The Benefits of House Sitting

House Sitters Wanted For an Expanding Market

Do you want to travel to Australia or Europe but are discouraged by the cost of accommodations? Do you dream of going to foreign lands and experiencing different cultures, but your budget says ‘No?’ Wouldn’t it be neat to explore exotic locations for as long as you wanted without having to settle for living in a hostel? Well, you can and you don’t have to be a millionaire.

House sitting, a trend that is spreading among homeowners, requires people who are trustworthy and reliable to look after properties worldwide.

If the idea of travelling to a location of your choice and living in a beautiful home rent-free in exchange for services appeals to you, read on. We are going to look at what house sitting is, why homeowners want house sitters, where you can get more information about house sitting and where you can apply to become a house sitter.

Image by Clipart.com

What is House Sitting?

Simply put, house sitting is an arrangement between a homeowner and a trustworthy individual, i.e. the house sitter. In exchange for living in the house rent free, the house sitter agrees to maintain and care for the home, gardens and any pets in accordance with the homeowner’s instructions for the duration of the owners’ absence.

Oftentimes, homeowners need to leave their residence for extended periods due to family or job-related issues that require their immediate presence for an indefinite time. Or the family just wants to go on holiday. One thing many of these homeowners have in common is unease about leaving their homes unattended and vulnerable.

There are concerns about the mail building up, dark windows at night and the garden becoming overgrown; signs that the house is unoccupied and liable to break ins.

The homeowners may have pets they cannot bring with them. Appeals to relatives and/or friends prove fruitless, and boarding is not an option. Some pets find separation from the family stressful enough without the added strain of being removed from their home and placed in unfamiliar surroundings.

Homeowners may also worry about property damage occurring while the house is empty. An electrical fault could cause a fire or a violent storm may inflict property damage.

Portrait of Woman Biting Nail

and Looking Concerned by George Marks

Why House Sitters Are Wanted

For these reasons, homeowners want house sitters looking after their property. With a responsible person on site to deal with any problems that may arise, homeowners can rest assured their house is in safe hands.

Free from the worry of wondering what is happening at the homestead, homeowners can spend their time attending to their responsibilities and/or enjoying their holidays.

House sitters, in return for free housing in another city or country, are expected to look after the home in the manner that has been agreed upon with the owner. Duties typically include, but are not limited to, tending the garden, mowing the lawn, bringing in the mail, and caring for any pets.

In addition to the above responsibilities, house sitters are also expected to deal with any unforeseen difficulties that may arise during the owner’s absence. Returning home from an enjoyable family holiday to find the basement flooded can be a real shock. With a reliable house sitter in situ, a simple leak is taken care of immediately before it becomes something serious.

Image by clipart.com

House Sitters Come from All Backgrounds

House sitters come from all walks of life. Students, retirees, full-time professionals, and writers are just some people who house sit. Homeowners need someone they can trust with their most valuable asset: their home. If you are honest, responsible and can inspire confidence, you may have what it takes to become a house sitter.

If you’re considering becoming a house sitter, remember to do your research before you jump into anything. Below are some books about house sitting that should answer any questions you may have. There are also some good house sitting blogs that can give you some real insight in the business and what you can expect.

You can go to the
website posted here for more information on house sitting and how to register to become a house sitter. Remember, house sitters are wanted worldwide. This could be the experience of a lifetime you’ve been looking for.

The House Sitters How-to Handbook: Your Complete Guide to Travel & Adventure as a House Sitter

Available from Amazon, Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

Dream of leaving it all behind and travelling the world but find yourself running into a money-green wall? This book may be what you’re looking for.

Rick and Colleen Ray are full-time house sitters with real-world experience. Whether you’re interested in house sitting locally or internationally, as a side job or a full-time occupation, the Rays spell it out for you step-by-step.

They cover topics such finding the best assignments, developing effective profiles and interviewing with a homeowner for a successful result. Before taking the plunge, do yourself a favour and read this book first.

Finding the Gypsy in Me – Tales of an International House Sitter

Available from Amazon, Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

Teresa Roberts did what many of us only fantasize doing. Leaving behind her old world, she embarked on a five-year journey as an international house sitter. Read about her sojourns through Europe, Malta, Mexico, and England.

Break Free: The Ultimate Guide to Housesitting

Available from Amazon, Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

Here is another book for anyone who has considered globe-trotting the world as a house sitter. Whether you are considering becoming a house sitter or hiring one, authors Jessica Ainlay and Daniela Heinrich explain everything you need to know.

Topics include how to find the right house sitting assignment, writing an effective profile and what to look for when interviewing a house sitter. There is also a section listing various house sitting websites.