PROVIDING HOME WATCH SERVICES WITH EXPERT CARE

The inception of Lake Forest Home Management is both simple and practical. It began 10 years ago when Kathleen Doetsch, co-founder, started to keep a watchful eye over the homes of friends and family who were traveling for an extended amount of time. Going beyond mere housesitting, she prioritized the safety and upkeep of their residences, providing her loved ones assurance that their homes and cherished belongings were secure during their time away.

Kathleen and her husband, Philip Doetsch, co-founder, had the idea to expand her services to a broader audience. The mission: to provide a unique and vital service safeguarding and maintaining the homes of travelers and vacationers alike. “Given how many people in the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff area have second homes, providing home watch services on a larger scale just made sense,” says Philip.

Launched in October 2023, Lake Forest Home Management swiftly became a trusted provider of comprehensive home watch services. Serving as a vigilant protector for homeowners, they mitigate risks and ensure tranquility in their absence. “We are their eyes and ears, providing peace of mind while they are away,” says Kathleen.

Catering to a diverse clientele, the home watch company oversees the homes of seasonal travelers, long-term vacationers, and those on extended work trips. “Most clients are snowbirds or residents taking extended vacations, but we also assist realtors monitoring homes that have recently been sold but remain unoccupied,” says Philip.

They start with a detailed consultation to identify the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner. The objective is to ensure that residences never appear vacant or vulnerable to any risks. These risks can include plumbing issues, pest infestations, and appliance failures. Nevertheless, Lake Forest Home Management offers comprehensive services to relieve these risks effectively, encompassing thorough interior and exterior checks, mail collection, and oversight of other service providers.

Beyond basic home watch services, they offer additional benefits such as managing home renovations in the homeowner’s absence and stocking groceries for their return. They also provide regular updates through text messages and comprehensive home reports.

“After each visit, we email a full home report outlining what was examined, including pictures of any issues or vulnerable areas,” says Kathleen. “If there is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately, we text the client right away while on-site, and based on how they would like the problem to be resolved, we work with the homeowner’s service providers to resolve any issues, or, if needed, bring in a referred vendor.”

“Since most homeowners insurance does not cover damages to homes if the owner is gone more than 30 days without a monitoring solution in place, it is crucial extended travelers consider a service like ours” says Philip.

Lake Forest Home Management distinguishes itself through its commitment to professionalism and reliability. Unlike family or neighbors who may offer occasional check-ins, they provide a higher level of assurance backed by expertise and accreditation. They are licensed, bonded, insured, and accredited by the National Home Watch Association, embodying trust and integrity.

As local residents raising their three young children, the Doetschs are deeply invested in their community. Their dedication to safeguarding homes reflects their love for Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Homeowners can rest assured that their properties are in expert hands.

Lake Forest Home Management, 847-624-4214, lfhomemanagement.com.