What Caretakers Do on Martha's Vineyard

Regular property inspections are the cornerstone of responsible second-home ownership on Martha's Vineyard. Our vetted caretakers perform weekly or bi-monthly visual checks of your entire property — interior and exterior — documenting conditions with timestamped photos.

Every inspection follows a customizable digital checklist tailored to your property. Reports are delivered within 24 hours via email, complete with photos and notes on anything that needs attention. From checking for roof leaks after a rainstorm to verifying your sump pump is running, nothing gets missed.

For seasonal homeowners who are off-island 9-10 months a year, these inspections provide peace of mind that your biggest investment is being watched over by someone who knows your property intimately.

Martha's Vineyard is exposed to nor'easters, hurricanes, and severe coastal weather that can cause significant damage to unprotected properties. Our caretakers provide comprehensive storm preparation and post-storm response services.

Before a storm, your caretaker secures outdoor furniture, checks shutters and storm windows, ensures sump pumps and generators are operational, and documents pre-storm conditions. After the storm passes, they perform a thorough walk-through, documenting any damage with photos and coordinating emergency repairs if needed.

Many of our providers offer 24/7 emergency response, meaning if a tree falls on your roof at 2 AM, someone is already on their way to assess and protect your property.

The seasonal rhythm of Martha's Vineyard means most second homes need careful winterization each fall and a thorough de-winterization each spring. Getting this wrong can be catastrophic — a single frozen pipe can cause $100,000+ in water damage.

Our caretakers follow comprehensive checklists for both opening and closing your home. Closing includes draining all water lines, setting heating to safe minimums, securing windows and doors, disconnecting outdoor systems, and prepping your property for months of harsh winter weather.

Spring opening reverses the process: reactivating water systems, testing all appliances and HVAC, checking for winter damage, cleaning, and ensuring everything is guest-ready for your first visit of the season.

If you rent your MV home during peak season (where luxury rentals earn $10,000-$75,000/week), professional turnover management is essential. Your caretaker ensures every guest departure is inspected and every arrival is flawless.

After each guest checks out, your caretaker performs a detailed walk-through: checking for damage, verifying all valuables and inventory items, testing appliances, and coordinating with your cleaning crew. Before the next guest arrives, they ensure everything meets your standards.

This service protects both your property and your rental income. A damaged item caught on Tuesday can be repaired before Saturday's $15,000/week guests arrive.

Managing construction, renovation, or maintenance projects from off-island is one of the most frustrating aspects of MV homeownership. Contractors need access, supervision, and accountability — and you can't be there to provide it.

Your caretaker becomes your on-site project manager. They meet contractors at your property, provide access, supervise work quality, send progress reports with photos, and even review invoices to ensure billing matches completed work.

With the island's contractor premium running 20-35% above mainland rates, having someone on-site who can verify work quality and hold vendors accountable saves you real money.

Imagine stepping off the ferry or plane to find your MV home perfectly prepared for your arrival: the temperature dialed in, fresh groceries in the fridge, flowers on the table, your boat checked and fueled, and a personalized welcome note.

Our concierge-level caretakers transform your arrival from stressful to seamless. They handle everything from provisioning to personalized amenities, ensuring your vacation starts the moment you walk through the door — not hours later after a trip to Cronig's.

This service is especially valuable for homeowners hosting guests or family who want a white-glove arrival experience.

With most MV homes sitting empty for 9-10 months of the year, security is a top concern for off-island homeowners. Professional caretakers provide a physical security presence that alarm systems alone cannot match.

Regular property visits deter potential break-ins, and experienced caretakers know how to spot signs of attempted entry, vandalism, or suspicious activity. They coordinate directly with local law enforcement when needed and maintain your alarm systems.

Unlike remote monitoring services, a local caretaker can be at your property within minutes to investigate an alarm trigger, check on a neighbor's report, or respond to any security concern.

Your MV property's landscaping is a significant investment — and an unattended landscape can deteriorate quickly in the island's salt air and variable weather. Caretakers provide oversight of your lawn care and landscaping vendors, ensuring the work is done to your standards.

From monitoring irrigation systems to verifying seasonal plantings, your caretaker acts as your eyes on the ground. They coordinate with landscapers, report on conditions, and ensure your property maintains its curb appeal year-round.

This is particularly important for waterfront and estate properties where landscaping represents a substantial portion of the property's aesthetic value.