House Sitting: Ways to make money

[jeffrey]

House sitting can actually make you money in two ways depending on your circumstances. If you have a lot of freedom, it can allow you not to pay rent so that you save a significant amount of money and you might even get to stay in some really nice places.

If your schedule is not as flexible, you can still house sit for those that are gone for shorter vacations by making sure newspapers and mail are picked up, checking on the house, watering plants, etc. Many people feel much more comfortable having someone check on their house when they are away and are willing to pay for this service.

[connor_zen]

Agreed. House sitting (or subsequently cat/dog sitting) can be a good way to earn some good cash.

[SoCoolGifts]

As a young man I also used to boat sit. I had a guy who would pay me to visit his 45 footer. Start the engines and run the pumps. Not much money but I always thought if I wanted I could make a business of it.

[Saving_spree]

My neighbor is house sitting, should introduce her to this thread....

Good way to make money though...

[Mike75]

I tried house sitting few years back, but hated it. It is a huge responsibility and I just can't rest with such a huge responsibility on my head....

What do you guys think??

[Snippa]

I think it would be fun, but hubby is very home-base, comfort-oriented. He wants HIS things around him. But I also have wondered how you get started... I know if you could find friends, but what about finding enough to really make it so you wouldn't have to rent a home?

Dee

[bbtl2009]

Where do we go for that? Is there a special website/forum that has a listing of people that need house sitters?

[snafu]

We use a house sitter because our insurance is void if the condo is left empty for more than 30 days. Good friend was a house sitter during her last two years @ university. House sitters are typically bonded, ready to move-in on short notice with no more than two suitcases and a laptop. It's important to have a written contract that details duties which can include forwarding mail at the end of ea. month, taking care of pets [feeding, walking x 2, grooming, playing 15 minutes x2], taking care of plants water/fertilize once a week, shovel walk/driveway, cut grass as needed meeting community bylaws, maintaining a lighting schedule to give the home a 'lived-in' appearance. If anything breaks the house sitter will call the appropriate repair but you will be required to pay/reimburse. If the house sitter breaks something...accidents will happen. House sitters do not entertain friends in your home EVER.

The house sitter is entitled to eat any perishable foods in fridge but generally supplies their own foods and cooks meals. They generally keep the house in the condition they found it. If messy, they are not required to clean tidy, if neat you arrive home to a house that looks like you left yesterday.

Most house sitters are found by word-of-mouth, networking pays off. Some advertise in community news pamphlets. Tell everyone you know you are seeking gigs as a house sitter, are bonded, well organized, enjoy gardening and looking after pets. Let the church secretary and your pastor know, they have amazing networks. If you know any travel agents, they can give your flyer to people who are booking trips. Post a pretty sign in the coffee lounge at corporations where travel is part of the culture.

Fees are community based. If the kid down the street charges $20. to shovel the walk, that's the fee! If it will take you an hour to water the plants the fee for that service is the government, mandated, minimal hourly rate. Like a babysitter your clients expect you to set the rates and have the answers.

[Mike75]

I am in bit of a pickle. I talked to my friend (after reading this post) about how it is an interesting idea to house sit for people. But that idiot misunderstood me and thought that I was offering to house sit his house for whole 2 months and that also for free.

Now, I would not mind house sitting if I am getting paid, but without pay this is a huge hassle. What to do?

[PetMom]

For some pet owners they are wanting overnight pet sitting for their pet.

Some boarding/doggie daycare places might direct you to these or have this as part of their service. And definitely some dog sitting places may have this as an option.

Minor duties as part of pet care are involved and I was quoted a price of about $75.00 per 10 hour overnight stay. The company does take their cut out of this though, but a grateful dog owner might tack on a little cash tip.

[Jenny]

I don't like house sitting much. But I still do agree that it could be a good way to earn money.
I think I am going to check out on 'pet sitting'. It would be very interesting.

[cicy33]

Originally Posted by Mike75

I am in bit of a pickle. I talked to my friend (after reading this post) about how it is an interesting idea to house sit for people. But that idiot misunderstood me and thought that I was offering to house sit his house for whole 2 months and that also for free.

Now, I would not mind house sitting if I am getting paid, but without pay this is a huge hassle. What to do?

I would just say : oh, lord, I was just mentioning what an interesting idea this was, for myself I could never do that. I am just way to comfortable in my own home and wouldn't want to have something happen to others things while in my care. You could also mention that you will get the word out that he needs a house sitter.