Probate assignments

A valuable property protected by a house sitterProtecting properties at their most vulnerable

Burglars are keen readers of obituaries and death notices.  When someone dies, properties are at their most vulnerable as word gets out that the deceased’s home is empty.  Just the time for an unwanted visitor to arrive with a van and pick off the cherished antiques.

What could be more upsetting for the grieving family?  Not only have they lost a loved one, but the home has been violated and items of great sentimental (and financial) value have been lost, often irretrievably.

Police and insurers strongly recommend that someone should move in to the deceased’s house – before the funeral takes place.  Ideally they should then remain in residence until probate is granted – or at least until the valuables have been removed to safe storage.

But who has the time available to make such a commitment at short notice?  Usually immediate family and executors have busy lives of their own and cannot take the necessary absence from their work and family commitments.

Options we offer

  • our live-in service where sitters move into the property to protect it against burglary and weather damage, to care for possessions and pets and to maintain unrestricted insurance cover.

    Additional benefits accrue should the property go on the market: keeping the home aired and welcoming and the garden maintained can assist a sale, and Homesitters liaise with all parties requiring access to the property (family, valuers, estate agents etc).

    This service can be provided for as long as is necessary, with Homesitters supplying a rota of sitters when the requirement stretches into months – or even years.

  • a special one day service where the deceased’s home (and any pets) are cared for during the funeral.  This option can also be provided for funeral attendees who welcome the peace of mind of having their home and pets looked after for the day.