"Snow Bird" House Preparations. (ice, cities, world, most)

[virgo]

Don't know if this question is appropriate here--mods, please move if it is not.

When a "snowbird" from Michigan, Wisconsin, Buffalo, NY, etc., decides to go South for the winter, do they return home periodically to check on their homes or do they have someone else keep an eye out (neighbors or a management company)? When I see photos on the Weather Channel that show a house with 14 inches of snow on the roof , I wonder if the house is occupied or if it belongs to a "snow bird."

What preparations/arrangements do "snow birds" make when they leave their single family homes to go South, or do the majority live in condos? Are their houses pretty much intact when they return, or are there burst pipes, fallen trees on their property from the weight of ice, water damage from ice blockage in the gutters, citations in the mail for not cleaning snow from certain parts of their property, etc?

Many thanks to all for your responses!

[Jammie]

I'm not a snowbird, but there are a couple of things that I can help you with. My guess is that most of them winterize their plumbing for the winter or they would have busted pipes at times when they returned. OR they would have to leave their heat on all winter long.

They would almost need to have someone checking on their homes so their roof didn't cave in. Also, they'd need to have arrangements for snow removal since cities generally charge a fine for not having clean sidewalks. I understand they also charge a fortune if they end up having to move the snow.

[virgo]

Originally Posted by Jammie

I'm not a snowbird, but there are a couple of things that I can help you with. My guess is that most of them winterize their plumbing for the winter or they would have busted pipes at times when they returned. OR they would have to leave their heat on all winter long.

They would almost need to have someone checking on their homes so their roof didn't cave in. Also, they'd need to have arrangements for snow removal since cities generally charge a fine for not having clean sidewalks. I understand they also charge a fortune if they end up having to move the snow.

Thanks, Jammie. Not having many snow birds around me (Northern VA area), I was wondering what in the world they do when they "fly south." Again, thanks.