Why We Do

Being in the real estate business for over two decades, I’ve witnessed countless people pour their hearts and hard-​earned money into buying their dream homes. Owning a home is not just a financial investment; it’s an emotional one. ​It’s the place where memories are made, where families grow, and where dreams come to life.

But imagine coming back from a well-deserved vacation, or having had a loved one pass and the courts have been ​working through the ownership, or you are a winter visitor or a long work trip to find strangers living in the home, ​claiming it as theirs. It’s an unimaginable nightmare, yet it’s happening more often than you’d think. The current laws, ​riddled with loopholes, sometimes work against hardworking homeowners like you. These laws can, shockingly, enable ​squatters to take over your property with little to no repercussions.

This is where we come in. At SquatterWatch, we understand the value of your home, both emotionally and financially. ​We are dedicated to providing you with an extra layer of protection to ensure that your home remains just that—yours. ​Our team conducts thorough, regular Watches of your property, checking doors, windows, and perimeters for any signs ​of unauthorized entry. We listen for unusual noises and look for any debris or signs of habitation that shouldn’t be ​there.

We know the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is safe and secure. Our personalized reports, ​complete with videos and photos, keep you informed about the state of your home while you’re away. If we spot ​anything suspicious, you’ll be the first to know, so you can take immediate action.

Let us help you protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. Trust SquatterWatch and our background checked ​Watchers to stand guard over your home, ensuring it remains the sanctuary you’ve created. Don’t let loopholes and ​opportunists steal your peace of mind. Together, we can safeguard your investment and your dreams.

Choose SquatterWatch—because your home deserves to be yours.

Christie Ellis

Founder of SquatterWatch

How Squatters Are Taking Advantage of Vacant Home

Imagine saving up for a dream home, only to find strangers living in it when you're away. The rise in squatting incidents has ​become a significant concern for homeowners and real estate investors alike. Let's delve into how squatters are exploiting ​vacant homes and what can be done about it.

**The Growing Issue of Squatting**

Squatting is the act of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied property without legal permission. This phenomenon isn't new, ​but recent reports suggest a noticeable increase in such activities. The mere presence of a homeowner or tenant usually ​deters squatters, but vacant homes are easy targets [[1]].

**Why Vacant Homes Are Targets**

Vacant properties, identifiable by unkempt lawns, piled-up mail, and no active utilities, attract squatters who look for easy ​access and minimal security [[2]].

**The Squatter’s Strategy**

Squatters employ various techniques to gain entry into vacant homes, from breaking windows to forging lease agreements. ​They also exploit legal loopholes like adverse possession, which can sometimes allow them to claim ownership if they occupy ​the property long enough [[6]].

**Impact on Property Owners**

The financial burden on property owners is significant, involving repair costs, legal fees, and potential drops in property value. ​Moreover, the emotional stress of dealing with squatters and the violation of one's property rights can be overwhelming.

**Legal Rights and Challenges**

Property owners have legal options, such as serving eviction notices and filing lawsuits, but the eviction process can be ​lengthy and complicated. Laws vary by location, making it essential to navigate the legal framework carefully.

**Preventive Measures for Homeowners**

Regular property inspections and enhanced security systems, including alarm systems and surveillance cameras, are effective ​deterrents against squatters. Maintaining the property's appearance and checking for any signs of unauthorized occupancy ​can also help

**Real-Life Examples of Squatting Incidents**

1. **Case Study 1**: Jane found squatters had moved into her Florida vacation home and changed the locks. It took months of ​legal battles to reclaim her property.

2. **Case Study 2**: Mike's rental property in Arizona was claimed by squatters under adverse possession laws. Despite a tough ​legal battle, he successfully evicted them with the help of a skilled attorney (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vacant-homes-​unwanted-squatters-linda-jarvis)

The rise in squatting incidents highlights the need for vigilant property management and legal awareness. By understanding ​the risks and implementing preventive measures, homeowners can protect their properties from unauthorized occupation.

**FAQs**

**Q: How can I tell if someone is squatting in my property?**

Look for signs like changes in the appearance of the home, unexpected utility usage, or noise coming from the property. ​Regular visits can help you spot these signs early.

**Q: What should I do if I find squatters in my property?**

Contact the police and seek legal advice immediately. Avoid confronting the squatters yourself.

**Q: Can squatters gain legal rights to my property?**

Under adverse possession laws, squatters can sometimes gain legal rights to a property if they meet certain conditions. It’s ​essential to act quickly to prevent this.

**Q: How can I make my vacant property less appealing to squatters?**

Regularly inspect the property, maintain its appearance, and install security measures like alarms and cameras.

**Q: Are there any insurance options to protect against squatting?**

Some insurance policies offer coverage for vandalism and damage caused by squatters. Check with your insurance provider for ​specifics.

Let us check out ​your house on a ​regular basis and ​be one extra layer ​of protection from ​Squatters!

Christie Ellis

What We Do

Our dedicated team will thoroughly inspect your home’s perimeter, ensuring all ​accessible doors and windows are secure. We provide detailed videos and photos, ​giving you the peace of mind that your property remains unoccupied and safe.

Our Clients Include:

• Winter Visitors
  
• Property Managers
• Owners of Vacant Homes
  
• Investment Properties
• Vacant Listings
• Individuals Away for any period of time (vacations, work trips)
  
• Personal Representatives of Estates
  

How It Works:

Starting at $57 per month, and you can cancel anytime, our team will visit your property ​twice a month.

What you get:

• a notification we are headed to your property
  
• a personalized report, complete with videos and photos, highlighting any conditions ​that may require your attention.
  
• A ton of resources on how to protect your space, some include discounts on services
• Peace of mind - we never enter your home unless you want us to. Instead, we conduct ​a thorough exterior inspection, looking in windows, listening for unusual noises, and ​checking for debris. If anything seems suspicious, we’ll contact you immediately!
  

Additional services available such as interior review, flush toilets and run water, extra ​trips, video camera installation, and drone video to name a few - call and ask us about ​these too!

Don’t let someone else take away what you have worked hard for and have no desire to ​let go of! Call us today to learn more about what we do and how we can help you.

Pricing

Monthly Service (2x per month) - BEST VALUE!

• $57 - Exterior Watch (up to 3000 sq ft)
  
• $77 - Interior and Exterior Watch (up to 3000 sq ft)
• $47 - Vacant land (up to 1 acre)
  

Monthly Service (1X per month)

• $37 - Exterior Watch (up to 3000 sq ft)
  
• $57 - Interior and Exterior Watch (up to 3000 sq ft)
• $37 - Vacant land (up to 1 acre)
  

Add Ons

• $20 - Additional Exterior Watch (over 3000 sq ft)
• $25 - Additional Interior and Exterior Watch (over ​3000 sq ft)
• $35 - Additional Vacant land (1 acre up to 3 acres)
• $14- Air Filter Change (over 3 Filters)
• $35 - Additional Trip
  

Packages

• $87 - Interior and Exterior Watch (up to 3000 sq ft) plus Air Filters Changed up to 3 filters
  

Call for custom pricing on the Following:

Land over 3 Acres

Multiple Property Discounts

Alarm System, Landscaping, Cleaning, Handyman, Camera Installation

‪​If you prefer to call instead of email: (480) 331-2210‬