Save Money While House Sitting

When you go on your next vacation, you can enjoy all the comforts of home, avoid hordes of fellow travelers, and live rent free. The simple secret to all this is that you will become involved in a process known as "house sitting."

First of all, house sitting is a win-win situation for everyone involved. While you stay in someone's home for a designated period of time, you can see how the locals live and, in certain cases, even use the home owner's car to run errands and do some local sightseeing.

Rest assured that home owners benefit from this arrangement as well, because they know that a house sitter provides extra security, and that their home will be well-maintained while they are away. Also, if a pet dog is part of the arrangement, they will save the substantial fee a kennel would charge in their absence.

What you can do

If house sitting on your vacation is something that interests you, there are websites people use when house sitters and home owners want to connect. Both parties pay a yearly membership of approximately $40, and that will enable you to browse for listings and, in certain cases, correspond with home owners as well to finish making the arrangements.

Making your decision

When you do, note that every house-sitting job is different. For example, some homes are located out in the country, while other people make their home in the heart of a bustling city. Also, while one home owner just wants "someone to watch the house," another will expect you to perform specific chores or spend a considerable amount of time looking after their pets. With this in mind, you will want to perform what realtors refer to as "due diligence" before you enter into any house-sitting agreement.

This means that you should always ask questions to determine what the home owner expects of you and how much of your time will be spent in meeting those requirements. If this means that you won't feel as if you are really on vacation, or that your sightseeing will have to be sharply curtailed because of their needs, it might be best fore everyone concerned if you moved on to another listing.

Landing the job

Once they list their property, some home owners find that they are overwhelmed with applications because they live in a prime location, and you will have to stand out from the rest if you want to be noticed. Because of this, it is a good idea to provide them with references that will add to your credibility, and if you plan on house-sitting for the first time, you can use a character reference or one from your employer instead.

In regard to the rules of basic house-sitting etiquette, be sure that you keep the property in the same (or even better) condition that you found it in when you arrives. Clean the home at the end of your stay, and remember to replace any food you have eaten as well.

For more information about house sitting please visit AussieHouseSitting.com.au.


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