FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

 How is Property Watchers different from other firms offering real estate advisory services?
 How can Property Watchers offer quality service at low prices?
 Does Property Watchers make a commission on HomeGuard and EnergyAudit services?
 Why should I pay you for services my real estate broker provides free?
 What services would I need to sell my house myself?
 My neighbor said he successfully grieved his taxes himself. Why should I pay you?
 The local building contractor offered to inspect my house for $100 which could be applied towards any work he does. Why should I pay for a HouseCheck?

How is Property Watchers different from other firms offering real estate advisory services?
Property Watchers unbundles the services others market in "packages," providing only the services you need and want at modest cost and without further obligation.  Top

How can Property Watchers offer quality service at low prices?
Property Watchers' staff of unbiased independent experts are among the best in the industry. We keep prices low by only providing the answers and information you require without the additional paperwork that would make our reports suitable for banks, courts, and the IRS. Of course, we do provide fully compliant reports when needed.  Top

Does Property Watchers make a commission on HomeGuard and EnergyAudit services?
No. Alert Home Guardians, which provides property management, and Hudson Valley Energy Consultants, which provides energy audits, are separate companies owned and operated by Property Watchers principals.  Top

Why should I pay you for services my real estate broker provides free?
Real estate is a cyclical industry, so brokers come and go, and few can match our experience. And none have our staff of experts to call on. But more importantly, a broker hoping for a big commission is more likely to tell you what you want to hear than what you need to know. Property Watchers is dedicated to providing independent, unbiased and accurate opinions.  Top

What services would I need to sell my house myself?
Most homes marketed as FSBOs (For Sale By Owner) eventually get sold by MLS brokers. But a successful FSBO is possible. To start, you'll need to know how much your house is worth in today's market (ValueCheck). A HousePrep will tell you what you can do to increase the value. When it's ready, our HouseSell team will help you market the property professionally. And when you get an offer, a BuyerCheck will make sure your prospect is creditworthy.  Top

My neighbor said he successfully grieved his taxes himself. Why should I pay you?
Some homeowners file property tax grievances pro se (on their own), and most lose, which is not surprising. The Town Assessor, who is your "adversary" in a grievance is an experienced, certified appraiser with ALL the facts and figures at his fingertips. It's you against Goliath. By using our TaxCheck service, you even the odds. If your case has merit, we'll file on your behalf. When we win, your assessment is permanently reduced. Our fee is small compared to your overall savings!  Top

The local building contractor offered to inspect my house for $100 which could be applied towards any work he does. Why should I pay for a HouseCheck?
We think Warren Buffet, the Sage of Omaha, answered this question best when he said "Never ask the barber if you need a haircut." The contractor may be the salt of the earth and pillar of the community, but he "has some skin in the game." Property Watchers' HouseChecks are performed by licensed Home Inspectors who are selling nothing but their expertise. And the price is modest, in any case. Top