House Sitter Neva meet some of the nicest people through house sitting

Thanks for providing such a valuable service. Here's my feedback that
you can feel free to post on the site:

Since I joined housecarers.com, I've met some of the nicest people and I've gotten four housesits through this service and made contact with two other people for possible housesits in the future.

I belong to other housesitting sites on the internet too, but this one is by far the best. I appreciate that Ian takes prompt action to delete ads that are inappropriate or that fall outside the scope of housesitting. This is a very valuable service and I'm happy to have found it.
Sitter username nevhowell

Neva , Online Wellness Counselor,
www.askahealer.com

Northern Rivers Homeowners - couldn't be happier after returning from 6 week holiday

Your service is just fantastic. We found very professional and efficient
housesitters (doumatjas) and couldn't be happier after returning from our 6 week holiday. Ours were great and I would like to leave a good reference for them.
.... Homeowners Northcoasters

House sit : Lismore NSW Northern Rivers Australia
We need someone to look after our house and two dogs (and perhaps one fish, if it's lucky). We have a nice low-maintenance house in a quiet area. It has a medium lawn that will need to be mown. We want someone to care for our house and love our dogs the way we would. Thanks.

Victoria Point Precious Golden Retriver Labrador Monet left in such capable hands.

My husband and I would like to comment on the wonderful experience we have had with house carers KISIMUL through HouseCarers.com. We were able to experience a wonderful holiday and Christmas with family in Tasmania after leaving our precious golden retriver Labrador Monet in such capable hands.


We will definately use the service again. Our HouseCarers.com sitters were honest, patient and kind and kept us informed when we needed to touch base.


I have recommended the web site to various pet owners who reside in the Redlands Shire district of Queensland as we meet regularly at the Puppy Park.


Once again thankyou for providing such a wonderful avenue for finding suitable carers. As a result we will use the service again.

Ellen (homeowner member e192628k)


We live in Victoria Point in South East Queensland. We are seeking a reliable person or couple (will consider family with children) with references to house sit and mind our spoilt female Golden Retriever company, from 21/12/06 to 2nd or 3rd/1/07. You need to be kind and love animals. Our home has an inground salt water pool and is airconditioned. The sitter would have our guest room with own bathroom facilities. Our home is approx 1 kilometre from the beautiful waters edge of Morton Bay. Nearby one can access ferries to Stradbroke and other Islands by water taxi or vehicular ferry. This location is ideal for the boatie with deep access to the beautiful bay. The area is a tourist mecca with much to see and do from Brisbane which in 30 kilometres north, to a 45 minute drive south to theme parks then onto the Gold Coast. We are willing to consider a family who would like a holiday over this period as long as you have references and you are able to keep our pet company.

Sitters lexilou having a ball seeing different parts of Australia

Hi, we joined your site in October this year and it has been a great success for us, we have already done two house-sits and have a third one all arranged for 2 months in Feb 2007.

The people we have met through these house sits have all been really lovely people, we are having a ball seeing different parts of the country (so far Maryborough Qld and Sydney and the next one on the Sunshine Coast), we are more than happy with this site and think it is well worth the money to join, Patricia (lexilou)

View profile for housesitter lexilou

Sitter found for Scenic Mt. Tamborine Queensland Australia

"Thanks for your help in finding a sitter for us for 2007. Your system is excellent in allowing the homeowner to examine all applicants within an envelope of privacy, before making a decision."

Regards cal5288

Do you fancy a break in Queensland's beautiful autumn-winter weather sitting a modern easy care home-with no pets,no pool.

On top of a 550m elev mountain we look 60 kms to Mt. Warning with extensive views of the Border Ranges.

We are on 5 acres. Although that sounds daunting,around the home is cottage garden (with built in watering system from our own water supply)and an acre of lawns,which during autumn-winter will only need cutting every 2-3 weeks-taking 2 hours.We have a 2y.o.15HP Husquvarna ride-on mower.Gardener will also come in to help,at our expense.Lower 3 acres is planted in native forest.

35 mins. from Southport,1hour from Brisbane.

If you would like to sit in one of Australia's most beautiful places,please contact us. We prefer experienced non-smokers with references

Kiwi sitter phillyqualified sees parts of Australia She would not of ever seen with out Housecarers

I must honestly say how pleased I am with your organization.

Every thing is house proud, and one can not but follow the path way that you have laid out before your members. Because of this have my year nearly booked out except for oct. Sept. and Dec.you have just listed a new member from Wellington Janblakie. So I have taken the load off her mind as well.

A bit earlier than i intended starting but her property is only 10 mins drive away so I can manage it as well. Also i had three weeks spare in March and goodvibes sent a message saying they were pleased with my profile and will be in touch after Christmas, so that takes care of march.

I am looking foward to a long membership and looking foward to seeing parts of Australia I would not of ever seen with out Housecarers... Phill (Phiilyqualifid)

View profile for sitter phillyqualified

Sitters Margaret and Allen tour Australia and make friends House Sitting

What a wonderful experience housesitting has been for us - the places we have travelled to & the very special people we have met & stayed friends with. Along with all of this is the responsibility of caring for pets & property which is a privilege given to us once chosen to sit a property.

We have sat houses in Tasmania, Yungaburra (on the very beautiful Atherton Tablelands NQ), Innisfail (not when the cyclone hit)! Cairns (a couple there), Narangba & a B&B in the north west of Victoria (which was a wonderful experience for us). We have a sit in SA early next year which we are looking forward to after we spend Christmas with our family on the Gold Coast. An overseas sit we are hoping for in 2007 - if it is meant it will happen.

Merry Christmas to you & your staff
Regards
Margaret & Alan (AlnMaggie)

View profile for sitters AlnMaggie"

New Zealand house sitter Jan enjoys her Sardina Sit

I have just returned from my 1st housesit (in Sardinia), and found it very rewarding.So thanks to your website for the opportunity, may many more come my way. And Xmas cheer to your team , for all their work to enable members to enjoy this great 'fellowship'. Jan (Jayjay )

View profile for housesitter Jayjay

Sitter found for Coes Creek Queenland housesit

We are home owners who have used this site twice now to locate suitable house sitters. We have been VERY impressed with the service that you offer and each time have had very suitable house sitters to choose from.

This site means that we can go away and know that our house and dogs are being well cared for. We have recommended this site to our friends who are in a similar position to us. People don't always have extended family available to keep an eye on pets, pools and general house maintenance when they go on holidays. Many thanks, homeowners username judyandsteve Coes Creek Queenland

Homeowner twiligh get great response for Bright Vic Aust Tourist Haven

"We have organised for a successful house sit. Thank you - the service and response has been great. Will now use it all the time. We listed with a couple of other agencies with absolutely no response."

Homeowner member twiligh

Fully renovated cottage in the tourist haven of Bright, a small town of 2000 people set in the North-East High Country only 3 & 1/4 hour drive from Melbourne. The 3 bedroom cottage with one bathroom (new large spa bath)and dishwasher is set on a beautiful block only 400 metres to town. Bright has 13 cafes and 15 restaurants to cater for tourists in the busy times. The house is very cool in summer with most summer nights about 10 degrees. The house is set on a large block with a running creek and only one neighbour. Bright is surrounded by mountains and is close to Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo. It is set in a wine and gourmet food region. Bright has been voted one of the 10 most beautiful tourist destinations in Australia. With nothing to do but look after two quiet cats - does anyone want a free holiday. Maximum of two people only as the cats are shy.

False Alarms: Know How to Prevent Them

Don't let your holiday season be ruined by false alarms.

Here is an article on preventing false alarms. Dont forget to
make your house sitter familiate with your alarm system.


False Alarms: Know How to Prevent Them - Kansas City infoZine

House Sitters Potter line up 3 housesits

I find your site to be very user friendly. We are pleased with your service and have found 3 very good matches as housesitters. I would recommend your site to anyone either looking to housesit or find a housesitter. Thank you. .. potter


View profile for sitters Potter

2nd sitter found for Scottish coastal cottages

Our first sitters contacted from your website have just left after 6 months, they and we were sad as it has worked tremendously well. Another will be in place shortly, thanks for this great way of putting people in touch.

Best wishes Janet (kilchristcc)

An opportunity to stay in a beautiful area with lovely coastline, in return for some cleaning/caretaking in four small holiday cottages

Sitter AussieWendy makes many friends around the world through house sitting

I love the Housecarers site, and I have recommended it to thousands of people around the world.

I happily recommend you to everyone who will listen.

I have never had a bad house sit and I have made many friends around the world when I sit for them. These friendships are ongoing.

I love what I do, and I hope to be doing it for many years to come. Thank you.

View profile for sitter AussieWendy

House sitter peggykass fits in writing, and sight seeing with her Vancouver Sits

This year I completed two house sits that came to me through this website. I have been pleased with both and have been asked to perform future house sits for both homeowners in the Vancouver, BC area. The first was for three months and the second for two weeks. Both included the care of cats and both were in locations that were perfect for sight seeing, as well as writing.


Now, I am in Europe and hoping to find a position in France for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months this winter, but I have to be back in Vancouver at the end of Feb. for a repeat house sit there.


My thanks to Ian for providing a comprehensive and very professional service at Housecarers.com. Peggy

View profle for house sitter peggykass

doglvrs2retird enrich their lives through house sitting

We have had several housesits through contacts from your
service and have only great things to say about each.

Our stay in England for a delightful couple and their loving border collie
this past February was the tops. Kudos to you for a wonderful
service provider! Your contacts are enriching our lives in ways
we couldn't have imagined. Thank you, and we hope to be of
service to more who need their pets and homes well cared for in
the year to come. Mary & Jeff .. doglvrs2retird

View Profile for doglvrs2retired

Sitter for Pyrenees Orientales South of France found

"Absolutely excellent service. Several very suitable people found to look after our home and animals. Thank you for providing this!"

Erik in the South of France (UserNam rousillon)

We have a fairly large property, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 terraces, swimmingpool, and a 2 acre garden, situated among vineyards in the South of France. Need animal-loving house-sitters for time to time, for a week and up to 3 weeks. NB: Two kind guard dogs, 2 horses and a pot-belly pig

Reluctant Seattle Homeowner finds Perfect Sitter

"Dear HouseCarers:
Thanks so much for providing this service and from what I can tell, managing it well. I was reluctant at first to select an unknown person via internet, but I was assured by a friend that I would be able to discern a quality contact.

I was actually overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of responses and have found a person who I think will be perfect. (A woman with a son near where we live with whom she wants to spend the holidays.)

I am already recommending your service to many of our friends with similar needs.
.... Linda (ChateauPoulet)

We have 3 very spoiled indoor cats who need daily food, water, kisses and hugs. We also have about 30 chickens who need food and water (every few days) and egg gathering (every day). We live in a lovely two-story log house with hot tub, flirtacious view of the water, within walking distance of Pritchard Park and 10 minutes from the ferry terminal on a Kitsap bus route. We travel intermittently for a week or two at a time and have ongoing needs. And I represent a network of friends who have similar needs.

Bainbridge Island Seattle Washington United States

Twenty Tips That Make Painting Easier

A list of twenty tips and hints that will make painting easier. Tips include ways that will make clean up easier, how to protect surface, etc.

Painting is a hard enough job without any extra labor. The following is a list of tips you should keep in mind before you start painting. They might not make you enjoy it, but they will make the job easier.

1. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started—especially enough paint. In general, a can of paint covers about 400 square feet.

2. Try to avoid painting on rainy days. The extra humidity in the air will cause the paint to dry slower. If this can't be avoided, use a dehumidifier to help speed the drying process.

3. If you are painting a large room, don't try and same money by purchasing the cheap rollers and brushes. The money you save will be minimal and won't make up for sore hands. Plus, better rollers and brushes will help you work quicker.

4. Have your primer tinted the same color as you intend to paint. This will ensure that the paint covers well and could cut down on the need for an additional coat.

5. Use a nail to tap about five or six holes in the retaining grove of the paint can. This will allow the paint to run back into the can. If you need to reseal the can, you can put the nails into the can or put a little play dough or clay over the holes.

6. Glue a large paper plate to the bottom of any open paint can you are using to catch any splatters or drips.

7. Flattened out corrugated boxes are perfect to cover the floors with when painting.

8. Have a wet rag and paper towels handy to wipe up any drips or mistakes. Most of them—including accidental dabs on the ceiling—can be removed this way.

9. Keep some patching compound and a spackle handy. You'll be surprised at all the little holes and marks you can find on your wall. They might not have been visible with the old color, but they can stand out with the new.

10. When stopping for short periods, seal your paintbrushes inside a Ziploc or plastic bag. This will keep them "fresh" without having to spend the time cleaning them. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil work almost as well.

11. Line the inside of your paint tray with aluminum foil or plastic. It will make the clean up easier.

12. To make cleaning your brushes easier, use an old baby-wipe container. Poor paint thinner into the container and push the handle of the brush through the hole in the lid. This will allow the brush to soak without bending the bristles. If you don't have any baby-wipe containers, try cutting a slot into the lid of a coffee can or similar container.

13. Wipe paint rollers on old newspapers before cleaning. Getting rid of any excess paint will make them easier to clean.

14. Rub hand lotion on your hands and arms before you begin. It will make the paint easier to wash off your hands when you're finished. Also, baby oil is sometime better at removing paint from your skin that soap.

15. If you have a steady hand, you might not need masking tape to cover the edges.

16. Wet newspaper can work great at protecting windows. You can use one-inch long strips of newspaper to protect the windowpanes around a window. Dip each strip into water. Pull the strip between your thumb and index finger to remove the excess water. Press the strips onto the glass close to the wood. Do only two at a time and remove them as soon as you're through.

17. If you're painting a bathroom, use wet newspaper to cover the bottom and sides of the tub. The newspaper will click and keep your tub paint-free.

18. Wrap hardware (doorknobs, hinges, pulls, etc.) in foil before painting.

19. Use old milk jugs to store paint. It will keep just as long and the paint is easier to access if you need to do some touch-ups.

20. Write the date, brand and color of paint used under the light switch for a handy reference.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Contended Pets re-united when Owners return from 7 week overseas trip

Hi there, Recently back from 7 weeks overseas trip. Used your
service and wish to say thankyou very much for such an excellent
site. It's the first time we've used such a service and came home to
find everything just as we left it with a very happy and contented
pet to greet us. Again, I can't recommend your service enough and
wouldn't hesitate in using it again. Regards Carol -Jackjet 47

House sit: Townsville Queenslad Australia

Two Level, 5 Bedroom House with self-contained area on lower level. Two bathrooms/2 Toilets. Large fenced yard with good privacy close to shopping centres, medical centres etc. and 20-25minutes to Townsville CBD and Townsville Strand. Require mature couple who love dogs and gardening. Mowing of yard probably needed 2 -3 times during the 7 weeks. One German Shepherd Female aged 18 months and 6 laying hens. Dog is used to being walked each morning. Self feeder for hens - requires topping up and changing water dish. Established garden beds and lawn needing watering. We are retirees in our late 50's and 60's so would prefer similar couple with same interests in pets and garden. Great opportunity to experience North Queensland's perfect winter climate.