Cardinal Home Watch Services
Offering Professional Home Watch Services to Ohio Snowbirds and Vacationers
Professional Home Watch Services | Wadsworth OH
“Like the cardinal, I stay here through the winter to watch over what matters most. With years of home inspection experience and deep roots in Northeast Ohio, you can count on me to keep your home safe while you’re away.” — Mark Hershberger, Owner and Founder of Cardinal Home Watch
Why Choose a Licensed Home Inspector for Your Home Watch? | Wadsworth OH
What are Home Watch Services? “Home Watch is much more than simply asking a friend or neighbor to “keep an eye on things.” It’s a professional service that provides scheduled, documented inspections by a trained expert who knows what to look for—signs of leaks, damage, electrical issues, pests, or other potential problems that can quickly worsen if left unnoticed. With detailed reports, accountability, and experience in home systems, a Home Watch professional helps protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and give you true peace of mind while you’re away.
With over 16 years of professional home inspection experience, Mark Hershberger brings unmatched expertise to every Home Watch visit. As a member of the National Home Watch Association, he upholds nationally recognized standards for ethics, accountability, and professionalism, backed by verified insurance and background checks. A graduate of the Home Watch Academy, Mark is formally trained in inspection procedures, reporting, and risk prevention—making him uniquely qualified to safeguard your home with the precision and care of a true professional.
Accredited, Bonded & Insured
What Happens at a Home Watch visit?
During each Home Watch visit, we follow a customized plan designed to protect both the interior and exterior of your home. Our goal is to spot potential issues early, prevent or mitigate damage, and provide complete peace of mind while you’re away. After every visit, you’ll receive a detailed digital report with notes and photos for your review.
A typical visit includes:
- Visual inspection of the home’s exterior for damage or suspicious activity
- Collection of mail, flyers, and packages
- Verification that heating, cooling, and humidity levels are within range
- Inspection of the electric panel, plumbing, and water systems
- Check for leaks, pests, or moisture intrusion
- Operation of lights, blinds, and doors as requested
- Confirmation that all water is shut off and doors are locked before departure
Click here to see our full Home Watch checklist →(goes to service page link)
Why Trust Your Home to Cardinal Home Watch | Wadsworth OH
“I highly recommend Mark Hershberger for his professionalism, attention to detail, and trustworthiness. He has been an excellent home inspector, always thorough and reliable. Now that he’s starting a home watch business, I know he’ll bring the same level of care and expertise to this new venture. If you’re looking for someone you can trust to keep an eye on your property, Mark would be a great resource. His knowledge, dedication, and integrity make him the perfect choice!” ~ Kristie Ohlin Howard Hanna Realtor
“What a great business model! We have so many snow birds that could really use this service! It will keep their homes more secure during their time away! You can definitely put your trust in Mark Hershberger. I have worked with Mark for many years and he is kind, caring, really smart when it comes to home mechanics and extremely trustworthy! Just think how wonderful it would be to go away and not worry about your home!” ~Bunny Dennison KWELEVATE Realtor
Why You Need an Accredited Home Watch Business
Keyholder Services | Home Access & Contractor Coordination | Wadsworth OH
Our Keyholder Services make it easy for homeowners to schedule repairs, cleaning, or maintenance without being on-site. As your trusted Home Watch professional, Mark securely holds your key and meets contractors, service technicians, or delivery teams at your property—verifying their access, monitoring the work, and ensuring everything is completed properly. Once the job is finished, the home is re-secured and you receive an update for full peace of mind. This service is ideal for seasonal residents, snowbirds, and busy homeowners who want professional oversight and secure property access year-round.
Realtor & Estate Services | Vacant Home Monitoring | Wadsworth OH
Our Realtor and Estate Home Watch Services provide reliable, professional oversight for vacant or unoccupied homes. Whether a property is listed for sale, between owners, or part of an estate, regular Home Watch visits ensure it stays secure, well-maintained, and show-ready. Each visit includes a visual inspection for signs of break-ins, leaks, weather damage, or mechanical issues—addressing small problems before they become costly repairs. For realtors, this helps preserve curb appeal and property value; for estate managers and families, it offers peace of mind knowing the home is being cared for by a licensed, trusted professional.
About Cardinal Home Watch Services | Wadsworthh OH
Founded by lifelong Northeast Ohio resident Mark Hershberger, Cardinal Home Watch Services provides professional, reliable home monitoring for seasonal residents, snowbirds, and homeowners who want peace of mind while they’re away. With over 16 years of licensed home inspection experience, Mark combines expert knowledge of home systems with certified training through the National Home Watch Association and Home Watch Academy. Just like the cardinal that stays through Ohio’s winters, Mark is committed to watching over your home year-round—keeping it safe, secure, and well cared for until you return.
Additional Home Care Services | Wadsworth OH
At Cardinal Home Watch Services, we go beyond standard home inspections to meet your unique needs. In addition to our regular visits, we offer a range of optional home care services such as watering houseplants, changing furnace filters and light bulbs, replacing smoke or CO batteries, light snow removal near entryways, and even basic furniture assembly. Each service is designed to keep your home comfortable, maintained, and ready for your return.
Explore our full list of additional services →(link to additional Service page)
Contact Cardinal Home Watch
Phone: (330) 328-9688
Email: Mark@cardinalhomewatch.com
Visit Cardinal Home Watch on Facebook!
Cardinal Home Watch Services is your trusted professional Home Watch and Property Monitoring Company serving Wadsworth, Medina, Akron, Canton, Barberton, Fairlawn, Hudson, Copley, and the surrounding Northeast Ohio area.
FAQ | Home Watch | Wadsworth OH
What exactly does “home watch service” mean in Ohio?
A home watch service is a professional property-monitoring visit performed while your home is unoccupied. At Cardinal Home Watch Services, each visit covers interior and exterior checks including doors/windows, HVAC operation, humidity levels, and general condition of your property to prevent costly issues and provide you with peace of mind.
How often should I schedule home watch visits for my Ohio property?
For most clients in the Medina, Summit and Stark County area, Cardinal Home Watch recommends weekly or bi-weekly visits. Regular visits reduce the chance of a small issue turning into major damage (e.g., frozen pipes, roof leaks, pest intrusion).
Is Cardinal Home Watch insured, certified and qualified for this work?
Yes. Owner Mark Hershberger is a licensed home inspector with 16 years of experience, a certified graduate of the Home Watch Academy and a member of the National Home Watch Association (NHWA). Cardinal Home Watch Services is insured and follows best-practice standards for inspections and reporting.
What kind of report will I receive after each visit?
After each visit, you’ll receive a digital report via email or text from Cardinal Home Watch Services. The report includes photos, status of key systems, any identified issues and recommended actions so you stay fully informed no matter where you are.
What’s the difference between a regular house sitter and a professional home watch service?
A house sitter typically resides at the property for convenience; a professional home watch service (like Cardinal Home Watch Services) performs structured inspections with checklists, system testing, humidity and HVAC checks, detailed reporting, and preventive tasks—plus credentials like home-inspector training and NHWA membership.
Does Cardinal Home Watch provide key-holder or vendor-access services in Ohio?
Yes. Cardinal Home Watch offers key-holder services where we meet contractors or service technicians, allow access, oversee the work, secure the property afterward and update you. This is ideal for homeowners who are out of town or handling property remotely.
Can Cardinal Home Watch handle extra services like snow-removal, plant watering or filter changes?
Absolutely. In addition to standard inspections, Cardinal Home Watch Services offers optional add-on services upon request such as watering houseplants, changing furnace filters or smoke/CO batteries, basic snow removal at entryways, and more—customized to your property’s needs.
How does a home watch service protect my property from damage while I’m away in Ohio?
Cardinal Home Watch Services focuses on preventive checks: verifying HVAC or furnace is functioning, checking humidity, cycling water to avoid trap-drying, inspecting for roof leaks, downed branches, insect or rodent activity, tripped breakers, and ensuring locks/windows are secure. Early detection = fewer large claims.
Is a home watch service required by my insurance in Ohio if the house will be vacant?
While not always legally required, many insurance policies for vacant or seasonally-occupied homes in Ohio include clauses that require regular inspections or monitoring. Using a professional service like Cardinal Home Watch Services helps satisfy insurance expectations and reduces risk of denied claims.
What geographic areas does Cardinal Home Watch Services cover, and is there a minimum term?
Cardinal Home Watch Services is based in Wadsworth and serves homeowners across Medina County, Summit County, Stark County, and surrounding Northeast Ohio suburbs. There is no rigid contract term; you can choose the inspection frequency that works for you (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.), and extra services can be added as needed.