House Sitter ESOL_Teacher

Customer service is excellent. I am currently on my 1st house-sitting assignment with House Carers.com and am extremely happy with the outcome - so much so that I felt compelled to write this note. Thanks. Kind regards to one and all, Wendy
Profile:
http://www.housecarers.com/sitter.cfm/ESOL_Teacher.htm

Homeowner wmcooper feedback

We would like to notify you that we have had success in obtaining a Housesitter from your website. We found it a very useful way to get help for our holiday. We also appreciated the secure contact methods, and the sample agreement.

Please suspend our membershiup, we may wish to use your site again in the future.
Thank you,
homeowner wmcooper

Great use of the photo gallery by sitter jwarbuckle

Here is a great example of how to effectively use the new photo gallery feature.
By House Sitter jwarbuckle

http://www.housecarers.com/sitter.cfm/jwarbuckle.htm

Some Housesitting articles by Ian White, founder of Housecarers.com

How to Select the Best Dog Possible for Your Home by Ian White

Buying a Puppy? – Use This Puppy Checklist by Ian White

Small Dog Breeds For Small Homes by Ian White

Obedience Basics for Puppies that Stay Home Alone; a Guide for Working Pet Owners by Ian White

Retirees Find House Sitting Opens the Door to a New World by Ian White

House Sitters Are Coming to the Rescue of Many Travellers by Ian White

Vacationers Home Check-List: Everything You Should Know Before You Leave by Ian White

Home Security – Defend Your Home and Possessions Against Intruders! by Ian White

House Sitters Love Their Life by Ian White

How To Get Your Pet To Strike The Pose: Tips For Photographing Your Pet by Ian White

Moving? Don't Leave Your Mind Behind by Ian White

Pet Sitting Business is Thriving by Ian White

Caretaking Is a Win-Win Situation by Ian White

Choose the Right Puppy for Your Family by Ian White

Puppy Training Tips for the First Week by Ian White

Mounting Responsibilities Have Some Homeowners Afraid to Leave the House by Ian White

For a Business That Licks the Competition, Become a Pet-Sitter! by Ian White

Find a Best Dog Friend Online by Ian White

Does Your Dog Have An Irritating Jumping Habit by Ian White

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior by Ian White

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them by Ian White

Seniors Have Myriad of Travel Options Available to Them Through House Sitting by Ian White

What is Your Dog Breed? by Ian White

Does Your Dog Have a Barking Problem? Ask Your Neighbor, They Will Tell You! by Ian White


More Information packed Articles - home security, pet care, travel and more by Ian White

Writers chatting about house sitting

Here is a link on house sitting discussion amoung writers. House sitting is a very attractive option
for house sitters.

Writers Forum Post

Trust

The T-Word
by maïa
"It is...happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust." Samuel Johnson

Trust. Not exactly the blind variety, but close enough. That’s what it takes to be a full-time house-sitter, or an any time sittee. Add beloved pets to the mix and the trust issue becomes even more crucial. Folks who’d never think of leaving their human kids with a total stranger for even five minutes, find themselves driving or flying off to who knows where for who knows how long, having left their pretty kitties, fluffy-wuffies or whatevers in the care of someone they met only hours earlier. If that’s not total trust, what is?

I think this is the nicest part of being a house and pet-sitter. Feeling that soul-warming, hardly-ever-found-anymore thing that humans used to count on naturally, and lost somewhere along the way, since ‘competing with’ became more important than ‘relying on’ each other. People trust me with their homes and most of their worldly goods. They seem to know I’ll love and care for their pets as well as they do and that their homes and belongings are in capable, responsible hands. I have to tell you, that’s worth more than anything anyone could pay me, if I charged a fee for sitting. Which I don’t.

I sit for free, as I do everything for free in this latter phase of my life. While I tend houses and dogs, cats, turtles, snakes, et al. here, there, and everywhere, I help people all over the world with their writing, by email. Sitting allows me to do that, so the people I sit for are helping many others sort of second-hand. Like a pebble dropped in a pond, their one act of trust is multiplied many times over, as gifts that go on giving. Neat, huh?

Do you know, that in over six years of doing this, I haven’t come across one single un-nice person? Not one! and I’ve been doing this non-stop, the whole time, since I’m homeless (by choice) and thus have to go from one sit to another, without any gaps. It’s got to be connected with the trust thing, I’m sure. People who trust others are just nice folks, plain and simple. Which came first? Are they nice because they trust me, or do they trust me because they’re nice? Doesn’t really matter.

I was comparatively wealthy in my ‘old’ life, enjoyed a semi-jet-set lifestyle and luxuries most can only dream of. Now, homeless and virtually possession-less, since I have to schlep all my worldly goods with me from sit to sit, I can honestly say this is the best living I’ve ever done. And the most rewarding. I highly recommend it as a part-time ‘career’ or a once in a while ‘change’...or, as it is for me, a way of life. Trust me!

Check out my website at www.saysmom.com and, if you like what you see there, please pass it on and post this link wherever thinking folks gather. Thanks.

For house/pet-sitting info: http://www.housecarers.com/sitter.cfm/mammamaia.htm

"That some do evil gives none the right to do evil in return." maia

"You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Homeowner feedback

We were delighted with the lady who looked after our house and beloved cat over the July holidays. Her registered name is homecarerspetpampers, http://www.housecarers.com/sitter.cfm/homecarerspetpampers.htm

We will be recommending your site to others and using it again in the future. Thanks.
Homeowner catherineanne75

House Sitter Nimmick

I'd like to take this opportunity, too, to say I am so impressed with the services you, and the whole organization, offer.

The improvements of late are very much appreciated and only further support my desire to remain part of your very well-organized and most giving site.

I'm also grateful in how you've assisted me in meeting many wonderful people (homeowners) whom, otherwise, I wouldn't have had privilege to know.
Bravo to all involved in HouseCarers.com!

nimmick's profile
http://www.housecarers.com/sitter.cfm/nimmick.htm

House Sitter feedback from username cruzans

Hello Ian,
Just letting you know the site is great, and it works! We're spending Sept. in Canada, Oct. in NH, and waiting to see what develops for Nov!
Profile of cruzans: http://www.housecarers.com/sitter.cfm/cruzans

House Sitters Are Coming to the Rescue of Many Travelers

Copyright © 2005, Ian White
Everyone seems to have accepted the fact that the days of leaving your door unlocked are over. The rise of crime is affecting everyone, not just those who live in the larger cities. In fact, homes in rural areas are being targeted like never before--due to the opportunity a secluded area provides to the burglar. Statistics tell us that theft of property is among the highest of all personal crimes committed in the United States. While many families do install some type of house alarm, this alone does not bring complete peace of mind. Home alarm devices can be disabled by a crafty intruder.

These facts alone would explain why many people are turning to house sitting directories to help them find a house sitter when they need to be away from home for an extended time. The presence of a human is the main deterrent to a burglar. When you have a house sitter come into your home to live while you are away, you can almost be guaranteed your home will not be targeted by a thief or vandals.

While safety is the number one reason people are seeking out house sitters, they are quickly finding there are many other added benefits. First and foremost, they are saved the cost and worry of boarding their pets while they are away. Pets are happier when they are left in their own environment and kept on their usual routines. Many pet owners find they are not able to enjoy their vacation when they are forced to leave their pets at a kennel. For the individual or family who has to relocate for months at a time, having a house sitter greatly reduces the stress upon a family pet, and the money that is saved from boarding fees can be astounding. A house sitter can see to the many diverse needs of your pet such as feeding, walking, grooming, playing and health monitoring.

People that do have to be away from home for an extended time are finding it is much easier to have a house sitter come and live in their home--rather than renting out their house or imposing on family or friends to come by to tend to the day to day issues. House sitters can do tasks such as checking mail, routine lawn maintenance, home repair, and more. Having a house sitter can bring assurance that when you return from your travels you will still find healthy house plants or gardens--and that your goldfish is still alive! Your house sitter saves you the expense of arranging for pool and lawn maintenance while you are away, as well. House sitters are also invaluable if a major problem arises within you home, such as a leaking hot water heater or storm damage.

So, how does one go about finding a house sitter? The safest way to locate a house sitter is to go through a house sitting directory. Here you can find a house sitter which can meet your needs. Standard guidelines for a house sitter generally include them taking responsibility of your home, pets and property in exchange for rent free accommodations. Other individual needs can also be added to your house sitters guidelines such as arranging for them to supervise a major home repair while you are away.

You may be wondering who actually does house-sitting? You may be surprised to learn there are many individuals who become house sitters because it gives them the opportunity to save money on their living expenses. This enables them to save money for their own homes. Other house sitters may be retirees who are looking for a change of environment after years of work, or they wish to relocate to your area to be near relatives. A few individuals who are temporarily relocated due to their employment may also look into house sitting. House sitters are everyday people just like you and me.

It is usually standard that house sitters will be responsible for paying the utility bills while you are away. This takes the worry off a home owner who is concerned about coming home to a large phone or electric bill. All other bills, such as taxes, mortgage and home insurance is still the responsibility of the owner.

When you contact a house-sitting directory you will have access to their data base of registered house sitters. Registration for home owners is usually free with most directories. You privacy is assured, and your personal information will not be given out to any prospective house sitter. You alone decide when you are comfortable with a house sitter and are open to having him or her know your personal information.

When selecting your house sitter, you should only choose one that can meet all of your criteria. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you will be given references for the candidates. This is an important part of the process when selecting a house sitter. Many times you will be able to talk with other home owners who may have used this individual as a house sitter in the past.

Once you have decided upon a possible candidate, you will want to interview them. During the interview you will want to let them know what you desire from them when they are living at your home. This is when you can tell them about your pets, home maintenance such as a pool, mowing or shoveling snow. This is also when you can get to know the personality and character of your prospective sitter. You need to be assured you are having an animal lover come into your home if you have pets. It would be unreasonable to have someone come into your home who is allergic to cats if you have one for a pet. Also, if someone is fearful of animals, your dog may not get as much interaction as they need.

When you have chosen the house sitter you are comfortable with, you should have a contract drawn up. This contract can be obtained through most house sitting matching services, or you may prefer to have your family attorney draw it up. This contract needs to be as detailed as possible. It should thoroughly explain your expectations for home maintenance, pet care, emergency contact information, etc. If you would like to have a major home project completed, such as having someone come in to clean your gutters, or replace your windows while you are away, you should have all the details included in your contract.

It is advised that you have a face to face interview with your house sitter, or at least have them arrive a few days early so you can show them particular things about your home. While they are there, you can familiarize him or her with aspects of your home, such as window that likes to stick, or how to program the alarm system. This is also a great time for your house sitter to interact and make friends with your pets. They can see the routine of your pet throughout the day. This will help them tremendously. For instance, if you have a dog that does nothing but sleep all day behind the recliner, your house sitter will know this is normal and not a sign of illness. However, if you have a dog that bounces off the ceiling and he or she is laying around in a stupor all day, your house sitter will know this is out of character for that particular pet.

The peace of mind a house sitter can bring to you when you are away from home is priceless. Using a house sitting matching service is also the safest and speediest route to take when looking for a house sitter. Both the home owner and house sitter benefit by these matching services. The sitters can enjoy being in a new area while saving money for school or a home. Retirees are particularly pleased to be chosen as house sitters. Becoming a house sitter allows them an opportunity to travel to a place where their fixed income may not have afforded them to visit otherwise. Home owners can be assured they are not imposing on a family, friend or neighbor to watch over their home. The comfort level that a house sitter can bring to a pet is also a major plus. House sitters not only help deter your home from being the target of a burglary, but they step into your shoes and take care of the small things on a day to day basis.

Author Ian White is founder of http://www.housecarers.com/
House Sitting Directory. Visit Housecarers House sitting directory todayRegistration is free for homeowners (and they'll never have to
rely on cousin Eddie again.)

House Sitters Love Their Life

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.


House Sitting Directory. Visit Housecarers House sitting directory todayRegistration is free for homeowners (and they'll never have to
rely on cousin Eddie again.)