We recently discussed all the things prospective snowbirds should consider before purchasing a home. But for those who’ve already taken the plunge into warmer, sunnier waters, we thought it might be a good idea to also provide a list of property management considerations for your home for the times you’re away.

Air Conditioning. Surprising to many non-natives, be prepared to leave your AC at about 75-80 degrees when you leave. Otherwise, you’ll return to your home-away-from-home to discover mold.

Bills. Regardless of whether you occupy a home or not, you are still responsible for paying for the trash, water, and sewage bills etc.

Pest Control. It’s a good idea, especially in the warmer, more inviting months of the year, to contract a pest control company, even if only to service the outside perimeter of your home in your absence.

Water. It’s always a good idea to shut off the water valve to your house when you leave the property to prevent any issues, such as a burst water main or leaky pipes.

Water Heater. Speaking of preventing water leaks, you should also consider turning off your water heater as it has coils that can burn up if they are on with no water passing through them.

Pool Maintenance. If your home has a pool, you should contract a pool company to keep it working properly, cleared and cleaned.

Electricity. Turn off your electricity but take time to label your circuit breaker so you can quickly and easily select what to turn off and what to leave on, such as AC, alarms, refrigerators, and exterior and interior lights.

Landscaping. In the sunny-but-rainy months of summer, grass grows – and quickly. You should consider contracting a company to mow it every two weeks at a minimum while you’re gone.

Mail. While away, make sure all mail is forwarded to your primary residence. Also consider asking a trusted neighbor to make sure your mail is checked and newspapers don’t pile up in your driveway.

Security. Consider an alarm system for peace of mind while you’re away. Many systems have online monitoring where you can check the status of your system, and arm or disarm it.

Neighborhood Watch. Call on your trusted neighbor – again! Consider leaving a key with them should there ever be an emergency – or a relative who needs access and is locked out.

Maintaining more than one household takes a little extra effort and forethought but with a little time and practice, whisking back and forth from your primary home to your home-away-from-home will prove a breeze! And if you haven’t yet found your Sunshine State estate, give the experienced real estate professionals at DeLeon Sheffield Company a call.

Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’