How to choose a Home Watch service.

Get a property-specific scope

Ask which areas are accessible, which tasks are authorized and what happens when an area cannot be checked. The plan should distinguish a visual observation from a repair or specialist inspection.

If a provider advertises a large checklist, ask which items apply to your home and whether your report identifies the checks actually completed.

Review the evidence from a visit

Look for the visit date, observations, photographs, agreed readings and follow-up notes. Ask whether you can keep a copy and revisit earlier reports.

A camera or sensor may provide useful alerts; a scheduled visit can document accessible conditions and authorized tasks. Ask who responds to device alerts and what response is actually included.

Ask how trust and access are handled

Request current documentation for any insurance, bonding or accreditation claim. Review the named business, relevant coverage dates and service agreement. Do not infer a credential from a logo alone.

• Who visits the property, and how are substitutions handled?
• How are keys and entry instructions stored?
• Who can view reports and property details?
• How is access removed when service ends?

Know what happens when something changes

Ask who calls you, how urgent findings are communicated and what may be done without additional authorization. Name a backup contact and make vendor permissions clear.

Compare billing frequency, cancellation or pause arrangements, extra-trip fees, storm service limits and any conditions attached to complimentary benefits.

How to review Lantern

Start with our public checklist and interactive report. At your free assessment, we confirm the checks, visit frequency, access arrangements and property rate.

Our website describes Lantern’s service. Ask us for the current documents and written terms you need to make your own comparison.