There does not seem to be a lack of home owners who seek out the
services of a house sitter. Our modern age has drastically
changed the lifestyle of many. With business travel, military
assignments and even some families owning more than one home,
house sitters never have to fear being without a place to lay
their head at night. There are house sitters who never call one
place home, while others only seek short house sitting
assignments a few times per year. Whatever their lifestyles,
house sitters usually find a home owner who can meet their needs.
Retirees are particularly fond of house sitting. Many of them
make radical changes in their lifestyles when they realize they
are not obligated to stay in one area. Retirees have been known
to pack up a suitcase and catch the next plane to Mexico,
Australia, or wherever the home owner sounds the call from. Many
seniors find the change of environment invigorating after years
of the monotonous drudgery of employment. Other seniors prefer to
take only a few short assignments each year. This gives them the
opportunity to visit new areas while still maintaining their home
base.
Freelance photographers and writers are also finding the house
sitting lifestyle beneficial. Writers who are creating the next
best selling novel--or doing research on a particular part of the
world--can house sit for a home owner in that area and experience
first hand the life, culture and history of a given spot. The
same is true for photographers. Many photographs travel and are
in need of a place to stay. When they are matched with a home
owner who needs a sitter, the photographer can tell the hotel
room good-bye.
Families are also realizing that house sitting gives them a
chance to vacation in parts of the world which would be out of
the question for them otherwise. There are many home owners who
welcome families. Home owners who also need the sitter to care
for pets can be assured their pets will get adequate attention
and exercise when children are in the equation.
There are some house sitters who are unsure about where they want
to put down their roots. Recent military people who have lived in
various bases for years may want to house sit in different parts
of the world for a while before they decide which area would suit
them for a permanent residence. Students are also house sitters.
By being a house sitter, this cuts down on their living expenses.
This also assures the student of a quiet place to concentrate on
studies--away from the distraction of a college campus.
Most house sitters register with a house sitter directory. For a
small fee, their information is available to home owners who are
in need of a house sitter. Here house sitters can post their
information, such as which areas they are available to house sit
in, the length of assignments they are available for, what skills
they have which can benefit the home owner, and so on.
Besides having the opportunity to see the world, house sitters
benefit because they are not charged rent. In exchange for room
and board, the house sitter maintains the home owner’s property
and does regular duties for the home owner while they are away.
These duties can include lawn maintenance, cleaning a pool,
taking care of pets, and more. The needs of the home owner will
be clearly outlined in a house sitting contract.
Being free from rent or a mortgage payment is allowing many house
sitters the chance to save their money. Some house sitters have
big goals and house sitting gives them the opportunity to achieve
them. Whether its starting a small business, saving for a down
payment on a home, or paying their way through college, houses
sitting is paying off for the sitter.
House sitters are mature and responsible. They know the home
owner is leaving their possessions and mementos in their capable
hands. If a problem arises, house sitters are quick to rise to
the challenge. If a pipe leaks, or a tree falls in the yard
because of a storm, a house sitter is on the job and willing to
take the necessary steps to fix the problem. House sitters are
also aware that while they may be living in someone’s home, it is
not their property. House sitter guidelines usually do not allow
for parties or over night guests.
Many house sitters are invited for repeat stays. When a home
owner finds a sitter they like, they will usually ask the sitter
to come back when the need arises for them to travel, again. Many
home owners and sitters are finding they are forging friendships
with each other and they keep up with each others life away from
the house sitting arrangement.
Occasionally house sitters will be asked to do more than just
maintain the property of the home owner or care for the pets. For
instance, some home owners may own rental properties in the area
and ask for the sitter to be on hand for rent payments. Other
home owners may live on a farm. House sitters have been known to
feed the chickens or horses. Most house sitters love the
diversity of these tasks, and welcome the experience. Each home
owner is different and house sitters love exploring all aspects
of a new assignment.
If you are interested in becoming a house sitter, you can
register with a house sitter directory. You don’t have to be a
year-round or full time house sitter, either. There are many home
owners who are constantly seeking sitters for short stays, such
as a week or two. These home owners may simply want to go on a
vacation themselves and need someone to watch over their things.
If you would like the chance to see the world for a few weeks--or
for months on end--you should seriously consider house sitting.
It is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
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