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HOUSE MANAGERS · HOMEOWNER RESOURCES

Good decisions start with useful information.

Practical reading on second homes, maintenance, home services and the work of managing a property.

Second Homes

The Ultimate Second-Home Maintenance Checklist

Use this practical second-home maintenance checklist to plan property checks, cleaning, landscaping, pool care, seasonal preparation, provider support, and costs without relying on a one-size-fits-all…

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Second Homes

How to Monitor a Second Home Remotely

Learn how to monitor a second home remotely with a practical plan for sensors, cameras, connectivity, costs, testing, and local response.

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Vendor & Contractor Management

What Should Be Included in a Contractor Agreement?

A contractor agreement should clearly describe the work, schedule, price, payment terms, expenses, change process, and how either party can end or renew the arrangement.…

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Vendor & Contractor Management

How to Verify Contractor Insurance Before Work Begins

Learn how to review a contractor’s certificate of insurance, check key dates and business details, ask about workers’ compensation, and verify coverage before work begins.

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House Management

Contractor vs Handyman: Which Do You Need?

Contractor vs. handyman: learn which provider fits your project, what affects cost and timing, how permits matter, and what to check before hiring.

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Second Homes

What Should Be Checked in an Unoccupied Home?

Use a practical checklist to inspect an unoccupied home, plan regular visits, compare DIY and professional help, and prepare for problems before they grow.

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Second Homes

How Often Should a Second Home Be Inspected?

There is no single inspection schedule for every second home. Learn when a full inspection may make sense, when a specialist is useful, what to…

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Second Homes

How to Prevent Water Damage in an Unoccupied Home

A practical guide to reducing leak and frozen-pipe risks while your home is empty, including shutoff choices, inspections, costs, provider selection, and a departure checklist.

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Second Homes

Second-Home Ownership Checklist for New Owners

A practical second-home ownership checklist for new owners, covering ongoing costs, insurance, maintenance, rental plans, shared ownership, and provider selection.

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Multi-Residence Management

Household Operations Planning for Large Residences

A practical guide to organizing staff, vendors, maintenance, and standards across large homes or multiple residences, including service options, costs, hiring, and safety considerations.

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Multi-Residence Management

How to Create an Annual Estate Maintenance Budget

Learn how to create an annual estate maintenance budget, choose a starting method, plan for routine and emergency repairs, compare providers, and adjust your numbers…

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Multi-Residence Management

Creating a Preventive Maintenance Program for an Estate

Learn how to create a preventive maintenance program for an estate, prioritize important systems, plan inspections, compare providers, and control costs without overlooking safety.

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Multi-Residence Management

How to Transition a Residence to Professional Management

A practical guide to moving a rental residence from self-management or a current manager to professional property management, including provider comparisons, handoff records, costs, timing,…

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Home Maintenance & Inspections

Home Components That Commonly Fail Without Warning

Dryer vents, HVAC equipment, plumbing, water heaters, electrical components, alarms, and parts of the home’s structure can develop problems with little notice. Learn what to…

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Home Maintenance & Inspections

Home Systems That Should Be Inspected Annually

Learn which home systems merit annual attention, what a maintenance inspection can include, how to plan for costs, and how to choose a qualified provider.

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House Management

Who Needs a Professional House Manager?

A professional house manager can coordinate household operations, staff, and service providers. Learn who benefits, what the role includes, how arrangements differ, and how to…

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House Management

What Does a House Manager Do While You’re Away?

A house manager can coordinate household staff, vendors, maintenance, logistics, and security while you travel. Learn what to include, what affects cost, and how to…

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House Management

How House Managers Protect High-Value Homes

A house manager can protect a high-value home by overseeing maintenance, staff, vendors, budgets, and household security routines. Learn what the role includes, how to…

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House Management

What Does a Luxury Home Manager Handle?

A luxury home manager may coordinate household staff, vendors, maintenance, schedules, budgets, and personalized support. Learn what the role can include, what affects cost, and…

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House Management

What Should Be Included in House Management Services?

House management services can cover home maintenance coordination, household staff, schedules, supplies, meals, and administrative tasks. Learn what to include, compare provider roles, and set…

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House Management

How to Create a Home Operations Manual

Learn how to create a home operations manual with useful sections for contacts, home systems, maintenance, routines, records, and emergency information, plus tips for keeping…

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House Management

How to Organize the Operations of a Luxury Residence

A practical guide to organizing luxury residence operations, from maintenance calendars and staff responsibilities to vendor coordination, records, and choosing a house manager.

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Home Maintenance & Inspections

How to Create a Home Maintenance Calendar That Works

Build a practical home maintenance calendar by listing your home’s systems, sorting tasks by frequency or season, and setting reminders that match your routine. Learn…

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