[daveyjones978]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

Things that have made this work:

1. Home Watch Service
2. A couple immediate neighbors who we we are good friends with, who we trust and who have our contact information (and in one case, our keys)
3. A landscaper who communicates with us (including billing) through email. I have a Rachio so I control the irrigation schedule remotely.
4. A lot of security devices: Alarm system with remote interactive services and a boatload of sensors (every door and window including garage, plus motion detectors, including garage), Ring doorbell, Arlo cameras, Strikemaster door reinforcement, alarm and camera warning stickers. One Arlo looks down the side of the house where the A/C condensers and pool equipment are located. If I sprang a big leak at my equipment pad, I would be able to see it (might even trigger a motion alert if I were lucky). If someone sticks a flyer in the front door handle, I can see it and ask a neighbor to remove it.
5. A house that is located and oriented such that it is not a good target for burglars
6. A method for covering the pool so that it requires close to zero maintenance during our absences
7. A lot of connected devices: thermostats, AC outlets, lighting, and recently, automation to connect them all together to make the home appear occupied. For example, motion on my Ring or Arlo triggers barking dog sounds and makes lights go on and off, after a delay. If I wanted, I could do things like have my Harmony remote turn on my TV and tune to different channels at different times of the day.

THIS is a lot of excellent information. We have had our 2nd home in Las Vegas for several years now, and just recently this last trip finally got WiFi installed. I will be doing several of these things in the next few months. Thankfully, we have an awesome neighbor who has keys and can go over right away to check in if something seems amiss.

[daveyjones978]

We've had a second home in Las Vegas for almost 15 years now. I would strongly suggest going the Condo/HOA route vs. a standalone home. Our HOA is under $200 per month and covers any maintenance to the exterior, as well as original interior (water heater, HVAC, etc.) We've had to have several things replaced due to issues with the original builder, and thankfully they were covered. Unless you are looking for a property directly on the Strip, there are still several places with relatively reasonable HOA assessments. They're not without fault, however, so I would probably look into a Home Watch service as a backup, especially if you are going to be gone for extended periods of time.

We have never left our AC running while we aren't there - we're also on a first floor, with SW exposure. The most I've ever come into the apartment being was in the 80s; our unit cools off quickly. We usually will turn the water off at our washing machine, but will leave the rest as is, save for unplugging TVs and the toaster. Fridge stays on, ice maker off. Utilities are relatively inexpensive there in comparison to other cities, so even leaving them "running" it's less than $100 a month for everything. I plan on putting a Ring Doorbell in on my next visit.

[joe weed]

Sorry to bump an old thread. Just bought my first Vegas condo which I'll probably leave vacant for extended periods of time, summer (too hot) and winter (too cold). Serious question, why would you leave the a/c or heater on while vacant?

[wpcoe]

Originally Posted by joe weed

Serious question, why would you leave the a/c or heater on while vacant?

Only reason I could think of for heat would be to prevent water pipes from freezing. Is that an actual problem in Las Vegas? I know it gets cold, but it doesn't seem to stay below freezing for long -- is it long enough to freeze water lines?

Another question I have regarding leaving an apartment unattended for months at a time: If the parking is exposed, i.e. not in a garage, how do you protect your car from (a) the buildup of sand/dirt and (b) vandals or thieves? And, whether garaged or exposed, how long does a car battery hold up, considering the extreme summer temperature? By any chance, is there a service you can pay to start your car periodically, say once or twice a month, and brush off the debris?

[mike886]

We leave the heater on but set very low during the winter just in case there is a prolong freeze, I don't believe it has ever kick in. The a/c we set at 89 during the summer as too much heat can harm things as well and that has gone on during the summer months.
I'm sure if you use a service like JP's Home Watchers that he would monitor the car along with the home.
Michael

[ddrhazy]

Originally Posted by wpcoe

Only reason I could think of for heat would be to prevent water pipes from freezing. Is that an actual problem in Las Vegas? I know it gets cold, but it doesn't seem to stay below freezing for long -- is it long enough to freeze water lines?

Another question I have regarding leaving an apartment unattended for months at a time: If the parking is exposed, i.e. not in a garage, how do you protect your car from (a) the buildup of sand/dirt and (b) vandals or thieves? And, whether garaged or exposed, how long does a car battery hold up, considering the extreme summer temperature? By any chance, is there a service you can pay to start your car periodically, say once or twice a month, and brush off the debris?

Should not be necessary in a condo since you share walls with other residents and benefit from their own homes being heated.

You can also disconnect your car battery when you are on a trip, that will prevent the battery being drained. Best thing to do is get a unit with a garage or use a car cover.

[timothyaw]

Originally Posted by wpcoe

Only reason I could think of for heat would be to prevent water pipes from freezing. Is that an actual problem in Las Vegas? I know it gets cold, but it doesn't seem to stay below freezing for long -- is it long enough to freeze water lines?

Another question I have regarding leaving an apartment unattended for months at a time: If the parking is exposed, i.e. not in a garage, how do you protect your car from (a) the buildup of sand/dirt and (b) vandals or thieves? And, whether garaged or exposed, how long does a car battery hold up, considering the extreme summer temperature? By any chance, is there a service you can pay to start your car periodically, say once or twice a month, and brush off the debris?

Use a battery trickle charger to keep your battery charged while not driving it for extended periods.

[joe weed]

Another stupid question, the washer dryer and water heater are in 2 storage rooms out on the balcony. Are there things I shouldn't leave stored in there during summer/winter? Cleaners, chemicals, etc? Sorry, I'm from a tropical climate where we don't have these drastic temperature changes.

[Tominftl]

A condo would be the logical way to go. Lock and leave is very appealing.

[wpcoe]

Originally Posted by wpcoe

Another question I have regarding leaving an apartment unattended for months at a time: If the parking is exposed, i.e. not in a garage, how do you protect your car from (a) the buildup of sand/dirt and (b) vandals or thieves? And, whether garaged or exposed, how long does a car battery hold up, considering the extreme summer temperature? By any chance, is there a service you can pay to start your car periodically, say once or twice a month, and brush off the debris?

Originally Posted by timothyaw

Use a battery trickle charger to keep your battery charged while not driving it for extended periods.

It could be a bit of a hassle to remove the battery to bring it into the apartment, but it may be worth it, I guess.