Congratulations, Cottage Comforts Housewatch and Homeowner Services of Kitty Hawk, NC, on your 12th-year accreditation!

I am extremely pleased to announce the 12th-year accreditation of Cottage Comforts Housewatch and Homeowner Services, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for its Home Watch services. North Carolina’s Outer Banks (OBX) attract many part-time residents and vacationers from around the world, and owners Steve and Tammy Keller enjoy living and working there year-round. In recent years, hurricanes and Covid have increased the importance of Home Watch on the OBX, and their business has grown as a result.

During his time as a student at the University of Maryland, Steve conceived the idea of starting a business on the Outer Banks that would monitor unoccupied homes and keep an eye on things while homeowners were away. He even went as far as to write a business plan for it. So, in 2005, when an opportunity arose for Steve and Tammy to buy an existing concierge business, they jumped at the chance. Steve was able to mold it into the company you see today.

Cottage Comforts Housewatch and Homeowner Services provides weekly or twice-monthly and as-needed visual inspections, vendor monitoring, alarm response, and other services for non-resident homeowners or residents who spend time away from their OBX home.

Steve has vast experience in law enforcement, serving in his home state of Maryland and retiring in 1999 after 23 years. During his law-enforcement career, he served as a supervisor in Patrol, Crime Prevention & Community Relations, Criminal Investigations, Public Information, and Research and Planning. Steve received two departmental citations and five Governor’s Crime Prevention Awards. He earned an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Management. After he retired, Steve stayed active with the Howard County Retired Officers Association. He then transitioned into security and worldwide security oversight of the logistics and air cargo components for a supply-chain management company.

Tammy handles most of the administration but has a full-time career in the insurance industry. Steve and Tammy have been married since January of 1991. They have a son and two grandchildren. When they’re not working, Steve and Tammy travel and spend time at the beach. Steve also enjoys playing golf.

Cottage Comforts Housewatch and Homeowner Services has a service area covering Corolla to Nags Head. Steve can be reached at (252) 261-9369 or Steve@OuterBanksHouseWatch.com. Learn more at his website, www.OuterBanksHouseWatch.com.

Congratulations, Steve and Tammy!

Steeve and Tammy Keller