Buying a home but cant move in for 3 weeks. How to safe guard the home? (Katy: HOA, refrigerator)

[MajorDMP]

Greetings All.

I am out of state and buying a home in Katy. I will gain possession of the property this Friday but cant move in yet until end of June. I am flying in to close and then leave the next day. Since I am out of state, I am concerned about the property and want to make sure it's protected before I can officially move in. The property also has a pool.

I put together a list of tasks to complete but want to ask the locals on anything i may have missed. What should I do to the property before head back out of state?

Tasks
Set AC to 85 (or higher not sure)
Verify all the windows are closed and locked. Close the blinds if available
Turn off all the lights but keep the porch light on
Keep the pool pumps running (i've never owned a pool)
Turn off the gas (maybe?)
Turn off the outdoor sprinkler system
Set the refrigerator to its highest setting to minimize cooling an empty space
Turn off water to the toilets (just in case it runs)
Make sure everything outside is stored in the garage

[Samiamj]

I would not turn off your sprinkler system. The grass is going to die and you may get a note for HOA violation. You also may need to find lawn service too. I don’t think you can turn off the gas. It has to be through Centerpoint. Maybe meet the neighbor and give them your contact info.

[WRM20]

Set AC to 80. 85 is too high, and may increase the humidity to a higher than acceptable level
Pool pumps should be on a timer, and not running 24/7
Leave the gas on, otherwise you have to find all of the pilot lights and get them going
Leave fridge where it is. It won't run much if it's not being opened

turning off toilets is a good idea, but make sure the water level in each of them is OK. You don't want the water to all evaporate. Keep the lids up, or you may have some mold growth.

[gwarnecke]

I'd suggest trying to meet a few of your neighbors - perhaps a retired guy/couple if possible - and explain your situation and ask if they mind keeping an eye on the house.

As USPS to hold your mail (when you move, expect to receive a TON of junk mail even if you haven't changed your addresses yet).

Even if you leave the pool pump running the typical ~8 hours a day while you're gone, your pool will turn green if someone isn't looking after the chemicals. Hire a weekly pool service and make sure that they have a way to access the backyard.

Similarly, hire a lawn guy. This time of year, the grass really needs to be mowed weekly.

Don't turn off the gas, but do set the gas water heater to "vacation mode". Or if you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker.

[resonator]

What worked for me was to hire a dog feeder person to stop by every couple days to check and report. And automatic timed lighting. Not all that expensive given the huge risk.

[MajorDMP]

Thanks everyone for your input

[gslape]

DO NOT leave the AC at that high of a temp. I would not go below 78. You will build up too much humidity in the house. At best it will have a musty odor, worst case is mold and/or insect problems. Its not worth the small savings in electricity.

Great idea to hire a pool and yard person. Cheap and keeps people around the house and looking lived in. Your realtor could probably recommend some.

[elnina]

Install a camera or two? (front and back entry)
Check on your property from a phone app.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by elnina

Install a camera or two? (front and back entry)
Check on your property from a phone app.

Yes, at minimum, or better yet have someone you know stay there. We are in Sammamish, WA where we have very little crime, and yet this happened recently:

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/...251699293.html

[skeddy]

Originally Posted by MajorDMP

Greetings All.

I am out of state and buying a home in Katy. I will gain possession of the property this Friday but cant move in yet until end of June. I am flying in to close and then leave the next day. Since I am out of state, I am concerned about the property and want to make sure it's protected before I can officially move in. The property also has a pool.

I put together a list of tasks to complete but want to ask the locals on anything i may have missed. What should I do to the property before head back out of state?

Tasks
Set AC to 85 (or higher not sure)
Verify all the windows are closed and locked. Close the blinds if available
[b][b]Turn off all the lights but keep the porch light on
Keep the pool pumps running (i've never owned a pool)
Turn off the gas (maybe?)
Turn off the outdoor sprinkler system
Set the refrigerator to its highest setting to minimize cooling an empty space
Turn off water to the toilets (just in case it runs)
Make sure everything outside is stored in the garage

I'd be more interested in security than saving a few bucks on utilities. Closing up your house as you describe says nobody lives here.