Minnesota's Snowbird solution: Women-owned businesses collaborate to care for unoccupied homes.

Minneappolis/St.Paul metro area: It is no secret Minnesotans flock to warmer weather in the colder months. Leaving homes unoccupied for long periods of time in our harsh climate is a challenge for these homeowners, and others. To help with that problem, a newer industry - home watch - is gaining traction in the Twin Cities. Now snowbirds, remote workers, corporate relocations and even realtors are calling. Within a few months of each other, four local women started similar businesses and began seeking out advice and support. This led to the group forming organically last spring. “Each of the women has something different to offer the group based on past experiences. We are able to build stronger and better businesses to serve our clients by learning from and supporting each other. Between all of us we have most of the metro covered and provide assistance and peace of mind for our clients.”  

Home Watch businesses provide a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.  Each of these businesses is trained, insured, bonded and background-checked and provides immediate reports to the homeowners.  If any issues are discovered, the home watch provider will work with the homeowner to resolve them.  

Snowbird Home Watch

Ana Cantell

Snowy Owl Home Watch    

Tamara Nugteren    

Northern Nest Services  

Laura Schuh

SureLook HomeWatch

Terri Bristlin-Johnston