leaving house empty

We have 2 homes, one on the lake. We turn the water off in each and leave the furnaces set at 50*.Our main house at the farm we have a daughter or neighbor drop by and check on once a week or so. Never had a problem other than the daughter waters the house plants too often.

Plenty of insurance companies that insure part time "seasonal" homes. I have 3 homes that each sit empty at least 6 months of the year as I travel around in my RV using the homes as temporary base camps.
Shut everything off, lock them up, winterize the one that gets freezing temps, and go enjoy.
I'd worry more about leaving an 18 yr old living in one, than leaving it empty.

Wonder how people can insure cabins and cottages that sit all winter unoccupied :h

Still always a good thing to check out prior to committing major resources if for no other reason then to quell one's fears.

This may have nothing to do with snowbirds leaving the house while on vacation. But, my uncle passed away a few weeks ago. His daughter called his house insurance company to ask if any changes needed to be made to the policy as the house would set empty till they settled the estate. The insurance company informed her if the house was going to be unoccupied for over 30 days they would not insure it. Sometimes your afraid to ask. So she went to another insurance company and was able to get it insured, but at nearly double the cost just because it would be unoccupied. Just something to think about.

You could get a few of the cheap internet cameras, and set them up around the house. You can then go on the internet, and have a look at/in your house whenever you want!

You may find out that it is less drama to leave it empty then having someone else live in it while you are away.

Once you start to snowbird you will see the thousands of us that leave a place sitting idle while we are gone. It really will not be an issue once you get past your fear.

Hi--we have two houses which we leave when traveling. We are located in a remote area in Pennsylvania, but there is traffic on the road that passes the properties. We have had several break-ins during our absences over the years. Do all you can to prevent intrusions, but, in the end, you can't worry about it. Life is too short and that is why you have insurance.

Have the grand daughter go check it weekly/monthly.

We have left ours empty for the past twelve years for four months every winter, and never have had a problem.
I drain the water system, including the water heater and put pink stuff in all the traps and toilet.
I shut off all the non essential circuit breakers
We shut off the refrig, but leave the freezer turned on.
I have asked one of my neighbors if they should happen to see a tree over on the house during their daily walk to give us a call.
We live in the high country of NC where many days it is below zero, and I know that the sumps in the washing machine and dishwasher must freeze and thaw, but it never has hurt them

Life is short ! go and don't worry about it

Jack L