.
Good Steward Home Watch Services of Arizona is the premiere caretaker/property watch service for absentee/seasonal homeowners in the North Scottsdale area. Scroll Down for more info
Basic Services
Good Steward Home Watch Services is a licensed and insured caretaker/property watch service for winter homes, second homes & vacation homes in greater Phoenix area that include Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Troon North, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley. Scoll down for more information
Premium Services
With high client retention, Good Steward Home Watch Services is a certified, 5-star Yelp-rated property watch/caretaking service for homes in Scottsdale. Scroll down for more information.
Benefits of our Service
Home Watch Services
Home Watch Services
Weekly, bi-weekly and full service concierge service plans are avaliable for a wide array of needs
BASIC SERVICE
Good Steward Home Watch Service is a full service accredited, insured and bonded service provider for absentee and seasonal homeowners. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Good Steward Home Watch Services is one of the preeminent property watch services taking care of condos and single family homes in North Scottsdale.
Good Steward Home Watch Services is your "peace of mind" for absentee homeowners, providing periodic visual inspections of your home and property in order to discover and report potential issues that often arise while you are away. Our home watching services are tailored to your needs and can be conducted on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Each visit includes:
*Check mail box and bring in mail (if applicable)
*Check front of property for papers and items left at front door
*Water pots on front and back patios (if applicable)
*Inspection of landscaping to see that plants are healthy and are being maintained
*Visual inspection of exterior of building walking entire perimeter checking windows, doors and sides of building for any potential problems
*Check for signs of pest and insect infestation around the exterior of home
*Visual inspection of pool and spa
*Walk interior perimeter and check for problems
*Check for signs of pest and insect infestation inside the home
*Check front of property for papers and items left at front door
*Water pots on front and back patios (if applicable)
*Inspection of landscaping to see that plants are healthy and are being maintained
*Visual inspection of exterior of building walking entire perimeter checking windows, doors and sides of building for any potential problems
*Check for signs of pest and insect infestation around the exterior of home
*Visual inspection of pool and spa
*Walk interior perimeter and check for problems
*Check for signs of pest and insect infestation inside the home
*Run water in all sinks, bathtubs and showers to keep traps from drying out and prevent sewer gases from entering your home
*Check under all sinks for leaks
*Flush all toilets
*Check air conditioning/heating controls for proper operation
*Run garbage disposal to lubricate and maintain appliance
*Water interior plants (if applicable)
*Check ceilings and skylights for any signs of roof leaks
*Check laundry room for leaks
*Pour water into washing machine drain once a month to prevent sewer gases from entering home
*Check hot water heater for any signs of leaks
*Check soft water tank for salt (if applicable)
*Check air filters
*Start and run car(s) during inspection (if requested)
*Check under all sinks for leaks
*Flush all toilets
*Check air conditioning/heating controls for proper operation
*Run garbage disposal to lubricate and maintain appliance
*Water interior plants (if applicable)
*Check ceilings and skylights for any signs of roof leaks
*Check laundry room for leaks
*Pour water into washing machine drain once a month to prevent sewer gases from entering home
*Check hot water heater for any signs of leaks
*Check soft water tank for salt (if applicable)
*Check air filters
*Start and run car(s) during inspection (if requested)
We are a proud Accredited Member of the National Home Watch Association.
Premium Services
Premium Services
Bill & Virginia B. Scottsdale AZ
It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to expound upon the knowledge and professionalism of Robert and Sara. Both Sara and Robert were quick to evaluate my holdings and recommend steps to enhance the safe keeping of my properties. Robert is a hands on guy who has an extensive network of subcontractors and individuals who provided realistic estimates of repairs and upgrades. I would not hesitate to call upon their expertise and will commend Robert and Sara for their knowledge and professionalism. I recommended them and will use them again.
Michelle W. Surprise AZ
The moment I met Robert & Sara I knew I had found two amazing professionals that were genuine, honest, and hard working. They were very compassionate towards my emotional feelings. They were very attentive and were excellent about always keeping me informed on what was going on. I truly feel not only did I find two great individuals but I also made two awesome new friends. I would highly recommend them to everyone. If you are looking for top notch service by two very knowledgeable professionals, it starts with and ends with Sara and Robert.
Greg B. Grayhawk, Scottsdale AZ
Sara and Robert have always done a great job. From start to finish, they were there for us. Guiding us through the entire process. There knowledge of the seasonal markets, home care and professionalism really helped us make critical decisions when needed. They exceeded all of our expectations.
PREMIUM SERVICES
In addition to the regularly scheduled home watch inspections, Good Steward Home Watch Services offers individualized services that are customized for additional needs of the homeowner. Our premium services are designed to make owning a second home, vacation home or winter home more enjoyable and worry-free.
Here is a list of additional services we can provide (additional charges apply):
General Maintenance:
Alarm call outs
Buy batteries, salt pellets and air filters Change air filters
Change batteries in smoke detectors and thermostats
Clean patios and walkways
Change defective light bulbs
Run sprinklers and bubblers to ensure functionality
Drive vehicles around community
Change batteries in smoke detectors and thermostats
Clean patios and walkways
Change defective light bulbs
Run sprinklers and bubblers to ensure functionality
Drive vehicles around community
Coordinate and take vehicles in for maintenance or repair appointments
Run dishwasher once per month
Run washing machine and dryer once per month
Take garbage cans to street and return them after your stay
Run dishwasher once per month
Run washing machine and dryer once per month
Take garbage cans to street and return them after your stay
Meet contractors or other vendors at your home
Coordinate services with handyman, house cleaners, landscapers, pool care providers, window washers, pest control and carpet cleaners.
Convenience:
Coordinate landscaping, pool & spa,automobiles, tennis courts, cleaning, laundry, supplies replenished in the home and much more;
Prepare the home for arrival of homeowners and guests - hose down patios, put out patio furniture and/or cushions, open shutters/ blinds, check to make sure TVs and fireplaces are in working condition, arrange for food and beverages to be at home before the arrival of homeowner;
Bring in packages;
Prepare the home for arrival of homeowners and guests - hose down patios, put out patio furniture and/or cushions, open shutters/ blinds, check to make sure TVs and fireplaces are in working condition, arrange for food and beverages to be at home before the arrival of homeowner;
Bring in packages;
Forward important letters or packages as requested;
Pick up prescriptions
Fees for all the above services are either based on a flat fee or per hour basis
*Our objective is to limit the time spent at the property & pass the savings on to the client
*Services can be put on hold or recommence at any time with just a phone call or email
*Our objective is to limit the time spent at the property & pass the savings on to the client
*Services can be put on hold or recommence at any time with just a phone call or email
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us:
Frequently Asked Questions
Robert Castillo & Sara Elich
Owners
Located in North Scottsdale Arizona, Robert & Sara have been serving the local real estate community for well over a decade. Robert was born in San Francisco, California and has dedicated his life to his family, wife and clients for the past 20 years. Robert is the person that everyone goes to when they need to get something done. He has a heart of gold and touches the lives of many. Robert has held many board positions and currently is a Board member of Pinnacle Peak Country Club Estates. Sara his partner, was born in Lake Bluff, Illinois and is a retired Attorney. Sara is the owner of a local Real Estate Company specializing in the sale of luxury homes in North Scottsdale and the surround communities such as Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Troon, Mirbel, The Boulders, Paradise Valley, McCormick Ranch, Phoenix or Glendale - We are the experts you can trust! Good Steward Home Watch Services maintains a full staff of knowledgeable associates. Elich and Associates #1 priorities are communication and to build a trusting relationship with our clients. . Our dedicated team is committed to providing the highest level of customer service available.
What area of Arizona does your company provide services for?
Good Steward Home Watch serves all of Maricopa County. We specifially cover all of Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Anthem, Phoenix, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Biltmore, Arcadia.
What is a home watch service and what do they do?
A home watch service consists of regularly-scheduled inspections of both the interior and exterior of unoccupied homes. Good Steward Home Watch Services primary emphasis is ensuring their clients homes are secure and there are no issues with vandalism, water leaks, animal or bug infestations, rain or storm damage, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and heating, mold or various other concerns.
How often do I need someone to inspect my home?
This is both a personal and an insurance issue. It is difficult to determine exactly how often someone should have their home inspected. If an issue arises, it is always best if it can be identified before it becomes a large problem. For safety reasons, once a week would be best. However, many clients feel every two weeks is sufficient. We believe that less frequent inspections do not provide the level of security needed to ensure that our clients’ homes are properly taken care of while they are away.
Also, some insurance companies require someone to inspect an unoccupied home once or twice a month. Other insurance companies do not seem to have an issue with this, so there are no requirements. In order to see what requirements the insurance companies may have, please contact them before making a decision on the frequency of inspections.
Why not have a neighbor watch my home?
Neighbors are great and usually free of charge, but most of them do not have the expertise to properly inspect your home, which is a very large investment on your part. In most cases, neighbors will pick up the mail and newspaper, maybe take a quick look inside the home, and then watch the home from across the street. We use an extensive checklist to ensure that each potential issue can be detected before it becomes a major problem. We are available at all times, not only for regular inspections, but also for an emergency. Contrastingly, a homeowner never knows if their neighbor is going to be in town or on vacation. Our fees are a small price to pay for our clients to know their homes are being taken care of by licensed, experienced and insured professionals.
Who is conducting the inspections?
All of our home watch inspection are completed by the owner, Robert Castillo and his son McKenzie. In the event that we are not avaliable we will have a certfied staff assitant complete inspections.
Are you avaliable at all times of the day or evening 24/7?
Yes, we take calls at any time for emergency issues.
Can you provide me with a fee schedule or price breakdown?
Prices for services will vary from house to house, depending on the size, location, ease of access and extent of services desired. Although it is difficult to determine the exact cost of services without first seeing your property, prices for services generally range from $75 to $125 per visit for basic inspection services. Premium services range from $40 to $50 for a quick errand to $100-$150 hourly charges for coordinating with and meeting service providers or taking vehicles, bikes, packages and other items for service or delivery. Details of our fees will be discussed after a review of the home and discussing what specific needs exist. Because we are a small, family-run business, the cost of using our services is generally much more affordable than that of the larger companies that have greater overhead costs.
Is Good Steward Home Watch Services licensed and insured?
Yes, we are licensed with the City of Scottsdale and are bonded and insured for our services in Arizona.
How do I really know if my home is being taken care of while I am away?
Good Steward Home Watch Services uses a custom GPS System and QRIDit system for reporting and inspection updates. The GPS system only allows us to obtain access to our reporting software when we are in front of your home. This ensures that someone was actually at the home at the time of the inspection. To obtain more information, please go to the QRIDit section of our website where you will find a comprehensive video on the program.
Is Good Steward a home security company?
No. We are not a security company. Regular inspections do offer some security because we are at the property regularly. We will discover if the home has been broken into or if something has been vandalized but we do not do daily patrols.
Do you inspect my home after severe weather?
Arizona is a harsh climate, especially durning the summer months. Additionally, high winds, dust storms and torential rainstorms can cause extensive damage to homes. We offer post-storm inspection services If you home is not scheduled for a regular home watch inspection shortly after a large storm, you can request that we do a post-storm inspection to make sure there is no visible exterior or interior damage to your property. These inspections are conducted at less than the normal rate as they are just to ensure that there is no storm-related damage to the property. We do not perform a complete inspection after storms because we have many homes to check in a short period of time. If a regular inspection is scheduled a day or two after a storm, we will perform the full inspection at the regular price and not charge you anything additional for the inspection.
How do you communicate with us?
Our reports are sent to our clients via email. If there are any immediate problems that need to be discussed, we will always place a phone call from the home as well as provide you a report via email.
How do I pay for services?
We will email , or if you request - mail you an invoice. Most clients prefer to set up an account with monthly billing but we can make other arrangements if necessary.
Can you provide referral services if I need work done at my home?
Yes, we have an extensive list of qualified licensed contractors and vendors who can meet most of your needs.
Contact Us
Telephone: (480) 433-4454
Office: (602) 799-2199
Crazyabourtealestate1@gmail.com
Goodstewardhomewatchservices.com
Good Steward Home Watch Services
Scottsdale, AZ 85255