Do you have an annual HVAC contract?

In the past few weeks, we have had 6 clients with Air Conditioning issues. Problems have ranged from low refrigerant, to bad control boards. Most of our clients keep their thermostats set between 78 and 80 degrees while they are away. If the air conditioning goes out suddenly, things will heat up very quickly. Factor in the heavy humidity, and you've got a recipe for disaster. A good way to avoid potential problems is to sign up for an annual service contract with a quality HVAC company. Service techs will visit and inspect your system usually twice a year. If there is an issue, chances are it will be caught prior to it becoming an emergency situation. And as we all know, there is never a good time for an emergency...and they generally happen after hours or on the weekend = higher labor rate! If you'd like a recommendation for a quality HVAC company in your area, let us know. Oh, and always keep overhead fans going while you aren't there. It keeps the air moving and reduces energy costs.

Thanks for reading,

Jack

Meet the Charleston Team!

Jack Luber

Hello all!

I have some great news to share with you about Coastal Carolina Home Watch's Charleston location. As you know, it sometimes takes a while to put together the "right" team. That's why sports teams trade players and change managers when they don't live up to expectations and promises. Anyone who knows me, knows of my desire to provide unparalleled customer service, and do it with people who share my vision and ethics. I wanted to take my time, and find the these people. It did take a while, but I am now ready to introduce the team that I chose, and the team that chose me.


I met Greg and Donna Doyle when their company, Domestic Home Services of Mount Pleasant became an Accredited Member of the National Home Watch Association in early 2012. Their company too provided absentee homeowner services in the Charleston area and specialized in cleaning. Because membership in the NHWA is only earned by companies that obtain the correct insurance, bonds and licenses, it told me that Greg and Donna were interested in protecting their clients. In addition, they needed to conform to a very high set of standards, guaranteeing client privacy, and truth in their business dealings. These two were a perfect fit for Coastal Carolina Home Watch. After a lot of conversation, we decided to join forces.

Donna & Greg Doyle

 

Donna is a native of North Charleston, and a graduate of the College of Charleston. Her background includes working in the Roper-St Francis and MUSC Hospital Systems, the US State Department, and after her two daughters were born, the Real Estate industry. Donna met Greg while they were attending the College of Charleston. Greg, was born in Canada, and raised in Connecticut. He moved to Charleston in the very early nineties. Greg works in the shipping industry at the Port of Charleston, where he has been employed by the same company since he finished school. When you meet them, you can't help but be very comfortable with their friendly demeanor and brutal honesty (a rare combination). I could not be happier and optimistic.

Donna can be reached at (843) 318-0813 or by email at donna@cchomewatch.com. Greg can be reached at (843) 424-2322 or at greg@cchomewatch.com. Look for our silver HHR with the CCHW logo and say hello.

Thanks for reading.

Jack

Hurricane time...again?

Hello all.

It seems like yesterday that we were getting ready for last year's hurricane season. Unfortunately, it's time to start planning for it again. With the exception of Hurricane Irene 2 years ago (which missed us by not a lot), we have been spared from any real threats. According to NOAA and the National Weather service, 2013 looks to be a very active year for hurricanes and tropical storms. I urge all of you to develop a working plan, and have it in place should the need arise. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Going room by room,make a recording of all of your possessions. If you don't have a video camera, record it on your phone.  Save it to a disc, or thumb drive and store it somewhere safe.
• Make copies of insurance policies and bank accounts. Put them in a zip-lock bag. Cash is always good to have available during an emergency.
• Consider what it would take to keep you and your family comfortable if the power went out for a period of time. Food, bottled water, dry clothes,and an extra phone battery are some things to make sure you have on hand. You might also consider purchasing a small generator to run electronics and possible a refrigerator.
• Have a plan for window shutters or boards to be installed. 

I don't want to seem like an alarmist, but I have friends and family on the Jersey Shore. Super Storm Sandy is fresh in my mind, and a lot of lessons were learned because of the misfortunes created by it.  If there is a possibility of your being away from you place here in South Carolina, consider contacting us about putting a storm contingency plan in place. Call to arrange an appointment...but don't wait too long.

Best,

Jack

CCHW and VRBO/HomeAway

Hello all!

In the latter part of 2012, we made the decision to shift gears a bit, and take on the VRBO and HomeAway market. Vacation Rental by Owner is a growing segment of the rental market. Instead of homeowners signing up with rental agents for a traditional rental program of their beach houses and vacation homes, VRBO and HomeAway allows the homeowner to book their rentals themselves - online. Why would people do this? Well, property managers and rental agents traditionally charge very high commissions to homeowners for their services. They will arrange for and collect the rentals from the renters, and also manage the property for fees that can reach up to 40% or more. And for people who are ok with that, the traditional rental program is just fine. But for the owner that is looking to keep more of the profit for themselves, VRBO is the perfect solution. So what's the catch? There is none really. The homeowner signs up on the websites, and for an annual fee, they list their property(s) for rental. They set the pricing and receive their rental monies through PayPal and the like. It's actually a very simple process. Where does CCHW come in? I thought you'd never ask! CCHW will provide the cleaning service, key turnover, linen rental (if needed) and maintenance for the property. We will inspect the property before and after each rental, as well as providing Home Watch inspections during the non-rental season. And, we will be the ones to receive any renter calls or emergencies. Our expertise makes offering this service a "no-brainer". If you have a rental property and are interested in finding out more details about our VRBO services, give us a call at (843) 357-4440.

Thanks for reading and be well!

Jack

Urgent Notice to our Home Watch Customers!

Greetings to all.

As of this time, although Hurricane Sandy is expected to hit the Northeast hard, the current predictions are that it will pretty much pass by our area, except for some heavy rain and moderate wind beginning on Saturday, October 27. However, due to the nature of this huge hurricane system and the fact that the National Weather Service has not yet been able to predict its exact path, we will be keeping a vigilant eye on your property.

Coastal Carolina Home Watch provides storm preparation services. If you are not already signed up for these services, please call our office at (843) 357-4440 to request them, in case the predictions change and this area is at risk. We’ll need some lead time in order to get to everyone, so please let us know as soon as possible.

Coastal Carolina services the Grand Strand and Greater Charleston areas of South Carolina.

Best,

Jack

Lots of things going on.

Greetings to all.


 I hope everyone is doing well during this time of cooler weather, falling leaves, the baseball playoffs, and of course, football. This is an extremely busy time for us her at CCHW. Since opening our Mount Pleasant office, we have been out on Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, James Island, John's Island and Kiawah Island spreading the word. That's a lot of islands. Oh yeah ... Seabrook Island...and uh...Charleston! Suffice it to say, we've been busy. We have two new team members representing CCHW in the Greater Charleston Area: Michelle "Micki" Mustain and Daryl Snead.

Micki Mustain

Daryl Snead

Micki, who is marketing our services, is a licensed property manager. She is a former resident of Savannah, has ties to the Charleston area construction industry, and is very excited to be working with CCHW. She has already jumped in with both feet, meeting  Realtors and anybody else she can talk to! I am thrilled to have her energy and enthusiasm as a part of our new team. Micki's email address is micki@cchomewatch.com, and phone is (843) 318-0813. Give her a call, and don't be shy...she certainly isn't.

Daryl, is a new resident of Charleston. He recently moved here from Southwestern Virginia, where he founded a 'virtual tour" company for Realtors. Daryl bring a wealth of knowledge to CCHW and will be marketing and performing Home Watch inspections. Daryl is very active with his kids and wife in Folly Beach. You can email him at daryl@cchomewatch.com, or phone him at (540) 526-5225. He will have an SC number very soon.

Remember that Coastal Carolina Home Watch specializes in not just Home Watch inspections, but also VRBO (Vacation Rental; by Owner) services, cleaning services, concierge, keyholder services and pre-storm prep and post storm services. CCHW is no longer offering landscaping and lawn services, but we have excellent companies to recommend.

Please don't be strangers, y'all. (I've gotta say y'all once in a while.) We love to hear from you.

Best,

Jack

It's been a while...

I have not blogged since the beginning of the year. When you own a business, and you are responsible for making it go, there is only so much you can do when your world blows up around you. On the 16th of April, Chris, my wife and partner of 30 years, lost her 15 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Her last few months were horrible, with multiple stays in  hospitals, spending her last three weeks at Tidelands Hospice House in Georgetown, SC.  Chris' courage and bravery inspired me every day. She never complained about the pain she was in, or how tough it was to get through the day. Friends and acquaintances were always amazed at the positive attitude she had and the smile she wore, even while she was suffering. I tell you this not to make you feel sad, nor for your condolences. I am telling you about Chris, because she fought until the end. She was an example of how to adapt and make lemonade out of lemons. Her "never give up" attitude will act as a constant reminder to me that no matter the obstacle, if it is worth doing, I shouldn't give in. And so, I will be rededicating myself to my company and you, my client. 

I will miss her very much.

Thanks for reading,

Jack