Reprinted from The Sonoran News

CAVE CREEK - Arizona homeowners have experienced some of the largest increases in property values ever recorded making the homes and property they own one of their largest assets. The ever increasing desirability to live in the Valley of the Sun, has brought many changes to neighborhoods as property sells and re-sells almost over night.

Increasing numbers of homes in many neighborhoods are only lived in part of the year, while the homeowners reside out-of-state and only use this property during the winter months. Many times you don't even know the names of the people owning homes adjacent to yours because you never see them.

Local law enforcement officials state that crime is also on the rise. To people accessing your neighborhoods, it becomes very apparent which homes do not have owners in residence.

Tips to help keep your neighborhood safe include:

• Always report any suspicious or criminal activity.
  
• Call 262-6151 (Crime Stop) in order to get a police officer to respond for service to your area. Call 911 if it is a life threatening emergency.
  
• When calling police, get an incident number from the operator and ask for police contact so you know what is happening with your call.
  
• Keep a watchful eye on your children when they are outside playing.
  
• Keep your cars parked in the garage. If you must park them in your driveway, consider a steering wheel lock. Keep the inside free of valuables (computers, purses, anything with personal information on it).
  
• Lock the doors to your house and install a security door for extra protection.
  
• Get to know your neighbors and stay informed with what is going on in your neighborhood.
  

Homes where no apparent owner is in residence become prime targets for break-ins resulting in theft and vandalism. Storm damage, pipes breaking causing water damage, rodent infestation, electrical outages effecting appliances such as freezers and refrigerators, all can cause massive damages and financial loss. The damages and loss escalate the longer the property is left unmonitored.

More and more homeowners are seeking professional companies to monitor their home while they are traveling or residing in another state. Whether your Arizona property is your primary residence, or you are living out-of-state, having a professional check your property regularly can afford you the peace of mind that your home will be in pristine condition each time you return.

Regular home visits will provide you with the peace of mind that emergency situations such as water leaks or storm damage are detected quickly and repaired before damage costs skyrocket. Regular home monitoring services can leave different lights on and clear away those tell tale sale flyers and papers on the drive or entry giving your home that lived in appearance.

Service providers can meet with you to assess your needs and create a plan to meet all your needs.

Regular services might include: Visual inspection of the complete exterior; remove all flyers, papers on drive and entry; remove and/or forward your personal mail; monitor landscape, pool and maid services; check irrigation system operation and control according to season; inspect interior walls, ceilings and floors; inspect alarm system; make sure all windows and doors are locked; operate appliances and check softener; run water through all faucets and flush toilets; make sure all utilities are operating properly.

Additional services might include: Collection at the airport; fresh flowers awaiting your arrival home; essential groceries so you don't have to rush out and purchase things; laundry service, including fresh linens on beds and clean towels in the bathrooms; starting of your vehicle(s) to ensure operation when you return; shipping or receiving boxes at your home; arranging for repairs; monitoring small remodeling projects; emailing reports and pictures following each visit to your home.

The possibilities are endless and companies can develop individual programs tailored to meet your specific needs and desires, which will give you peace of mind and lack of worry regarding your residence and property.

Executive Home Services located in Cave Creek. It is owned and operated by Bob & Nancy Sroufe and their slogan is: "Caring for YOUR home and property as if it was their own!" They would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and develop a customized plan to meet your needs. More information may be obtained by visiting their web site at www.executivehomeservices.org or calling them at 480-219-8669. Whether it's your primary residence or your second home, Executive Home Service will provide a thorough check of your home daily, weekly or bi-weekly, so you will never worry about your home again!