How to Handle Your Home While Away on Duty: A Veteran's Guide

Being called away for duty is a reality that military families are all too familiar with. Whether it’s a short-term assignment or a long-term deployment, managing your home while you're away requires foresight, organization, and trusted support. As a proud member of the MIL-Estate Network — a nationwide alliance of 100% veteran or military spouse Realtors —Dorazio Real Estate is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for you and your family. Here's how to protect your home, maintain peace of mind, and ensure your return is stress-free.

1. Create a Comprehensive Home Management Plan

Before you deploy, put together a detailed plan for managing your property and household responsibilities. This plan should include:

• Key contacts: Identify trusted individuals—family, neighbors, or friends—who can serve as local contacts while you’re away.

• Maintenance calendar: List important seasonal maintenance tasks (like winterizing pipes or lawn care) and assign someone to check in periodically.

• Emergency protocol: Leave a list of instructions for handling emergencies, including contractor contacts, insurance info, and utility shutoff procedures.

• Legal arrangements: If needed, set up a Power of Attorney to allow someone to handle urgent matters in your absence.

For families stationed in or out of Chicago, we help create these checklists with a local lens, taking into account weather patterns, tenant laws, and local contractor availability.

2. Leverage Technology for Remote Home Management

Thanks to modern technology, managing your home while away is easier than ever. Use it to stay in control and reduce the burden on others:

• Home security systems: Install smart security systems like Ring or Nest to monitor your home from afar.

• Remote maintenance tools: Use platforms like TaskRabbit or Angie to coordinate repairs and upkeep remotely.

• Smart thermostats: Devices like Ecobee or Google Nest allow you to control heating and cooling, saving energy while you're away.

• Video calls and apps: Stay connected with your contacts or property manager through Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meet, or FaceTime.

3. Set Up Automatic Payments and Financial Management

To ensure your financial life stays on track during your absence:

• Automate all recurring bills: This includes mortgage payments, HOA fees, utilities, insurance premiums, and any other recurring expenses.

• Use military-friendly banks: Many offer deployment-specific tools and benefits, such as USAA or Navy Federal Credit Union.

• Track from a distance: Budgeting apps like Mint, YNAB, or even your bank’s native app help you keep tabs on spending and avoid surprises.

4. Communicate Proactively with Your Realtor

Whether you’re leaving a home behind or exploring options to buy or sell during deployment, your Realtor is a critical resource.

• Stay in the loop: Set regular check-ins (even brief monthly calls) to stay updated.

• Delegate local tasks: MIL-Estate agents like us here at Dorazio Real Estate understand military timelines and can coordinate repairs, inspections, or showings on your behalf.

• Take advantage of remote signing and video tours: Whether you're buying or selling from a distance, our team offers detailed video walkthroughs and secure e-signature options. We’ll send everything you need directly, making the process smooth and fully remote, perfect for military schedules and on-location clients.

If you’re Chicago-based, our deep knowledge of the Chicagoland market means we can advise you on property trends, pricing strategies, and neighborhood growth, even if you're on another continent.

5. Consider Renting Out Your Home

If your deployment extends beyond a few months, renting your home may be a smart financial move. Benefits include:

• Income generation: Offset mortgage and other costs by turning your home into an income-producing asset.

• Preservation: A lived-in home is less prone to neglect and deterioration.

• Flexibility: When managed well, renting doesn’t have to be permanent; you can reclaim your home upon return.

We help Chicago-area homeowners evaluate the rental market, set competitive pricing, screen tenants, and handle property management via our veteran-owned sister company BCG Real Estate Group. With over 160 doors under management, our property management arm is ready to step in and provide turnkey solutions for military families.

6. Prepare for a Smooth Return

Deployment may be temporary, but your homecoming deserves just as much planning. Start a few weeks ahead of your return to ensure a seamless reentry:

• Schedule inspections or deep cleaning to ensure everything is in order.

• Notify service providers like utility companies, internet, and landscapers to resume full services.

• Evaluate home condition and document any needed repairs or updates.

If your home was rented, we’ll walk you through the tenant transition process and perform a detailed walkthrough so you return to a clean, well-maintained space.

Supporting Military Families Every Step of the Way

At Dorazio Real Estate, our mission goes beyond transactions. As veterans ourselves and proud partners of the MIL-Estate network, we understand the weight of deployment and the importance of having a team you can trust on the home front. From home prep to property management and everything in between, we’re here to support your real estate journey no matter where duty calls you!