Make sure all doors, windows, and gates are locked and that a key is left with a local friend, house sitting company, or in a lockbox located on the property. If there is a security system, make sure it is functioning and being monitored (if not it would be wise to activate), the bills are sent to you for payment, and have the contact information for alarm notification updated, so you will be notified if an alarm is tripped.

Even with a security system and everything tightly locked, there is the possibility that young kids in the area will break in to use it as a party house, a homeless person may move in, or thieves break in to steal anything of value including copper pipes and wiring.  These may be thwarted by having a trusted person frequently visit and inspect the home.  It is best if you can arrange this with a friendly neighbor but if not, you will need to hire a professional house sitting company to inspect regularly.

You will need to make sure that the home is properly insured and that the premium payments are made as required.  Since a typical homeowner insurance policy does not cover a loss on a home that has been vacant longer than 30 days, you will probably need to have the homeowner policy converted to a vacant home policy. Due to the high-risk home when a home is vacant, a vacant home policy is typically more expensive and has additional exclusions versus a typical homeowner policy.  You may need to shop around to find a policy that provides the coverage you need at an affordable price.

Nothing advertises a vacant house like a mailbox stuffed with weeks of junk mail and grass that is 2 feet high.  Request the post office to stop delivery of all mail and forward relevant mail as needed.  Arrange for the lawn to be maintained and the foundation to be watered by a landscaper (especially during summer in North Texas).  You will also need someone to clean the area around the outside of the home to remove signs that it is vacant, such as door hangers, business cards, and other items left by sales and delivery people.

Call all utility service providers to ensure utilities are left on and that the bills are set for autopay or sent to your location.  You will also want to set the thermostat to a temperature that prevents freezing in the winter or becoming too hot in the summer.  Turn off the water heater.  Have one or two lights with low consumption LED light bulbs left on or connected to a timer.

Contact the local taxing authority to make sure taxes are paid current, all future bills and notices are sent to your address. If the home is located in a community with a homeowners association, you will need to verify payments are current and change the mailing address.