National Home Watch Association (NHWA)
 | |
| Industry | Home Watch |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Jack Luber (Executive Director) |
| Headquarters | South Carolina, United States |
| Services | Accreditation, resources, education & training and industry standards |
| Website | nationalhomewatchassociation |
National Home Watch Association is a trade association founded in 2009 to establish and maintain standards and ethics for Home Watch companies in the United States, Australia, and Canada.[1] It aims to protect homeowners from uninsured, unbonded, and unethical individuals posing as Home Watch professionals, as well as promote public awareness of the Home Watch industry.[2][3]
History
The National Home Watch Association was founded in 2009 by Jack Luber, based in South Carolina. As of April 2024, the organization has over 600 members across the United States, Australia, and Canada. The NHWA sets standards, best practices, procedures, and ethics for the Home Watch industry, which is currently unrecognized, unclassified and unregulated by federal, provincial, state, or municipal governments. It offers training, resources, and accreditation to individuals and businesses in the Home Watch industry.
The NHWA accredits members through a thorough vetting process, including criminal background checks, checks for complaints with consumer agencies and the Better Business Bureau, proper insurance verification, bonding, licensing, and adherence to ethical standards.[4]
Services
NHWA accreditation
The NHWA accreditation indicates that a member Home Watch company follows ethical and secure practices and carries industry-specific insurance coverage. For homeowners, this accreditation assures quality services and adherence to the NHWA's Code of Ethics and Mission Statement. NHWA-accredited businesses also earn access to industry-specific resources, training programs, promotional opportunities, and discounts on business services.[5]
Education and training
The NHWA provides ongoing training and education to its members through conferences, webinars and Q&A panel discussions, chapter meetings and information sharing through forums. The NHWA also offers a Home Watch Boot Camp, a two-day intensive training session that includes visiting properties and instruction on performing an actual Home Watch visit. The Certified Home Watch Professional (CHWP) designation is earned through Home Watch Boot Camp or an on-line curriculum.[6]
National Home Watch Month
The NHWA has declared March the National Home Watch Month. National Home Watch Month is an initiative to educate homeowners and the general public about the need for Home Watch services. It highlights the importance of Home Watch in mitigating the risks associated with second and vacation homes, which are often left unchecked for months at a time, leaving them vulnerable to undiscovered issues such as water damage, mold, and even squatters.[7]
References
- ↑ published, Mary Kane (19 January 2018). "Prep Your House for Snowbird Season". Kiplinger.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ↑ "The National Home Watch Association announces the inaugural National Home Watch Month". KONK Life. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ↑ Kaufman, Joanne (4 April 2024). "Do You Need a Home Watcher? Here's What One Could Do for You". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ↑ Luber, Jack (27 July 2022). "Canopy Home Watch Plus earns NHWA's fourth-year accreditation". Daily Herald. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ↑ "Home watch a thriving business - Siesta Sand". siestasand.us. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ↑ Luber, Jack (16 August 2021). "Canopy Home Watch Plus of Buffalo Grove earns third-year accreditation from the NHWA". Daily Herald. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ↑ correspondent, Robyn A. Friedman Globe; May 8, Updated. "With a certified home watcher, you're sitting pretty on vacation - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.