House watcher Stx

Not to be snarky, but people charge for that?

A thank-you dinner?

Right CAtoSTX. That's what I would call payment for what amounts to a favor really.

Have encountered areas (Naples FL for one) where folks do seem to make this a part-time job with a series of condos or homes...but the closest thing to this that I have encountered in stx is the home's regular housekeeper/cleaning lady who goes in every week or two, cleans and checks things out...usually partly so the snowbird homeowner can keep their winter cleaning lady for the next winter.

Triple A Security provide the type of service you are looking for. The owner of the company is a good, honest guy that would probably check on your house personally if you ask. All of the employees are off duty police officers- I have worked with them on multiple occasions and can say that these are good guys. One good thing about them is that in case something happens, you don't have to wait in the PD, they are already there.
They have a banner with contact info on the fence in front of the old Toyota building. If you can't find it, pm me and I will track the number down for you if you are interested.

some real estate office have what they call property managers. they make sure things are running smoothly.

Since there is apparently no going rate for the exact service that the OP wants, I'll suggest $25 per visit, plus $25/hour for any problems that he/she has to help manage and resolve, plus whatever any pros charge for coming to fix any advanced problems.

But normally you just ask a close neighbor to check on things and then give them a gift. I would still get a close neighbor as a backup, to be sure the paid person is actually showing up, and to tell you if he/she is using your place for parties.

I'd pay for a house sitter (someone actually living on the property overnight on a weekly basis to care for plants and animals) but not a house watcher. My neighbors, friends and maid can do that for free as I would do for them.

Thanks for all the input. I went with the neighbor idea. Good input. .