Home Watch & Estate Management FAQ

What is estate management?

Estate management is owner-side care of a high-value home: scheduled inspections, maintenance planning, vendor supervision, storm readiness, household logistics and reporting, run by one accountable lead. Riverland Home Studios provides it across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, from its base in Fort Lauderdale.

SERVICES AND PRICING

What is the difference between home watch, estate management and property management? Home watch is scheduled inspection of an empty home. Estate management adds maintenance, vendors, projects, arrivals and reporting. Property management means leasing, rent collection and tenants, which requires a Florida real estate license and which we do not do.

How much does home watch cost in Fort Lauderdale? Retainers start at $1,250 a month for a single residence with weekly inspections, the Storm Protocol and Arrival Readiness included. Larger homes and portfolios are scoped after a complimentary Property Readiness Assessment.

Do you only work with homes that sit empty? No. Many clients live here full-time and use us as the one call that runs their household: housekeeping, pet care, vendors and a weekly check-in.

Do you manage vacation rentals? We make them guest-ready and keep them protected, with inspections before every arrival and after every departure. We do not handle bookings, guest messaging, pricing, rent or deposits.

TRUST AND SECURITY

Is home watch licensed in Florida? Florida has no state license specifically for home watch, so credentials matter. Riverland Home Studios is bonded and insured, background-checks every person and trade we send to a client home, and has cared for South Florida homes since 2023.

How do you handle keys and alarm codes? Under documented custody, recorded in your Estate Dossier, and accessed only by personnel bound by confidentiality agreements.

What happens during an inspection? We walk the interior and exterior on a fixed checklist, run water, verify the alarm and send a time-stamped photo report the same day.

What do you do before and after a hurricane? We secure the home before a named storm and inspect it as soon as it is safe, with documentation formatted for your insurance carrier.

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Luxury vacation rentals

Full-time households

Realtors and estate managers

Seasonal & second homes

Still have a question?

More questions

How often should a vacant Florida home be inspected? Weekly is the standard we recommend, and more often in summer and hurricane season. Many policies set conditions for unoccupied homes, so check yours; we document every inspection.

Can you get the house ready before we arrive? Yes. Arrival Readiness opens, airs, cleans and provisions the residence and sets the climate.

Which areas do you serve? Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, including Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, Hollywood, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne.

PRIVACY

RIVERLAND HOME STUDIOS IS BONDED AND INSURED · FAQ · TRADE PARTNERS

PRICING