The home watch industry, long a behind-the-scenes player in property management, is gaining recognition as demand spreads across the United States. Clem McDavid, founder of HomeLedger, a property technology company, notes that its Watch Tower platform now supports home watch operators in eight states, with the strongest presence in Florida and Arizona, followed by North Carolina, New York, and Colorado. This geographic spread mirrors shifting trends in second home ownership.
McDavid attributes the rising demand to the pandemic-era surge in vacation and second home purchases. Many new owners find themselves unable or unwilling to maintain properties they do not occupy full-time. As a result, home watch services—which provide regular property checks and maintenance coordination—are becoming essential for absentee homeowners.
However, the industry's growth has attracted what McDavid describes as “ghost” operations—companies that appear legitimate online but offer no actual service. He compares these to ghost kitchens advertising food they cannot cook. This trend, he says, is paradoxically beneficial for established operators. “As homeowners get burned by these setups, the ones with a genuine, documented service history stand out more,” McDavid explains.
Beyond traditional second homes, McDavid sees home watch services expanding to primary residences. Younger homeowners, pressed for time, are increasingly willing to pay for periodic property check-ins rather than spend weekends on maintenance. This broadens the customer base far beyond seasonal coastal markets.
The market also spans a wide range of price points. McDavid notes that some companies serve ultra-high-net-worth estates with full-time staff and household management, while others cater to more modest homes. HomeLedger’s clients include operators working with high-end clients on property coordination, from pre-arrival stocking to seasonal upkeep. This diversity suggests the industry has room to grow across various segments.
For McDavid, the common thread is clear: absentee homeowners need reliable, documented property oversight, and operators who can prove consistent service are building durable businesses. As home watch continues to expand into new states and property types, McDavid expects that investment in professionalism and record-keeping will position operators for success in the coming years.
HomeLedger’s resources page offers more information on how the company supports these efforts. This article is based on information provided by Clem McDavid and is intended for general informational purposes only, not as legal, financial, or real estate advice.
