Unoccupied house following death

Flugelhorn

Mother has passed on to higher and greater things. Her bungalow is now empty, I have managed to continue the current house insurance at present but all companies want it inspected every 7 days.

Unfortunately I live 3 hours away and am going to find it difficult - has anyone used any companies / organisations to check on property in these circumstances?

Linton

As my father's house was on the market the EA agreed to do the inspection for a small charge.

Margot123

Is there a reliable neighbour/local friend who could do with a few ££££s?

In my experience, estate agents don't check the property. I went through CCTV to see if our's stuck to their word, and they never went anywhere near unless showing a prospective buyer round. That part of their fee went unpaid!

Solicitors also tend to charge a full hour fee for inspection, and that could amount to £250ish a week.

Linton

Our EA did check the house - he used the toilet and found that it wouldnt flush as the water was turned off. But you didnt want to know that.

TBagpuss

You could see whether there is anyone such as a dog walking / pet-sitting/ house-sitting service who might be willing to do a regular visit. Reputable pet sitters should already have insurance and in many cases, a DBS check

Flugelhorn

Thanks for suggestions - gives me some ideas to look into, it is a small town with a couple of non-chain estate agents so might start there. Most neighbours are aged and infirm (trouble with rows of bungalows built in the late 80s') so may be a bit much to ask them.

nom_de_plume

Maybe employ a local gardener to pop round once a week? As well as a check it will make it look inhabited by keeping it tidy?

buildersdaughter

Most estate agents have cleaners they use for some properties. You could ask to be put in touch, and request an hour a week, to keep the place ticking over, and it will look better for selling / renting. The expense can come out of the estate. I know there are some agencies that wouldn't do such a small amount, but a lot will.
It may also be worth asking the neighbours - as someone already in the street to do some cleaning might welcome an extra hour with no extra travelling.
I am not a 'newbie' by the way - got caught in the 'password change' debacle!

Flugelhorn

Ended up meeting a neighbour and happened to offer to help out, he is currently doing the same for the house next door to him - the owner is in a care home and family live even further away from there than we do. turns out he had helped mother with a few things eg TV not working in the past. Looks like that might be one less thing to sort out !