Comparing Home Watch Costs: Minnesota vs. Arizona – What’s Behind the Numbers?

dense AZ retirement community is contrasted to large excelsior home

In the world of home watch services, one might wonder why the cost of these services can vary significantly depending on the location. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why home watch services in Minnesota tend to be more expensive than in Arizona.

1. Density and Community Structure:

Arizona is home to large retirement communities, such as Sun City, which boasts a population of around 40,000 residents. These exclusive retirement communities primarily consist of “snowbirds”.  In such communities, home watch providers can efficiently service an entire neighborhood with minimal drive time between customers.

In contrast, Minnesota primarily consists of primary homes scattered throughout the large metropolitan area. Snowbirds are spread out, necessitating more time spent in transit to reach clients. For example, even within a city like Minnetonka, driving from one corner to the other can take 17 minutes one way!  The time spent in the car and the cost of mileage add to the overall cost of providing home watch services in the Twin Cities.

2. House Structure:

Houses in Arizona tend to be smaller and simpler than those in Minnesota. The typical Arizona home is often a single-story dwelling with no basement and a minimal yard. In contrast, primary homes in Minnesota are often two or more stories, with basements and larger yards. These larger and more complex homes require more time to inspect thoroughly, contributing to the higher cost of home watch services.

3. Weather Differences:

Minnesota is notorious for its extreme weather conditions, experiencing a temperature swing of over 140 degrees between the depths of winter and the heights of summer. This includes regular rainstorms, snowstorms, and icy conditions. The extreme weather conditions in Minnesota result in a greater number of items to check and care for during home watch services. Providers need to be vigilant in ensuring homes are well-maintained in the face of such challenging weather patterns.

In contrast, Arizona enjoys more consistent and less extreme weather conditions, making the scope of home watch services less demanding in terms of weather-related tasks.

In conclusion, the differences in home watch service costs between Minnesota and Arizona can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as population density, house structures, and extreme weather conditions. These unique challenges in Minnesota necessitate more time and resources to ensure the safety and maintenance of homes, which, in turn, contribute to the higher service costs.

It’s important to remember that the cost of home watch, though it may seem higher, is relatively small when you consider the size of the asset it protects and the invaluable peace of mind it provides. If you’re in the Twin Cities metro area, with a home in or near Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Plymouth, Prior Lake or Eagan for example, and looking for reliable home watch services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you safeguard your home, no matter the weather or unique challenges it may face. Contact us today to discuss your home watch needs and receive a personalized quote. Your peace of mind is our priority!