Home Watcher LV, Las Vegas, NV
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Are you planning to go away?  Here is some important information for you

5/24/2022

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Here is a very interesting article about insurance and vacant or unoccupied homes.  
Read the article from here.
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NHWA Virtual Home Watch Boot Camp with Makayla Lowe

7/17/2021

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I had the privilege to conduct the NHWA Virtual Boot Camp training with Makayla Lowe, located in Opelika Alabama.
Makayla is currently involved with providing Health Services in a large region around Opelika, AL. She saw the opportunity to start a Home Watch company as she noticed a large number of properties used on a seasonal basis by the lakes in the area. 

Makayla is certainly excited about starting this new enterprise and with the knowledge acquired during the Boot Camp, I have the feeling that she will do well in growing a successful Home Watch company.

Makayla completed a full two-day virtual training going over “specific” business practices, viewing recorded detailed home watch inspections following the industry's BEST practices, and going through the NHWA’s Business Basics curriculum created by home watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada.

She has reached the level of “Certified Home Watch Professional” and this NHWA certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the highest standards in the Home Watch industry.

I really enjoyed teaching this virtual class and I want to say CONGRATS to Makayla Lowe. You have officially raised the bar for your new Home Watch company.
 
JP Lalonde
 
#NHWA
#Homewatchbootcamp
#HomeWatchLasVegas
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NHWA Virtual Boot Camp with Robert Shook

7/17/2021

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I had the privilege to conduct the new NHWA Virtual Boot Camp training with Robert Shook, owner of The Shook Company LLC, located in Mesquite Nevada.

Robert is a seasoned company owner and entrepreneur.  He saw the opportunity to include Home Watch Services to his enterprise since the demand in his area is certainly present.  His business experience, and possible untapped market will set him in an excellent position to grow a successful Home Watch company.

Robert completed a full two day virtual training going over “specific” business practices, viewing recorded detailed home watch inspections following the industry's BEST practices, and going through the NHWA’s Business Basics curriculum created by home watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada.

He has reached the level of “Certified Home Watch Professional” and this NHWA certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the highest standards in the Home Watch industry.

I really enjoyed teaching this virtual class with someone from Nevada and I want to say CONGRATS to Robert Shook. You have officially raised the bar for your new company.
 
JP Lalonde
 
#NHWA
#Homewatchbootcamp
#HomeWatchLasVegas
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Air filters, do the right thing.

4/27/2021

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Yes, summer is knocking on our door.  This is the time of the year when your air filters should be in their best condition.  This is the most costly season for energy consumption in Southern Nevada.  Dirty filters will cause unnecessary and wasteful energy expenses. Your filters may or may not look good, do the right thing and make sure your filters are new at the beginning of the warm (hot) season.

And, do yourself a favor, use decent quality pleated filters and remember, whatever your filters do not catch, your lungs will.

JP at Home Watcher LV

​#HOMEWATCH
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Safety Tip - Smoke Detectors

3/21/2021

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BE SMART AND PROACTIVE!

​THIS MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE.

​HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR SMOKE ALARMS LATELY?

Smoke detectors are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

SAFETY TIPS:
  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
  • It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
  • Test all smoke alarms on a regular basis. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • ​Replace the batteries once a year minimum.
  • Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
  • And something most people do not know: Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

From the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

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Bruce Perna

1/23/2021

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CONGRATULATIONS Bruce Perna! 

Servicing the residents of Marana, AZ. 


​Bruce Perna earned the Certified Home Watch Professional designation and is a
 graduate of the NHWA’s Virtual Home Watch Boot Camp with instructor J.P. Lalonde.

I had the pleasure to conduct the NHWA's Virtual Boot Camp with Bruce Perna.  Bruce has been a business person for many years and he is taking his own Home Watch business very seriously.

There is no doubt in my mind that Bruce knows what it’s like to run a business and the work needed to be successful. 
Bruce completed the 2 full days of 1-on-1 training going over the basics of Home Watching, the specific for his region and climate, witnessing a virtual home watch inspections/checks, and going through the NHWA’s curricula created by home watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada. 

Bruce has received the designation of “Certified Home Watch Professional”.  This certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the very highest of standards in the Home Watch industry. 

CONGRATS to Bruce! You have officially raised the bar for your company and your current and future clients!

#Homewatch
#HomeWatchBootCamp
#CertifiedHomeWatchProfessional

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Jennifer AllsHouse

1/23/2021

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CONGRATULATIONS to Jennifer Allshouse!!! 

Servicing the residents of East Phoenix near Fountain Hills AZ, Jennifer earned the Certified Home Watch Professional designation and is a graduate of the NHWA’s Virtual Home Watch Boot Camp with instructor J.P. Lalonde.

I had the privilege to conduct the NHWA's Virtual Boot Camp training with Jennifer AllsHouse, owner of AllsHouse Home Watch in Arizona.  Jennifer knows the Home Watch business and wanted some additional guidance and ideas on how to grow her already successful business.

She 
completed 2 full days of 1-on-1 training going over the basics and her "specific” business needs,  witnessing a virtual home watch inspections/checks, and going through the NHWA’s curricula created by home watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada. 

Jennifer is now a “Certified Home Watch Professional”.  This certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the very highest of standards in the Home Watch industry. 

CONGRATS!!! You have officially raised the bar for your company and your current and future clients!

JP Lalonde

Home Watcher LV, Las Vegas NV

#Homewatch

#HomeWatchBootCamp
#CertifiedHomeWatchProfessional

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Las Vegas Review Journal

11/20/2020

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A few weeks ago, I reached out to a journalist at the Las Vegas Review Journal since she was writing pertinent articles about home security.  She was preparing another article to be published prior to the Holidays.

I had an interesting interview highlighting what Home Watch is about and sharing a few tips and historical findings.

Here is the article.

JP

#HOMEWATCH
#HOMEWATCHLASVEGAS
Review Journal Article
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Protect your faucets and irrigation system

11/4/2020

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Yes, it is this time of the year again when you need to be proactive and protect your irrigation system as well as any exterior faucets.  We do not get very cold winters but it only takes one very cold night to cause serious damage to any exposed piping.

We install insulated faucet cups or socks to all faucets and install insulating material to the vacuum breaker,  The following video from the Nevada Water Authority talks about the importance of protecting your vacuum breaker.  Have a  look and stay warm.

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

JP @ Home Watcher LV

#Homewatch
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NHWA Virtual Boot Camp with Tony Bailey

8/8/2020

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I had the privilege to conduct the NHWA Virtual Boot Camp training with Tony Baily,  founder and owner of Buncombe Home Watch located in beautiful Asheville North Carolina.

His business experience and familiarity with business softwares and financials are excellent attributes to create a successful Home Watch company.

Tony completed a full two day virtual training going over “specific” business practices, viewing recorded detailed home watch inspections following the industry's BEST practices.  We also went through the NHWA’s Business Basics curriculum created by home watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada.

By doing this, Tony has reached the level of “Certified Home Watch Professional” and this NHWA certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the highest standards in the Home Watch industry.

I really enjoyed teaching this virtual class and I want to say CONGRATS to Tony Bailey. You have officially raised the bar for your new company.

A world of unoccupied homes is waiting for you.  Best of luck!

JP Lalonde

#NHWA
#Homewatchbootcamp
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NHWA Virtual Boot Camp - Carol Stine

7/25/2020

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I had the privilege to conduct the NHWA's Virtual Home Watch Boot Camp with Carol Stine, who is expanding her services to do Home Watch for the residents near the Dallas Texas area.

Carol’s business experience was obvious and she will certainly use this experience and knowledge to lay a sound foundation for a successful Home Watch business.

Carol completed 2 full days of 1-on-1 training going over their “specific” business needs, witness a virtual and detailed Home Watch inspection including a long list of typical findings.  She has acquired the knowledge and Best Practices from the NHWA’s curricula created by Home Watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada.

Carol Stine has now received the designation of “Certified Home Watch Professional”. This certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the very highest of standards in the Home Watch industry.

​CONGRATS!!! You have officially raised the bar for your company and your current and future clients!

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Water ON or OFF?

6/14/2020

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Many clients are somewhat surprised that I talk so much about closing the main water valve if possible.
I was at a client's home today and this is a house where the water supply could not be shut-off for multiple reasons.  Well, guess what? The ice machine is leaking, so it started to build ice in the freezer. There is no stopping to this.  Fortunately during my visit, I saw the issue and found a way to turn of the water to this freezer as an immediate corrective measure.

This is just to demonstrate how important it is to shut-down the main water valve if at all possible.  You never know what can happen. Fortunately, the ice machine leak was not major and water could actually freeze and stay in there but if it had been more significant, perhaps the freezer would have started to leak on the wooden floor.  Can you spell disaster??

JP
​Home Watcher LV, Las Vegas
#HomeWatch
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NHWA Boot Camp with Cameron James

2/12/2020

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I had the privilege to conduct the NHWA's Boot Camp training with Cameron James serving the region of Palm Springs CA .
Cameron is a young man full of ambition and wants to start this business the right way..  He wanted to get practical and business knowledge and I have no doubt that Cameron has the right attitude and will be successful.
Cameron completed 2 full days of 1-on-1 training going over her “specific” business needs, conducting onsite home watch inspections following the industry's BEST practices, and going through the NHWA’s curricula created by home watch business leaders throughout the United States and Canada.
Cameron is now an NHWA “Certified Home Watch Professional”. This certification lets the public know of a Home Watch professional’s commitment to excellence, by upholding the highest standards in the Home Watch industry.
I enjoyed teaching this class and I want to say CONGRATS to Cameron James!!! You have officially raised the bar for your starting company.

JP Lalonde
#homewatch

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Tis the season.

12/4/2019

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Yes, we are here again.  It's time to think about protecting your exterior faucets, vacuum breakers and any exposed water lines.  Many people say, ahh, don't worry about it, we never covered them.  What they do not realize is when a house is vacant and not heated at normal temperature of about 70 degrees, there is less heat available through the walls to keep exposed faucets above freezing.  In Las Vegas we may not have one night below freezing throughout the entire winter, but it only takes one cold snap to change everything.

If your faucet freezes, it will start spraying water and cause a significant water leak. The repair cost can be significant if the plumber has to cut through the wall to repair the water line too.  If the vacuum breaker freezes, it will no longer be able to seal the water line tight and prevent a leak.  Actually I see the plastic cover splitting or breaking at or near the top screws.  That is a sign of deformation and it will eventually fail and leak.

The solutions for all of this are quite simple. The faucets and vacuum breakers need to be insulated.  There are home made ways with an old towel and plastic wrap or you can use products that are designed for this and available at most hardware stores.

The faucets can be protected by using an insulated cup or an insulated sock.  The vacuum breaker can typically be protected using an insulated pouch which slides over the unit.  Sometimes there are water lines coming out of the wall preventing the insertion of a pouch.  In those cases, you have to be a bit creative and cover it with some thick fabric and cover everything with a plastic bag. (be aware, wet insulation is not working)

​Happy winter
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Insulated pouch (Home Watcher LV)
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Insulated faucet cup (Home Watcher LV)
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Vacuum breaker leak and frost damage (Home Watcher LV).
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Who said nothing happens in a vacant condo?

2/20/2019

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Over the years, I heard many times, "Nothing ever happened in our condo while we were gone".  That may be the case but the reality is different. During this week's visit to our client's condo, we found a bathroom floor flooded by water dripping from the ceiling.  The problem is from the plumbing for the unit above and the repairs are underway. Walls, ceiling and cabinets are damaged.  Just imagine if the owner did not have anyone check the condo for months.

JP at Home Watcher LV
#homewatch
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A great review received today from a client in Henderson

1/6/2019

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Fire Prevention Week.  Oct. 7-13, 2018

10/9/2018

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This week is the Fire Prevention week as announced by the National Fire Prevention Association. A very simple preventive and life saving measure is to ensure that your smoke and CO detectors and alarms are not only working but that they are within their life expectancy.
 
How often do smoke alarms need to be replaced? A national survey shows most Americans don’t know.  The NFPA and many manufacturers recommend replacing the smoke detectors every ten years.  Read this article here.


If you are not home or need help with replacing batteries or checking your smoke detectors, give us a call.

JP Lalonde
Home Watcher LV
​Las Vegas
​#HomeWatch
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Pool pump.  Who's watching?

7/13/2018

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Pool pump mechanical timers.  They are very reliable until they are not. In this case, the ON tab slipped off the wheel and moved all the way to 8:45PM.  So the pool pump was basically running from 8:45PM to 6:45PM, 22 hours a day.  They say moving water is happy water. I understand that but the owner is not so happy about the high utility bill.

​Enjoy summer!

JP

Home Watcher LV
Las Vegas

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Pool pump running 22 of 24 hours. #HomeWatch
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No, it was not the wind.

4/30/2018

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Unexpected finding.  We had windy days lately but nope, it was not the cause of this problem. It was a hit and run.

The wall was rebuilt quickly and everything is back to normal.

JP
Home Watcher LV
Las Vegas
​#HomeWatch
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Exterior Electrical breaker box.

3/20/2018

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Just imagine that kids or burglars are casing your house. They might trip the main electrical breaker and wait a couple days before gong back.  Why?  Your security system, if you have one, will be dead. Your powered security cameras, your VOIP telephone, your internet modem and router will all be dead.

Unfortunately, your refrigerators and freezer will also be off potentially causing damage and losses.

​Locking your exterior breaker box is the right thing to do.

JP at Home Watcher LV
Las Vegas

​#HomeWatch
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Home Watch Boot Camp Training instructor

3/18/2018

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JP Lalonde from Home Watcher LV is an instructor for the National Home Watch Association for the Certified Home Watch Professional Boot Camp training program.

You can visit the NHWA websites for more details.


http://www.homewatchbootcamp.com/​  and 
https://www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org/certification/

JP Lalonde
Home Watcher LV
Las Vegas NV

​#HomeWatch

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A silent killer.  Today's finding

3/12/2018

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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can kill you quickly. It is called the “silent killer” because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non- irritating.  That is why we must have a CO monitor in the house however, if your device is not ready to warn you, this will cause a vulnerable situation.

During a home walkthrough, a quality Home Watch Service should pick-up on audible alarms and notice abnormalities like this defective CO sensor.

JP at Home Watcher LV
Las Vegas NV
​
#HomeWatch
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Home Watch check and finding
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Today's find.  Water Softener leak

1/24/2018

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Here is a short video of the softener control head leaking. Fortunately, I was inspecting the garage as the softener was going through its cycle.  Et voila.  This leak would cause significant damage is not seen for a long period of time. Service is scheduled.

JP  Home Watcher LV

​#Homewatch
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Water softener leak.
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Door buster attempt

1/18/2018

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Flyers or packages at your door are inviting for the wrong crowd but look at this video and ask yourself if your doors would resist this brutal attack. Let's discuss inexpensive improvements to strengthen one of the most vulnerable point in your home. 

All points of entry should be looked at, not just the front door.  Side or rear doors, garage doors, windows and sliding doors, etc.  Another item to be considered are the electrical breaker panels or main electrical breaker access point.

There are several aspects to be assessed when thinking about how secure your property is.

JP at Home Watcher LV

#HomeWatch


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Today's finding.  Windy Las Vegas.

12/20/2017

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Home Watcher LV Findings
Today was very windy in Las Vegas.  This yard gate was pulled off the hinges and was partially open.  In this case, there is a pool in the yard and as everyone knows, this is a vulnerable situation and could have been a disaster. 

Home Watcher LV, Las Vegas

#HomeWatch
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    J.P. Lalonde

    Owner of 
    Home Watcher LV, LLC
    8022 S. Rainbow Blvd.
    Suite 134,
    Las Vegas NV 89139
    (702) 767-4175

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