Sydney Rugby Fans choose Kiwis to mind their Castle Hill home while they head OS

0 comments
"Just to let you know we are interviewing prospective house-sitters this weekend via Skype as they are in NZ.

We have had an amazing response to our ad, have responded to them all.

We have used your site several times over the past 5 years with great success, and I have also recommended it to many friends, several of whom have since used it and found good house-sitters." .. UserName = RugbyFans


View house sitter found ad for Castle Hill Sydney

Rural New Mexico Homeowner makes life-long friends with housesitters of their Northern NM adobe farmhouse on eight acres

0 comments
"Ian -We have used your site numerous times to find a housesitter
and it has been a wonderful service. We've become good friends
with several of our housesitters.

Thank you so much for doing this and making the interface easy and private. I like the new feature of listing pets as that is always our biggest concern.

Thank you again. " Kathy R.. username ojosarco.


View house sitter wanted (Filled) ad for Northern New Mexico adobe farmhouse

Homowner Rhonda finds dream housesitter for a 3rd time for her Shelton Mason County WA home

0 comments
"This is my third time requesting housesitting services and each time has worked like a dream. I have to say it's the best service on the web. Thanks so much for being there for me. Sincerely Rhonda S "




View Sitter required ad for Shelton Mason County WA home




View list of House Sitters available for Shelton WA USA



Canadian Homeowners Chillilog painlessly match with an ideal House Sitter for their Chilliwack BC home

0 comments
"We placed an ad in the morning and by evening we had a response from a couple who sounded perfect. After checking references, we booked them to house sit for us.

We have since chatted on the phone and feel confident we made the right choice. I find your website easy to navigate and full of valuable information for first-time users. Thank you HouseCarers.com!"

Sherry (Chillilog)


View house sitter found profile for Chillilog - Chilliwack, Chilliwack River Valley
,British Columbia Canada




Rural homeowners near Port Macquarie, Mid North Coast, NSW again quickly find housesitters

0 comments
"This once again is a Big THANK YOU we acquired a house sittle for August in a little over a week. This is the second time we have been successful with your company in a short time. We acquired a house sitter for April as well for 5 weeks. Once again thank you so much."... Patriz

View house sitter required ad - housesit filled for Partiz Port Macquarie Mid North Coast NSW



Some of the housesits filled for Port MacQuarie:


Filled housesits Port Mac Quarie NSW Mid North Coast


House sitter found for 8 month Housesit Apple Valley San Bernardino So. Cal. High Desert California

0 comments
"We are extremely pleased with your service. We have had excellent sitters using your website. Its extremely difficult to choose since there are so many well qualified applicants.
Thanks .... Apple 73 "

View housesitter required ad for Apple Valley San Bernardino CA

Our home in Apple Valley is within 2 hour drive to all the tourist attractions in LA & Orange county and 3 hrs to Las Vegas

French Homeowner finds Housesitter quickly and without fuss for Montmorillon Vienne farmhouse, with large garden and outdoor swimming pool, Rural west

0 comments
"Thank you so much for enabling me to find a suitable house-sitter so quickly and without fuss or bother. A great service! I shall certainly use your website again...."

Homeowner username: Profile for lespenins Montmorillon Vienne - house sitter found

Farmhouse Montmorillon Vienne rural west The Vienne is a beautiful unspoilt region, with much to see and explore

List of some of the House Sits filled for France

House sitter found for 3 months to Explore the outback wonders of Alice Springs

0 comments
"We have found a suitable house sitter - Sarah Joyce sjbca_1962 and have given her our email address to contact us when she arrives in Alice Springs.

I have responded to all other applicants accordingly.

Thanks for everything, it was a good experience for our first one although we were a little daunted when so many applications came flooding in after our first day! Kind regards WorldCruise.

View house sitter required ad for WorldCruise - Alice Springs NT

Alice springs is a great place to explore - and there is not better way than house sitting.

View some of the house sitters found (housesits filled ads) for Alice Springs NT

Alice Springs homeowners want to get away on their long or short trips around Australia, East, West or Overseas. We have been matching responsible sitters for Alice Spring homeowners for 10 years. It is the best win-win.

Yes - Alice Springs homes and air conditioned. Also the heat is nice and dry - not the sapping humid heat of the coast.

Carmen blogs about her housesitting experience in France

0 comments
"Dear Ian

We have had good success with your site. We are currently on assignment in the South of France in Albi, France as a result of your postings.

We have been here since August 2010 and we are enjoying it immensely. Our girls are in French school.

Here is our blog : www.housesittinginfrance.com

We hope you will read it.

It is a little tough for us since we have 2 daughters now ages 13 and 9. So we have missed out on some assignments because of it. Usually because there is not enough space to accommodate us. The house in France is large with 7 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on 3 different levels. It has worked out for us. We are completing our assignment within one month and are hoping to find something else.

I hope this helps.

Carmen Smith (William's wife)" UserName = Cybiz777

View profile for housesitters Cybiz777
housesitting in Albi France


Some of Housesits Filled in France:
View some of the housesits that have been filled in France

You too can experience house sitting in France - click Register top left of this blog to be notified of opportunities as they are posted.

Ian

Housesitter found for Sunbury VIC in heart of wine producing region, close to Macedon ranges

0 comments
We have found this service to be exceptionally useful and we were surprised by the quality of applicants. The only problem was that this made our choice quite discerning.

We will definitely recommend this web site to all our friends.
Thank you ... Weemalah.

View house sitter wanted ad for Sunbury VIC

Search for house sitters available for Sunbury

House Sitter selected for Mt Garnet Atherton Tablelands QLD to enjoy Hot Springs and Fossicking

0 comments
"Thank you for a terrific service. Once again, we have found a sitter for April. It was so difficult to choose.

My husband are tossing around the idea of selling our property and travelling. One day we may be on the other side of the fence, looking for sits. I wish you, your family and staff a wonderful 2011 and may it be kind to you.
Kind regards

Dulcie... Homeowners username scrubbers housesit profile Mt Garnet Atherton Tablelands QLD

....Fossicking permits can be purchased once there. From there you travel to the Undarra Lava Tubes, very interesting tour of the tubes, refreshments available. There are little stalls along the road where you can purchase fresh produce...

More about house sitting Atherton Tabelands QLD

Atherton Tableland attractions for housesitters

Housesitters arcticdreamers top off Great Year of Housesitting

0 comments
"Merry Christmas Ian, keep up the great work, we have had a terrific time housesitting this year. We just started a fabulous sit this week at Bywong nr Bungendore (nr Canberra) on 75 magnificent acres....then we are off to Nelson Bay for 10 weeks.....it been amazing, thanks to Housecarers, thanks for the experience cheers Jenny"

View profile for Housesitters arcticdreamers

...
"Hi everyone, we have just completed our first farm sit (after doing many housesits)in Taralga NSW (with a donkey, small ponies, 2 horses, 158 sheep plus rapidly increasing number of lambs, 7 alpacas, 12 cows and steers and a bull - 3 calves and a milking cow, an orphan lamb which we were feeding, 3 pigs 7 piglets (3 of which we had to care for) and a whole bunch of chooks)and then moved on to Eden. Sadly we had to cut that sit short but again moved back to the Taralga farm for another 3 weeks, adding another 3 horses, 2 pups and another milking cow to our agenda. Then it will be on to Bungendore on 21st Dec for another 6 weeks. In the new year we are booked until early May 2011 for a 10 week sit in Nelson Bay NSW"

Lakeview Oregon Homeowner finally released to go on Vacation

0 comments
"Hello. I have had 8 or 9 aswers to my advrt in the first day alone. Have answered every one and have met some really nice and tallented folks from USA and Canada.

I appreciate your website because it allows us to finally go away for a vacation. You are doing a wonderful thing. Thank you...." OregonOutback38 .. housesitting profile Lakeview Oregon

... We live in the beautiful Oregon High Desert country where summers are relatively cool with low humidity and sunny. The town is small and friendly with lots of outdoor activities. It is peaceful and quiet with no neighbors closeby.

List house sitters available for Lakeview Oregon

Sitter found for Hinterland at the back of the Gold Coast; great views, quiet no-through road, friendly neighbours

0 comments
"Feed back as requested.

We received 13 replies to our ad, in 2 days, replied to all.

Met with donnaanddave and have agreed with them to sit for the period 6 Feb to 13 March." UserName = TheCastle

View housesitter required ad for TheCastle - Gold Coast Hinterland QLD

House sitters are keen to sit in this beautiful region.

View List of House Sitters available for the Gold Coast Region QLD Australia


Regards
Jean & Keith

Adelaide SA FamilyTravelling find a suitable House sitter very quickly for lovely old 1870s stone shopfront converted to dwelling.

0 comments
"Thank you very much for this service. We had two great responses within 36 hours of posting our add. We found a suitable House sitter very quickly. ... FamilyTravelling

We are looking for someone who loves animals. We have a very friendly Aussie Shepherd who loves to chase the ball, plus a few birds, fish, and a turtle who need feeding. Our lovely home is an old 1870s stone shopfront converted to dwelling with loads of character. We are close to beach, shops, and transport.

View housesitter required ad for Adelaide Housesit

House Sitters available for Adelaide SA Australia

Sitter found for 5.5 months housesit Sharon Springs, Schoharie Central NYS New York

0 comments
"Once again we want to thank you for the enormous help your site has been over the last years!

Please feel free to use us for recommendations "

Kai and Bonita ..UserName = BonitaKai

We are looking for a housesitter or couple to care for our large beautiful upstate New York Victorian home for five and 1/2 months. The house is situated on two hundred acres that includes a six acre pond,forty acres woodlands and fields. A private and plowed road allows for a lovely natural setting...

View housesit Sharon Springs, Central NYS, NY

Current Housesits listed for New York State:
House Sitters required for housesits in New York State

Housesitters listed for Sharon Springs NY:
Sharon Springs NY house sitters

Two days to find House Sitter for Beautiful Hervey Bay QLD Australia

0 comments
"I only advertised ,my ad a couple of days ago with HouseCarers and already have found someone to take care of my house and pets while I`m away. The couple sound wonderful as we have been sending emails and talking on the phone to each other. I will let you know how it all turns out when we come back off our holiday.

Thank you very much for the service and have a Merry Christmas.

... UserName = HOLIDAYPLANNER

View House Sitters available for Hervey Bay QLD

View House Sitter required ad from HOLIDAYPLANNER
for Hervey Bay QLD

Housesitter Found for rural French home for Lovers of peace and quiet

0 comments
Thank you very much for your excellent service.
We got about 10 applications in within 2 weeks and we were able to meet one couple that was already in the area. We have now chosen them to be our housesitters and we are delighted.

Kind regards,
Ans, maisonfrance4u

Lovers of peace and quiet: just be there, enjoy the views and see to it that everything keeps working. The house is comfortable but rather isolated (just one neighbour, seldom there). The village is at 500 meters but all shops and facilities are at least 8 km away so a car is needed and you should n't mind living really 'on your own'. Carcassonne 30 min., Toulouse 40 min., Narbonne beach 1 hour, Pyrenees ski stations 1.5 hours. ...

View house sitter wanted ad for Carcassonne 30 min., Toulouse 40 min., Narbonne beach 1 hour, Pyrenees ski stations 1.5 hours.

Retired Teacher Miss_Dependability housesits in house/cat sat in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

0 comments
"12/6/10 Quartzsite, AZ.....Ian, I like your changes! (length of sit and pet preference)

I just house/cat sat in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico for five weeks. Great experience! That one house sit MORE than paid for my yearly HouseCarers dues. THANKS for your diligence, professionalism, effort, and hard work to improve HouseCares.com. REALLY!......Gypsy Jane (Miss_Dependability)

ABOUT JANE: I'm a retired teacher with lots of house-sitting experience and excellent references. I LOVE pets and plants!

Read more about HouseSitter for Retired Teacher Miss_Dependability

Housesitter Janice has been landing holiday housesitting for 4 years

0 comments
"Thanks. I know you like to have a nice site and I certainly have benefitted from it over the past 4 years. Happy Holidays."

Thanks Janice - Where have the housesits been?... Ed

"Mainly New England states (NH, MA, ME) as that is where my family is and I live in CA. I have done housesits in NC and CA as well. Hoping to travel through Europe someday."... Janice (USername memmereof3)

View housesitter profile for Janice, who likes to housesit in New England States.. Then Europe

Dr John secures a housesit in Pt. Loma, CA (San Diego) 48 hours after registering

0 comments
We paid our fee, posted our ad as housesitters. Within 24 hours had a positive response. 48 hours after that we had contracted for services in what we believe is truly a win/win situation. Thank you HouseCarers.com Dr. Ron & Amy, Retired Presbyterian Minister (UserName = ronross )

View Housesitter profile for Dr. Ron & Amy

Wentworthville NSW homeowner very happy with houesitter littlestarlady

0 comments
Hi, I recently had Housesitter littlestarlady housesit for me for 2 weeks and she did an amazing job, looking after my cats and my home!!! I returned to find my home cleaner than what I left it. I was a first time user of a housesitter and everyone around me was shocked that I had resorted to such measures. Brilliant!! Just brilliant!! thank you for a great service that you offer pet owners. And thank you to littlestarlady for doing an incredible job in my absence. My 4 cats just loved her and I could see the bonding that occurred in my absence! Would recommed her to anybody unreservedly....

Homeowner MotherCat4 Wentworthville, Sydney West NSW NSW

Salt Lake City Utah couple, find the perfect fit for their beloved four-leggeds and go on dream rock climbing trip to Turkey .

0 comments
"THANK YOU for this service. We will definitely recommend it to friends; we wouldn't have been able to find the perfect fit for our beloved four-leggeds and therefore go on our dream trip without you! Thanks!" Emily and Chris... emmasue22

View house-sitter required profile for Salt Lake Utah housesit

... Salt Lake is one of the best places to be in the winter if you enjoy snowboarding or skiing; there are about a dozen resorts within less than an hour's drive of our home. It is also a rock-climber's paradise (the reason we moved here).....

Ravenshoe, Mt Garnet, Atherton Tablelands QLD homeowners, finds sitters to enjoy Innot Hot Springs

0 comments
Hello Ian

"We have housesitters, thus my reason for de-activating my membership. Thank you once again for an excellent service."

Kind regards Dulcie

View housesit details for Ravenshoe, Mt Garnet, Atherton Tablelands QLD housesit"

...Fossicking can be done here and organised tours are available. Fossicking permits can be purchased once there. From there you travel to the Undarra Lava Tubes, very interesting tour of the tubes, refreshments available. There are little stalls along the road where you can purchase fresh produce. Ravenshoe is the closest town, the larger town of Atherton, is about 1.25 hrs. Malanda is a pretty little town close by,
....

Beerburrum QLD home owner finds a sitter for the 4th time - under the shadow of Mt Tibrogargan in the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains

0 comments
"We wish too thank you again for providing this wonderful service. This is the 4th time we have used HouseCarers.com and we have been able to secure excellent applicants on each occasion... milowise"

... beautiful half acre under the shadow of Mt Tibrogargan in the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains region. Situated half an hour north of Brisbane, west of Bribie's beaches and south of the surf beaches of Caloundra; 15 mins from large shopping centre and Donnybrook boat ramp in Pumicestone Passage; 5 mins from a smaller shopping centre at Glasshouse Mountains Village ...

View house sit profile for housesitter required Beerburrum QLD

House Sitting Retirees experience breaks from the mundane

0 comments
Hi

Just thought I should let you know that you offer an excellent
service, everyday an email comes into my box with an offer.

We are not terribly active only selecting 4 housesits this year from 3 to 6 weeks each however they have all been an excellent experience.

We are a retired couple with all our family now living overseas – so we are very flexible.

You asked where we have been, firstly we live in Potts Point, Sydney – fantastic harbour views but no garden – now we have become surrogate grandparents at Millthorpe – dinner party guests at Cowra, 3 chilly weeks in Henty [not the best experience - inadequate housing in freezing conditions however the animals were worth it] and we are heading for the Clarence Valley [far north coast] at Christmas time. All in all very pleasurable.

Thank you

Mara (Maricsitter)

View housesitting profile for retired housesitters Maricsitter

...Ex Rotarians, currently a JP and have references
as required....

Housesitter Dyan minds beautiful Long Island Home letting her visit his son

0 comments
"I recently went to Long Island for a housesit and I just wanted to tell you how successful the match was for me. I stayed at a home where I looked after some dogs while the owners were out of the country.

What a treat! I was able to stay at their beautiful home while being near my son who I would otherwise not be able to visit as often because of the cost of travel/hotels.

It worked for everyone. I have been invited back for the third time and I just wanted to say "thank-you". The owners, dogs and family are likely to be long-time friends"... Dyan (username Dyannn)

View profile for Long Island NY house sitter username Dyannn

Are you looking for someone you can trust with
your precious animals and home while you are
away? ....

Housesitters Land Dream Housesit perfect for their life plans

0 comments
The BEST!!! We got our DREAM house sit because of this site. We are actually full time caretakers of an estate in the same neighborhood my husband grew up in AND I got my old job back 10 minutes from here!

Definitely meant to be. If this job ever ends we will be back on this site in a heartbeat. I have referred housecarers to so many people. Love housecarers.com!!! Thank you so much. You MUST check it out.

The house sit is in Point Loma (wooded area), San Diego, CA. We actually applied for it a while ago and didn't get it. We figured it was not meant to be at that time. Luckily it came up again about a month later and the owners contacted us and the rest is history. We were at first a little reluctant about taking care of Macaws, but now we LOVE them!! Of course the dogs and cat are a given. Like I said, we LOVE our job and if it ever ends, we could spend the rest of our days doing this. PERFECT for retirement! We love this website and will definitely use it again!
Good luck to all of you:)... housesitters username kiani1

View housesit profile for housesitters kiani1 housesitting in San Diego

Rotorua, New Zealand Homeowner finds housesitter for fourth year in a row - for 4 month housesits

0 comments
"This is the third time I have used this service, we go overseas for 4 months every year and I have been more than satisfied each
time with the house sitters we have had from this site. This year I have returned to a very happy cat, a well cared for house and garden.

This site takes all the hassle out of the whole
experience. Thankyou so much. I will continue to use this site in the years to come. ... kiwidane

View housesit posting for kiwidane, Rotoua, North Island New Zealand

We require a live in housesitter to take care of our lovely Burmese cat ,garden, indoor plants and our peaceful lakeside home situated 5 mins from the city centre whilst we are overseas

Sitter found at short notice for Carmichael Sacramento California housesit

0 comments
"Thanks yet again for a successful booking of our housesit. All of your applicants are obviously above average. We do appreciate you so,Ian.... celesterarick56"


View Carmichael Sacramento California House sitting assignment

We have a beautiful,warm,comfy home in Carmichael, California with pool, enclosed hot tub,located across from a park, just blocks to the American River Bike Trail for exploring,walking,running,cycling or birdwatching.

We are centrally located in the Sacramento area for touring San Francisco, wine country, or north to Lake Tahoe & skiing.

We have a 12 yr old male Sheltie (Micky) & 5 yr old tuxedo
cat (Sylvia) who need loving care. They don't do well in a kennel.

Only pet lovers need apply.

Ruth Housesits around Newcastle NSW, while rebuiliding her Garden Suburb Home

0 comments
"Hi HouseCarers.com

I have appreciated having my membership with you this year. I have been renovating my home and wanted to live somewhere else while it was going on. I am ready to come home now.

Thanks very much for a really great service!

One very Happy Sitter!

PS
I live at Garden Suburb, and sat Eleebana, and from that got work at Maryland and currently Morpeth (a bit too far away for comfort really), but I get home early Oct. Can't wait!

Ruth"


View profile of house sitting home renovator Ruth

Ruth house sat while renovating her home in Newcastle NSW.

Fraud Alert version 2

0 comments
This is a recent variation to the Fraud Alert we posted previously.

Fraudsters from Nigeria are asking for sitters to look after their very well fitted out apartment in posh areas of London like

They then ask for a refundable security deposit to be sent to them to show a commitment from the housesitter. They falsely say this will be held by solicitor or lawyer and give bank details for transfer to the "lawyer".

Again they mainly use yahoo, hotmail and aol accounts and usually contact sitters directly. There were some ads posted at housecarers but they were quickly removed when spotted by astute members. They send pictures of the opulent apartment in London.

The bottom line - don't send money. A house sitting agreement should be signed by both parties. You should be able to call the homeowner in the country of the housesit. They always have a convincing story about why they cant be contacted directly.

Another easy way to check is to copy a phrase out of the proposal
and put it in quotes and do a google search:
eg

"i will then refer you to my agent in charge who will let you know all the necessary requirements"

There are a lot of fraud reporting sites that will have registered the frauds. They usualy try the same wordings at various sites around the internet and they get reported.

Here is a sample email (more will be posted):
Also below are the scam pictures of the opulent apartment

Here are the scammers pictures he stole to back up his scam

From: Jocelyn Pineault
Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2010 11:36 PM
Subject: Sitter


Hello Sitter,
I'm Mr Jocelyn Pineault i am a Project Engineer, resident in the UK and i live alone in my house, i run a consultancy outfit where i work as a consultant and project supervisor for construction companies worldwide, the nature of my job takes me around the world and i am presently on an official trip to three countries, which will take me away for about 3 months but flexible. I saw your listing along with others on the housecarers website and i think i have a special interest in you to be my house sitter.
I own a house that located on Trafalgar Road London SE10 9TZ UK. and thats where i live, its a 2 bedroom apartment and there is under croft parking and communal gardens which include a children play area.A balcony off the sitting room provides a delightful westerly aspect over the communal gardens, Kitchen/sitting room with fitted appliances, master bedroom with dressing area en-suite,fully furnished,fully equipped Kitchen, electric oven and hob, microwave, washer dryer, dishwasher and Bedroom 4 /gym etc.
The location is very quiet and romantic but just a 5 mins walk to the epicentre of Greenwich which is a vibrant Historic centre where you find an array of eateries, shops, pubs & cinema. Countless number of departmental stores for all your groceries to help with your self-catering. Easy access (mostly a short walk) to 5 different rail/tube/DLR Metro stations including North Greenwich tube station. Excellent Bus network both day & night. Few stops away is the o2 entertainment arena (walk if preferred). Travel to Central London is quick and easy with average journey time of about 15 mins. Local stations are in London travel zone 2 or 3.
The neighbors aren't far away, but the fence and plantings give lots of privacy, although as soon as i get back to the UK, i will leave the apartment for a larger one because i will be getting married and so it will be up for rent but pending the time that i am away for 2 months, i need a care taker/ house sitter, who will be in charge of taking care of the house while i am away, the occupant can also do some gardening on the large garden available during your time of stay if you want to. Phone and high speed internet(satellite) access are available, Ideal for someone with an existing income.
There will be plenty of free time to pursue your interests. No pets, parties,drugs, tobacco, problematic alcohol, illegal items, heavy scents, open flames. If i get a rental offer while you are there, you may be able to continue residing there because most properties need additional help.If you are interested in the offer please get back to me via my email address and we can talk about the terms and i will send you some photos too, on agreement with the terms, i will then refer you to my agent in charge who will let you know all the necessary requirements, if you are coming in from outside the UK, you will have to specify to the agent you will be referred to that you are from outside the UK so that you will be told the necessary steps to take.
I urgently need a prospective occupant, so get back to me if you are interested and we can continue from there.
I will expect your reply.
Warm Regards.
Jocelyn Pineault

Homeowner from Ringarooma North East Tasmania TAS Australia succesfully finds a House Sitter

0 comments
"I would like to inform housecarers that we have been successful in finding a housesitter- in fact it was hard to choose as so many good people replied to our ad. Thankyou "

View details for housesitter needed Ringarooma North East Tasmania

Hervey Bay homeowners find a housesitter and are now free to go away more often

0 comments
"Dear Housecarers.com just to say how impressed and overwhelmed we have been with your service. All replies seemed to be of a high standard, very difficult to choose. Have made our choice and will use your site again as we have just retired and are able to go away more often Many thanks," Gigidolly.

View details of housesit Hervey Bay QLD sitter needed

...House is about 300 metres from the sea, shopping centre about 500 metres.House was fully renovated 3 years ago

goldenvalleycarers booked in advance for their housesitting adventures in Brisbane QLD

0 comments
"Thank you, it was a good housecarers year and we are almost booked up for next year as well.

Our housesits are and have been in Paddington, Brisbane
at the moment in Clear Mountain 6 to 9 months
than Ashgrove 4 months and Camp Mountain 6 to 8 months. all in the Brisbane area.

Regards Tom... goldenvalleycarers"

View house sitter profile for retirees goldenvalleycarers sitting around Brisbane QLD

Housesitters topcat see more of Queensland while housesitting around Australia

0 comments
"Thank you once again housecarers. We now have another sit which will take us through to end Feb in Bundaburg Bundaburg Housesit... (June)topcat

View profile for housesitters Topcat - housesitting their way around Australia

Leaving Your Home Empty Could Leave You Uninsured

0 comments
If you’re going on a long term holiday, work away for long periods of time or have another reason to leave a property vacant for a long period of time, it’s worth considering how doing these things can affect your home insurance – or more importantly, how they can completely invalidate it…

It’s not a particularly well known fact that nearly all home insurance policies will lapse if your home is left unoccupied for a long period of time – funnily enough, many providers keep quiet about things like this – which is probably somewhat of a worry for the half a million Brits who live abroad for half of the year, or the 300,000 people who head off on a gap year or career break every year. However, people going on a long holiday should also double check the small print on their policies, as many providers will allow for as little as 30 days of vacancy before they stop covering you, and in the best case scenario you will have 60 days before your insurance documents are worthless.

What’s interesting is that a more expensive policy doesn’t necessarily mean more cover: In sample home insurance quotes taken to cover a £150,000 Manchester (M20) Semi, with £35,000 of contents insurance and 5 years no claims discount, the second cheapest quote (At £138.18) provided 60 days of protection, whereas The most expensive (at £332.53) was almost 2.5 times more expensive, and offered half the amount of cover.

If you plan on going away for longer than two weeks, there are a number of things you should do to protect your home. First on your list should be contacting your insurer, as they will let you know of any precautions you should be aware of - although be aware that some may charge you an increased rate for the time you are away, although this varies from case to case. You should also cancel any milk or papers you have delivered, as these are key signs that the house is empty. Furthermore, if you keep an emergency key anywhere, give that to someone you trust and definitely don’t leave it within “hooking” reach of the letterbox. A light on a timer is also a good idea, but ideally having someone visit the home for a few hours a day is ultimately a better idea. Not only can they open and close curtains as needed, but they can also move post away from your front door, as well as feeding animals and watering plants for you – Or if you’ve got the right person to house sit for you, maybe even indulge in that noisy or obtrusive DIY job you need to get done but don’t want to live with.

The key thing to remember is to speak to your insurer before you leave – after all, you can make all the preparations in the world, but these are wasted if you’ve not done something else that the provider wants in the first place – and get someone who can keep tabs on the house, as not only could they save you extra costs in insurance premiums, they could also prevent having to make a claim.

Chris Spann
moneysupermarket.com Financial Group

House sitter found for Myrtle Creek, Oregon, with walks in the Woods, and beautiful view, peace and quiet, USA housesit

0 comments
"I had no idea there were so many qualified house sitters out there and your site worked extremely well for us.
Thanks again,

Terry and Carol Myrtle Creek, Oregon

View details for house sitter required Myrtle Creek Oregon USA

Like animals, a beautiful view, peace and quiet? We live in a secluded - but easily accessed - location on 120 acres between Myrtle Creek and Roseburg, Oregon.


We have two parrots, two outdoor dogs (very friendly - and hard working) a cat, an aquarium, and a tortoise (no livestock).

We have a newer but modest house, with good internet access and a wonderful view. Lots of wildlife around but the dogs keep them from getting too close to the house. The house is three miles off of Interstate 5 with about one mile being well maintained unpaved road. We need a reliable person who will to be there every day for a minimum of four weeks but possibly six or more weeks. Non smoking is a plus but is allowable in one bedroom.

If you like to walk in the woods there is miles of it here.

House Sitter found for Mornington Peninsula House Sitting

0 comments
"Many thanks for your wonderful service, through which I have met a very nice couple who are happy to care for my Goldie.

Best regards Betty (mygoldie1008)

House sitter Karen secures a Mt Pleasant WA housesit

0 comments
Hello Ian, Yes thank you. I have been successful so far with a house sit booking in Mt.Pleasant WA from 30/08/10 - 16/09/10. I will update my details now .

My profile has also been edited and I have included a current photograph.

Thank you for the excellent service so far. Yours sincerely
Karen N (UserName = Peace2010)

View details of sitter profile, Peace2010 house sitting in Mt Pleasant WA

I am an independent,trustworthy,responsible ,fit and healthy female available to care for your home and pets during your absence. I own a campervan and currently I am a house sitter.I enjoy peace and quiet so that I can write my book,work on my art and study theology.I love animals and being close to nature.

Housesitting writer, editor and marketing/PR lands a Tacoma WA housesit

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Thanks, as always, for your excellent site-related service. I'm close to securing another house-sitting gig with a woman in Tacoma. >Will let you know. Regards, Tim W.

"HELLO AGAIN, IAN: I've just spoken with the homeowner in Tacoma, and it's a go. The house-sit will extend from mid-September to mid-October. Many thanks for making it happen through your fine site! --Tim W. (username dilaram)

View profile of house sitter dilaram for Tacoma WA housesit

Nearing the end of my career as a writer, editor and marketing/PR director, I feel the need for a change of scene and pace. Although I've had much success serving an art festival, opera company, symphony orchestra and other clients, it's simply time for a new chapter. I'm extremely fastidious and would take care of your home, grounds, pets, etc., as if they were my own....

HouseSitter found for 5.5 Month housesit Sharon Springs large beautiful upstate New York Victorian Home

0 comments
"We are most grateful for the service that this site has provided us. We will again use it next year.
Kai (username BonitaKa)

Housesit details United States Sharon Springs Upstate New York Schoharie Central NYS

We are looking for a housesitter or couple to care for our large beautiful upstate New York Victorian home for five and 1/2 months. The house is situated on two hundred acres that includes a six acre pond,forty acres woodlands and fields.

A private and plowed road allows for a lovely natural setting. One indoor/outdoor cat share the home with us. The house has many amenities. We are located three and a half hours by car from New York City and Boston. If you enjoy nature and privacy this setting would suit you....

Nedlands Perth WA homeonwer selects sitter with confidence

0 comments
"Just a line to say thank you for your service. I found your website informative and easy to use, and had confidence in it. There were a lot of responses to my request for a house sitter so I had a good number to choose from. It was helpful to read the guidelines and agreement. After my holiday I'll know just how successful the exercise was, but I've already recommended your website to several friends. It's good to know you are there for next time!"

Yours sincerely,"Hyacinth"

View Housesit Details - housesitter needed, Nedlands Perth WA

I would like a responsible person to take care of my home, a "character" house with renovated kitchen and bathroom, in my absence. Two cats who live outside the house need feeding twice a day. The garden is spacious but not high maintenance- roses will be lovely! Within walking distance of shopping centre, transport, UWA, the river and Kings Park. Security and the cats are my main reasons for having a house sitter.

Bond,electricity/gas/water usage negotiated.

Thanks for your interest!

Skystorm from Wellington NSW, can now go on a long awaited holiday and know their home and pets are in excellent care

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".. within twenty four hours of posting our add we had four responses of which one was exactly what we wanted.what a wonderful service house carers .co.m provide. now my husband & I can go on a long awaited holiday and know our home and pets are in excellent care ...thank you house carers.." Skystorm

Bindigirl from Traralgon, Gippsland VIC has trips away after finding terrific house sitters

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"Thanks to this great site and service we have been able to have trips away after finding terrific house sitters !!! Its the BEST...so thank you to all concerned. We sure will continue to use the service, and will recommend it to everyone!! thank you again. from bindigirl."

House sitter required profile/ad for Traralgon, Gippsland VIC

..Unlimited Broadband.
Many local attractions to visit, Old
Walhalla Gold town, Historic towns,fern parks,
markets,bush walks, bus stop across the road.
Comfy older home...

rainbow07 finds PERFECT couple to take care of their Roydon London Essex/Herts England UK Home

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"Many sincere thanks for your website. It has been fantastic in providing us with the PERFECT couple to take care of our home and pet.

We will not hesitate to use your service again next year.

Kind regards

James & Jean (rainbow07)"

View housesit details for house sitter required for Roydon Essex/Herts England UK housesit

We are looking for a House/Pet Sitter for 6 months while we are in Australia from early October 2010 to early April 2011 (dates variable). There will be a charge to cover the cost of electricity & gas etc.

Jack is a very well behaved 10 yr old Springer/Spaniel/Border Collie. All his food will be provided.

Our comfortable semi-detached cottage has 2 bedrooms, lounge/dining, kitchen, bathroom & conservatory. There's plenty of car parking space and gardens front & back.

Roydon is a small quiet village just north of Epping. Bus Stop nearby and train station a 10 min walk then 45 min ride to Liverpool Street. Epping is on the tube line if required.
Within a short walk there are lovely fields, a post office/shop, pubs, pharmacy, churches, hairdresser and Primary school.

A couple or family would be preferred to care for our dog and the cottage. We look forward to hearing from you....

Fraudulent house sitter apprehended: The dangers of chosing a sitter from craig list

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The sitter advertised on craig list.

This reinforces our recommendation that homeowners
1. Ask for references that can be verified
2. Perform identity checks on housesitters
3. Sight the original police clearance certificates.

Our affiliate seniorsits.oom has complied an excellent checklist for security checks.

seniorsits.com House Sitting security checklist


Read full article :House-sitter defrauded clients

NorthJersey.com: House-sitter defrauded clients, GRPD says
Mary Ann Demmy, 71, arrested last week on charges of identity theft while
house- sitting a Sommer Avenue home

Sooke/Victoria Island, British Columbia Homeowner finds housesitter for Sunny, private, modern home and small llama farm on 10 forested acres

0 comments
"THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! We have had so many wonderful people
apply and have been able to fill both our November 2010 and our
February 2011 spaces. Thanks again for a tremendous service."
... gigfreck, Sooke Vancouver Island BC

We are 45 mins from Victoria BC. on the south western coast of Vancouver Island. 10 ks west of Sooke. Sunny, private, modern home and small llama farm on 10 forested acres. Magnificent ocean views and sunsets, 5 min walk to amazing beachcombing beach. Great hiking trails and other beaches close by. Super restaurants to choose from. We have one little cat 22 yrs old very healthy who needs a lap to sit on in the evenings and a hello during the day.

View house sitter required ad for Sooke, Victoria Island, BC Canada

The 10 llamas are very easy to look after

House sitter Credible lands 8 week housesit in Ajijic, Mexico and gets to celebrate las fiestas patrias.

0 comments
"Am really excited, thanks to your site I will be spending 8 weeks in Ajijic beginning August 22nd. I will be able to celebrate las fiestas patrias.

Trust this is the first of many more to come. Again, gracias."

Credible (aka Minnie)

View house sitter profile for Credible

Sept is fiesta time in Mexico, there are good
restaurants, shops, bus and taxi nearby. Fall is
perfect time of year to see Ajijic, temps are
moderate....

View details of housesit in Ajijic village, Jalisco Mexico

Fall is perfect time of year to see Ajijic, temps are moderate

Barjon find suitable house/pet sitters for beach Home , 300 metres from Corindi Beach NSW Mid North Coast Australia with Whale watching in season - dolphins always!

0 comments
"We wish to thank you for the excellent service you provided us in our search for suitable house/pet sitters for October 2010. The number of quality applicants, their various backgrounds and interests, demonstrated there is a massive population out there 'on the move', and we thank them for their efforts."

Best wishes, Barbara and Jon. ...UserName: barjon


View ad/profile for sitter required ad Mid North Coast NSW

Barjon find suitable house/pet sitters for beach Home , 300 metres from Corindi Beach NSW Mid North Coast Australia with Whale watching in season - dolphins always!

Amazing Connections - Sitters on way home from McMurdo Station in the Antarctic to USA sit Haberfield Sydney NSW

0 comments
"We regularly recommend you to anyone we're talking to about our travels and at least 2 people have used Housecarers on our recommendation. We're very excited about our latest housesitters: we're still in the process of negotiating but if it eventuates, they're coming here from McMurdo Station in the Antarctic at the end of their 12 months there, on the way home to the US.

The amazing thing is the people we've met in this process and we've been over to the US to visit with one of our previous couples already; we tend to pick overseas housesitters when it suits and we can screen them effectively at a distance.

Well done and keep up the good work!"

Regards, Imelda. (HappyAlaska) 2145479417

View profile for house sitter required Haberfield Inner West Sydney NSW

... At the bottom of our street is the Clty West Link (get to the CBD in around 8-10minutes by car), and the Bay Run, a beautiful8k walk around the water.

We have lots of parks, also the famous Haberfield cafes and
restaurants, cheese shop, chocolate shop and Papa's Patisserie. Our street is quiet at night,with little traffic after peak hour.
...

Perfect house sitter found for Lovely time of year Park City Utah mountains

0 comments
"Thank you we found or hope we found the perfect person P.C "
UserName = parkcitysummer

View details for house sitting opportunity Park City Utah

Close to city bus service and hiking/biking trails.

Rockhampton QLD homeowner finds house and pet sitter for her babies - Siamese cat and Chihuahua, who things he is King

0 comments
"It is a great site and I was sucessful in getting someone to look aflter my place, thank you so much" ...

"going away for 2 weeks and would like someone who likes animals to look after my babies while I am gone. One Siames cat who likes attention when he feels like it and a chihuahua who thinks he is the king of the two"... tomasina

View details of Rockhampton sitter required ad for Tomasina

House and Pet sitter on assignment YourHappyPets thinks Housecarers is just great

0 comments
"It's July 13, and I'm typing this from a 2-week house/cat sit in Montclair, NJ and just yesterday, I got another, 6-week house/dog sit in September this year in Venice, FL. The residents found me; they didn't place an ad; yeah! Housecarers is just great. Thanks, Ian... Suzanne (YourHappyPet)"

View profile for housesitter YourHappyPet

Great to hear sitters are getting results in many diverse places around the world.

HouseSitter found for Calgary, Alberta Canada house

0 comments
"We thank you very much for your help. We will use your membership site in the future.

We have a good Housesitter for Aug.......THANKS!

len and Lorna" .... Homeowner member heather101

View housesit details for heather101, Calgary Alverta housesit

Beginners Guide To House Sitting | Learn, Discover, Be Free

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Beginners Guide To House Sitting | Learn, Discover, Be Free

Great tips on how to get started on the housesitting adventure, by a housecarers member. Also how to earn commission by spreading the word on housesitting.

See:
Housecarers free affilate program

Cleveland, Brisbane QLD homeowner safely matches with a house sitter for 12 months +

0 comments
"We have decided on a way forward for your house.
Thanks to house carers, your site has been marvelous. We will use it in the future and we may even decide to become sitters at some time. Your site is efficient and safe.... username: 20orchid"

View details of 12 month Cleveland Brisbane QLD housesit

Sitter found for 3 month sit in Leichhardt Sydney NSW Australia

0 comments
"Hi there, Great resource. We have successfully found a house
Sitter."

The Leichardt homeowner (inner city Sydney) can now enjoy their
2-3 months holiday for in Bali knowing their two cats can happily stay in their own environment in Cappuccino Country.

View details of housesit in Leichhardt Inner City Sydney

Finding your new best friend: Adopt a Greyhound

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Once year ago I adopted a beautifull Male Brindle Greyhound, Red - or RedBoy, or RedMon (affecitionally named by my friend from West Indies). He was the most affectionet easy to look after pet you good hope for. No barking, obedient, and a heart of gold - hardly ever heard him growl, except when a friend persisted on pulling his long tail. He will be sadly missed as I had to return him to Grey Hounds as Pets
Greyhounds as pets due to a recent move. They will be sure to find him a good home.

He was so consistent - excited to welcome us home, jump in the car, go for a walk or welcome every visitor with his large wagging tails.

I recommend greyhounds as a great family pet - very non agressive and clean, and obliging. My grandaughter Sophie loved him. You will help save them being put down - as many dont turn out be winners on the race track.

Pictures of our Red Boy

Reference Article on pet adotion

Retired couple from South Carolina chosen for housesit in PENSACOLA Florida

0 comments
"Thank you Ian. I have found a house sitter--a retired couple from South Carolina, so my ad has been removed. I am very happy with this service. Thank you again."


This is a great break for a retired couple from South Carolina - check out the attractions:

"Beautiful beaches are within driving distance.
There are also scenic rivers where you can go
tubing and canoeing all within a 30-45 minute
drive from the house. A paved bicycle trail is
located 14.6 miles east of our home and a hiking
trail at the University of West Florida is about 1
mile away. The downtown area, Seville Quarter, is
reminiscent of New Orleans French Quarter and has
plenty going on during the evening hours. "

View details of House sitter required for Pensacola Florida Housesit Ad

Housesit in Paradise - Carribean for 1 year plus

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Every now and again we blog special housesits that catch the eye

"a handsome, 1 bedroom w/A/C, 1 bath home located between 2 beautiful beaches that you can walk to. I'm looking for a mature and responsible single/couple. My house is new and in
very good condition and I want it kept that way. My property has fruit trees.... more details below

house sitting in ANGUILLA - house sitter required for 1 year

House Sitter Dwanna builds her House sitting network in North Carolina NC and Maryland MD USA

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"Dear Ian,

I am doing a two-month long house/cat sit at the moment in Asheville, Carolina (USA.) After that, I have a repeat sit (4th summer in a row) in northern Maryland. My dream of house sitting full-time has not happened yet but I usually have sits about 4-5 months out of the year. I enjoy them and enjoy meeting new people and new animals.

Thank you for asking. I value the housecarers.com site highly as a means of getting my info out there to homeowners. About 2/3 of my sits have come from your site and the rest from referrals from those clients."

Thank you,

Dwanna T (username: Cat_Companion)
Asheville, NC
USA"

View full housesitter profile for Dwanna - Cat_Companion available across USA

House sitter found for the Gong

0 comments
"Thank you once again for your wonderful service. We have successfully obtained a house/dog sitter." Regards
... Leigh

Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong,Illawarra district, is approximately 10 min drive to beach.

View Wollongong,Illawarra, NSW house sit details

Granny Dorset finds Wonderfull NZ couple for Dorset housesit

0 comments
"Gosh I am very impressed with your service. Thank you. I had 8 replies in 24 hours and have found an Australian couple who will be on their way back from Cornwall for the dates I need. so we are getting in touch by telephone today.

I found a wonderful NZ couple via you, 2 years ago but a friend did all the computering for me and they were wonderful and had to cope with snow and ice on their first trip back to UK in 25 years!!

As a very new owner of a computer we have got there. Thank you for a wonderful service. Granny Dorset!!

Housesit Details:

Would you like a week's break in lovely West Dorset?? ...

View details of West Dorset housesit

Tobago homeonwers finds perfect sitter for their home in paradise

0 comments
"We placed an advert with you recently & received a good response. Your site is quick & easy to navigate & we were very soon organised with house sitters. We would like to thank you for the service you provide & will not hesitate to use you in the future. "

Beautiful two bedroomed house with pool in Tobago with en suite bathrooms and beautiful views....

View details of Tobago housesits

Retired house sitter from Thailand spends seven months moving from one home to another, around Australia

0 comments
Dear Ian,

"I can't tell you how much this site has made my stay in Australia bearable. I am in Australia so I can qualify to take
my pension to Thailand. My wife and I spent seven months moving from one home to another, all from this magnificent site.

I know we couldn't have managed without Housecarers. I have a rebooking from August to October, and I am flying mack to my wife in December. If I am lucky enough to get something before I go, well that would be a bonus.

Thank you, Ian. I have recommended this site on others I post on."


Sincere regards,

Mike, and my wife Pen. (username mipen2006)

View profile for sitter mipen2006

Brisbane QLD Homeowners receives many excellent high quality applications for Brisbane housesit

0 comments
"Dear Housecarers, Thank you for the many excellent high quality applicants. The response to my "Ad." was unbelievable."

Regards, diddit

Eastern Suburbs Mackenzie Brisbane QLD
6 to 7 weeks from 2010-08-13

Full details Housesit Eastern Suburbs Mackenzie Brisbane QLD

Cat Sitters required for Barcelona appartment - 10min metro ride to Las Ramblas & the ocean

0 comments
House sitting provides the opportunity to travel to exotic locations and share in the community. A Cat Sitter is currently needed for Barcelona appartment in safe residential area 10min metro ride to Las Ramblas & the ocean

Cat Sitter needed for Barcelona appartment

Seneca Ohio homeowner finds her Home has quite a following

0 comments
"This is the third housesitter I have found through this website.

Housecarers.com is definitely the best.

The first time I used housecarers and two other housesitting websites. The second time I used housecarers and one other site. This time I only used housecarers.com and found that my home had quite a following.

I found the perfect housesitter in two days and have a list of 10 other sitters who want to be notified when I need my next housesitter.

Your website is well organized and easy to use. Thank you for such a wonderful service"

House Sit Details:

Seneca (County Seat of Rural town) Ohio United States

Looking for someone (single or couple) willing to mow the lawn and take care of a craftsman style home built in 1911 in a small rural community in Northwest Ohio.

Home has been recently renovated and shouldn't need any repairs. The house has a large L-shaped porch with beautiful wicker furniture. There is a baby grand piano in the living room. The bedrooms are on the second floor and include two antique bedroom sets. Bathroom has original claw-footed tub (which means your bathwater will stay warmer longer).

Friendly town and friendly neighbors, near walking distance to several churches, downtown, public library.

There is a front lawn that needs mowing/tending but you don't need to take care of any pets.

I provide the high speed internet, cable TV and digital phone service. You pay for the other utilities. F.Y.I. My current sitter is leaving because he couldn't handle the snow. I will really miss him because he was fantastic. He repaired our SUV and it is available for your use.

References and photos will be required.

Belfast, A City Reinventing Itself

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Belfast is a great city to experience while House sitting.

The roads of Belfast, so recently patrolled by army vehicles, are now witness to a new phenomenon, tourist buses. Until the relatively recent end to the conflict known broadly as the ‘troubles’ few people would have considered Belfast as a tourist destination. Now, with the terrorist threat mostly gone, the city enjoys a growing number of visitors each year.
.....
Read entire article .. Belfast, A City Reinventing Itself

An 7.0 earthquake has devastated Haiti. They need your help now! Get involved in the relief efforts :

0 comments
An 7.0 earthquake has devastated Haiti. They need your help now! Get involved in the relief efforts at :

http://bit.ly/78jhkJ

House Sitters highstandards recount their house sitting highs and challenges

0 comments
Thanks to housecarers.com 2009 found us making the easy decision to continue our house sitting life, which started off as a means of visiting and spending quality time with grandchildren and their parents, in New Zealand and Australia. With the birth in 2009 of our 4th grandchild, this was still our main purpose, but we love traveling and treated ourselves to a few house sits in interesting places, where house sitting offered the opportunity to meet people and experience the local culture.


On the family side, we had a rocky start to 2009, when, in February, our 18 month old grandson Luke was seriously injured, when a large car-park gate came off its runners and fell on him. This happened only a day after his Mum and Dad came home with a new baby. As this coincided with a gap in our schedule, we hastily secured a house sit in Sydney after only a few days search. Thanks to house sitting we were able to assist with his care, and after 3 months in plaster from chest to ankles, we watched as he learnt to walk again, and he made a full recovery.


The highlight this year was having our family together at Christmas for the first time in 12 years, while looking after Pepper, a dear little Bijon Fries/Maltese, (for the second time), on the Central Coast, NSW. This house and pet sit is in a great location with swimming and surf beaches, cycle trails, a golf course and 3 shopping malls nearby. It was an exciting few days as the NZ grandchildren met their Aussie based cousins for the first time. A happy ending to the year, after a rather scary start, this reunion could not have happened without the benefit of house sitting, and the generous attitude of the owners who have become more like friends.


All the sits throughout the year have been great and we had several loveable pets to look after, and a few farm animals - old, young, large and small. Our four-legged friends help to keep our fitness levels up, and keep us surprisingly busy. We do appreciate the homeowners' trust and confidence in us, allowing us to stay in their homes, drive their cars, and in return we take our job of looking after their homes and pets very seriously. At all times their requests and instructions are followed with great care. It is so special to go back to visit the house owners at a later date, and receive a warm welcome from them and excited tail-wagging from their pets.


While in Sydney we were interviewed by the Sydney Morning Herald, and an article on house sitting appeared in the paper as a result.


Another highlight of 2009 was a very enjoyable 6 week break in Tahiti where we cared for Hiro, an elderly, lovable pitbull, in his home in the village of Papara. Coconuts, breadfruit, bananas, pineapple and limes grew in the large garden, and a daily swim at the local beach was a short stroll away. We were able to buy fresh fish and vegetables from nearby roadside stalls, and enjoyed extending our diet to include local delights such as raw fish, and making mango and lime marmalade, leaving some for the owner on her return. Challenges such as mastering the outdoor washing machine (which had a tendency to go walkabout, and sounded like a plane taking off!), and communicating with the friendly locals in our very limited French, added to the fun. New friends were made, and a very special Tahitian family, Jean-Marie & Anne-Marie welcomed us into their home, and we were privileged to spend time with their family and their Tahitian Cultural Dance Group. We will never forget the time we spent with this group of young dancers and musicians, and the stunning concert performance they gave on a magical evening, shortly before we left.

Back in rural New Zealand, we can't forget helping to get a Highland bull into a horse float, or our week on a lifestyle block in Timaru, chasing sheep through invisible fences, and keeping a discrete "eyes right" while the local calendar girls did their photo shoot in the sunflower paddock!


In Australia, not to be forgotten was a side trip up the NSW coast, and through delightful villages inland. On the road we enjoyed meeting with a group of bikies on the way to a festival, and we won’t forget getting lost while trying to find Slim Dusty’s Pub with no Beer! We finally arrived at 5pm having made the mistake of following an inaccurate tourist map, which led us up and down dale along winding roads leading to a padlocked farm gate at the top of a mountain! With the advice of the farmer’s wife, and with the petrol tank and our liquid intake on â€Å“nearly empty”, we finally found it after miles of back-tracking along steep, unsealed roads, on a very hot day. The pub was well stocked that day, and that beer was sorely needed!

So we are now at the beginning of another year, and are planning our schedule. But as 2009 taught us, house sitting is full of surprises. We have 3 sits lined up already, but who knows what surprises are around the next corner. We are open to suggestions and housecarers.com is sure to deliver!


Lois and Kevin (highstandards)
View Profile for house sitters Highstandards

HouseCarers member recounts his 3 month Italian house sitting experiences

0 comments
"Make yourself at home with a spot of house-sitting. Are you broke post-Christmas? Then try house-sitting and you could find yourself staying in the lap of luxury – for free"

Read full Guardian account, House sitting in Italy

Sitters orchard47 meet new friends throughout Australia

0 comments
"Even though our personal circumstances will change later this year, we inted to continue to be members of Housecarers.com

It is a wonderfull organisation that has provided us with fantastic opportunities to meet and make new friends whilst we travel throughout Australia.

Thanking you Lynette House sitters orchard47

Follow Housecarers on Twitter

0 comments
Follow housecarers on twitter. For punchy updates on tips, resources, the unusual, the unexpected, the excitement, the outstanding opportunites, the adventures, the hilarious, and all related to housesitting.

Follow Housecarers on Twitter

Benefits of Off-Season Travel

0 comments
While it may be very exciting for a person to be in the thick of action during any event, the same cannot be said of travelling during the high season. Sometimes, a trip during peak tourist season is unavoidable, as this is when most people are able to go on holiday. Travelling during the off-season, though, can be a remarkably different experience.

The first and most noticeable attraction of low-season travel is how much more affordable things are. If you've always wanted to go but were discouraged by the prices, now is the time to book cheap airline tickets to Florida. It's not just airlines that reduce prices when the flow of tourists slows down to a trickle. Hotels, tour agencies and car rental agencies have to make every effort count to attract business and stay afloat. This means you have the chance to enjoy savings of up to 50 percent for a nice room, with the possibility of receiving an upgrade to an even better room and other special offers and gifts.

Aside from enjoying a more cost-effective trip, a low-season traveler wouldn't have to jostle through crowds of fellow tourists just to get glimpse of a famous monument or get from Point A to Point B. All that extra space would make trips to the beach so much more enjoyable too. You can take your time composing a gorgeous photograph of the sunset without worrying about an inconsiderate fellow traveler stepping into the frame and spoiling the shot. Even the locals might be friendlier in the absence of large groups of boorish travelers.

Before you rush out to the travel agency though, you should be aware of the reason a low-season exists for your dream destination. If it's largely based on the holiday period, then you don't have to worry much. However, the weather can make or break your off-season holiday. For instance, booking a trip to Asia during the monsoon season is just one way of setting yourself up for a miserable time. Other destinations may be completely inaccessible to outsiders during the winter, such as the Rocky Mountain National Park.

There are also some towns that virtually shut down when the tourists leave. Most of the time, business owners use this period to carry out maintenance and repair work. Neglecting to make enquiries beforehand may mean arriving at a fabulous hotel whose west wing is currently undergoing maintenance, or is located beside a site where construction is being carried out. There's also a chance that museums and monuments might be closed to public at these times too.

To avoid disappointment, it's best to enquire at your dream destination's local tourist bureau for the timing and reason for their low season. Hotels, airlines and travel agencies in the area may have different definitions of the off-peak period, but it's highly likely that you'll find a happy medium if you take the time to do a bit of research.

Enjoy your time away without the worries.

Match up with a Housesitter to
care for your home and mind your pets.


By Angela Yorke

House sitters Libertybelle sit 8 months from Brisbane to Bass Straight

0 comments
We have had a very busy year with sits ranging from Brisbane to overlooking the Bass strait!!

And some strange experiences like agreeing to mind 4 breeding Cavalier Spaniels and on arrival finding that that was an understatement. We ended up with 13 dogs, 2 horses, 4 chooks, 4 Parrots, a cat and 4 fish!!

We were responsible for caring fro two pedigree litter one from birth to 7 weeks old, a litter of five pups. They were lucky we were agreeable people and that they still got to go off to Canada for 8 weeks!! ( even though it took us 48 hours to get the farm house up to a hygienic state).

However we now have some great references and are off to NZ for 4 months then back to Bundaberg to do another 2 months for a newly retired couple up there.

We have been away for 8 months this year and probably at least that next year.. keep up the good work.
It's a great site.

Merry Christmas
Jenny and David (Libertybelle)

House sitters Libertybelle profile

Sitters Sauni and Ken sit a Virginian log cabin and explore new horizons

0 comments
Thru Housecarers, we had the most delightful experience this summer housesitting for a most interesting couple in Virginia on 70 acres of land living in a log cabin, caring for their dear dogs, chickens, rabbitts,a falcon, a hawk, (the owner is a Falconer)

The couple were terrific, introduced us to some of their friends at a dinner party. It just couldn't have been a more perfect opportunity to help out and explore new environs. Thank you! Sauni and Ken ... ROSACAMILLE

View profile for sitters ROSACAMILLE

Camano Island Washington USA homeowner gets a win win result after choosing a house/cat sitter for 3 month housesit.

0 comments
"Thank you for a successful adventure for us finding a house/cat sitter.

We have been very pleased with the rapid response of so many qualified applicants to our ad.

We are happy with our selection, and believe he will be happy staying in and caring for our house.

A win win result. You are providing an excellent service."... Camanonana

Housesit details:

3 months Rural Camano Island,Washington USA

We are hoping to find a couple who will live here, and care for our cat, Sam. Our 3500 sq. ft. house, built in 2000, is on five wooded acres on an island (with a bridge), with water and mountain views.

We are 20 miles west of I-5, two hours from the Vancouver BC border where the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held in February, and 1 1/2 hours from downtown Seattle. We are walking distance from two State Parks, Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park, both with beaches and wildlife and no crowds.

For skiing, snowboarding, crosscountry skiings, and snowshoeing, the North Cascades are a day trip.

DaisyandMarigold find a lovely siter couple from Canberra to mind Collingwood Melbourne house and cats, close to the cafes, restaurants, shops and ba

0 comments
"Hi - just want to thank you for your impressive website and house sitting service. I've organised a lovely couple from Canberra to sit my house and cats, and had about 14 responses... Pam (DaisyandMarigold)"

House sit details: Collingwood Melbourne VIC Australia

I'm looking for a pet-loving house sitter from December 23 - 29, 2009. I have a lovely 2 bedroom terrace house in Collingwood, with a garden and vege garden.

My two beautiful cats, Daisy and Marigold, love affection and cuddles. My home is close to the cafes, restaurants, shops and bars of Smith St, Gertrude St and Brunswick St in Fitzroy and Lygon St in Carlton.

Responsible sitter essential, and I'd prefer a female or couple without kids who'd be happy to water the garden (rain water tank and 1 day of mains water. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you

Sitters timeforchange line up the housesits in USA and Canada

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"Just a note to let you know how great we are finding this service we have so far secured 2 housits 1 for 2 weeks in calgary and we are then moving onto edmonton Canada for a six week housesit.

We have now updated our profile and are now hoping to find something for a month in new york.We start on New Years Eve and cant wait to meet the people we going to housesit for.What a great adventure we are going to be on."

Sharon (timeforchange)

View profile of house sitters timeforchange

Sitter RespProfessional holidays by house sitting for 5 years

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We're currently on holdiays... and of course once againe we are house sitting. This time in Cairns QLD.

This will be our fifthe year of house-sitting for our holidays.

We're so please to have discovered it - and to have the service HouseCarers as a way of arranging it each time.... Carol (RespProfessional)


View profile for house sitters RespProfessional

Delightful couple visiting their daughter in Sydney from Ireland found for Upper North Shore Sydney Housesit

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Hi Ian

"Just to let you know I have successfully found someone to look after my home, and dog, while I am away over Christmas/New Year period. They are a delightful couple visiting their daughter in Sydney from Ireland. I feel that the benefits for both of us will be mutual.


I will certainly recommend your service. I found that I had many, replies – I actually lost count – and felt reassured that the “right fit” would be achieved. I also tried another service – which had fees involved, and they were only able to send through one applicant, who was not suitable.
Many thanks"

Sally Billie3357

House sit details:

Upper North Shore, Sydney NSW
3 weeks AvailFromDate = 2009-12-15

I have a Miniature Schnauzer dog, aged 10, who is blind. While we are away it is important for her to stay in the family home as she knows her way around it very well and is no trouble.

I am looking for someone, or a family, to love her while we are away. Our home is 4 bedroom, A/C, Swimming Pool and is walk to shops and bus stops. It is 25 minute drive to Sydney CBD and 20 minutes drive to many beaches. If you feel you could look after her, and water the garden, we would very much like to hear from you.

Coffs Harbour homeowner gives rap for retired housesitters WeCare

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"I recently used your service for the first time to find house sitters for my home and animals.

The response I had to my add was amazing.So many genuine people applied it was difficult to choose.The couple I chose,Barney and Sandy (House Sitters username Wecare) were an absolute delight and I would thoroughly reccommend them to anyone.

The animals had a ball and my home and car were sparkling when I returned.A big thank you to House Carers for a fantastic service and to Barney and Sandy for a great job.
Kind Regards Jenny (username Kalmiah)

Housesit Details: Coffs Harbour NSW, Australia
16 days From Sept 7 2009

I need a caring person/persons to look after my 2 dogs and cat.

Sprat is a small terrier cross and Tiffy a look alike Disney shaggy dog(clipped at the moment) Tootsie is a geriatric Birman cat who sleeps most of the time.

I live in a nearly new 3 bedroom townhouse 2 minutes from the CBD of Coffs Harbour. With beautiful mountain views from the front and back of the house I am only 5 minutes from main beach and Jetty areas. There is an enclosed dog park 2 minutes away and I walk the dogs there every morning.I would like you to be able to continue to do this. Other than that your time is free to enjoy this beautiful area.

Housesitter found to experience Irish rural life 90 minutes drive south of Dublin in the rolling countryside of County Wicklow Ireland

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"I just want to say how impressed we are with the efficiency and scope of your service.

We received an excellent response to our search for housesitters and have made arrangements with one of the partys to cover for us while we're away for 10 weeks. We'll report further in completion of the assignment.

Maenwhile, many thanks for allowing us to avail of your fantastic concept!

Richard & Grania, (Wicklowway)

P.S.
We have replied to all unsuccessful enquirers.


Housesit details: 10 weeks from 2009-11-22

County Wicklow 90 mins south of Dublin Ireland

We're seeking a practical couple to house-sit our property, pets (2 dogs, cat, hens, 2 horses and 2 donkeys) and 5 acre smallholding located about 90 minutes drive south of Dublin in the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, while we're absent from 26 November 09 until 31 January 2010.

Although December and January are not Ireland's best month's weather-wise -too little sun too much rain- the "cold spells" temperature seldom drops more that a couple of degrees below freezing.

This is an ideal opportunity for a mature and practical couple who want to experience Irish rural life, be within easy access of a capital city and spend Christmas away from it all in the company of a few special friends who could join them for the festive season. If interested in finding out more, please get in touch via Housecarers . We look forward to hearing from you

Housesitters CaringDuo land housesit for gorgeous home in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming

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"I wanted you to know that we are presently house sitting a gorgeous home in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. We found the house sit through your site, all the pieces fell into place, and we plan to be here for perhaps 3 years.

The couple who own the house are delightful and happy to have us here. They are in Houston working on a goverment contract and have told us that they have piece of mind knowing that we are caring for their property.

You have a great service and I wish you much success. As you can tell from our renewal, we still what to keep ourselves briefed on what is available - we could leave here for a short house sit (vacation) in the region."

View profile for house sitters CaringDuo

Exessive charges being asked by some Canadian homeowners

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There appears to be a practice in Canada where homeowners are asking up to 800 a month for utiliites. This is not in the spirit of housesitting, particularily when considering the benefits a house sitter brings - and the alternate high cost of leaving a vacant home eg costs of winterizing a home. Stata or Condo fees should not be included in the utilities as - condo owner has to pay monthly regardless of  occupancy.

I am including below a comment from a Canadian house sitter:

The posters are definitely calling their charges utilities, not rent. However, if the posters couldn't find a housesitter, they would have to pay someone to remove snow from their sidewalk, rake leaves or water plants; or put some effort into what's called "winterizing" your home if you want to shut it down for the winter.

And finding a short term renter through traditional means is difficult, so they use your site to do it. In some ways a housesitter is doing them a favour: they want their house occupied while they're away, yet they want to charge for it. I live on the southwest coast, so can't say what heating costs are in colder areas, but $800 for all utilities is absurd, particularly in this Alberta case where they're called "strata fees" — a fee a Canadian condo owner has to pay monthly regardless of occupancy.


This is what we say in our guidelines:

"Other recurring bills such as phone rental, rates, condo association fees, body corporate fees, strata fees, local council rates, water, sewer, cable TV rental, ISP rental, or property taxes usually remain the responsibility of the owner. If your arrangement will be 12 months or more in duration, you might consider allocating all or a portion of the recurring bills to the house sitter


We urge you to incorporate your utility/tax payment conditions in your written contract."

Peacehousesitter shares her Bundanoon Pet sitting experience, including a blind Parrot

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Just wanted to give you some feedback from recent experiences.

Bundanoon was great, the Arts Festival was on and the house was fabulous. Looked after a little old cat and a very old bird who gave me wolf whistles all day. I would like to take that as a compliment but he was mostly blind. I found her books very interesting as we had a lot of the same interests,,, Jeanette

Peacehousesitter

Newbie house sitter Norma sits All solar home in Sonora deserta

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"I wish I had become involved in house sitting years ago....I am new to your service and have a 3 month assignment in the Sonora desert in a all solar home,

I love new situations! Going to sit out of the country would be really exciting.
Thanks for your wonderful service"

Norma (crazy4pets)


View profile for House Sitter crazy4pets

Auckland NZ homeowner finds site very easy to follow

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"We have found a house sitter, thank you. Your site is great, very easy to follow.

Thanks" Liz UserName: quilty

House sit details:

Howick Auckland East approx 3 weeks AvailFromDate = 2010-03-14

Our house is situated in Howick Auckland New Zealand. We have 4 bedrooms, but only 3 will be available as one is a workroom. There are 2 bathrooms and 2 living areas.

We need someone to look after the garden, which comprises roses shrubs and a vegetable area. These will need watering only if the rain stops!

We have a toy poodle with attitude who loves his walks. To ease your aches and pains there is a spa pool for you to enjoy. We are within walking distance of a supermarket and bus stop.

There is a ferry service to the city should you care to go but we have great shopping in our area. There is a large enclosed deck perfect for relaxing.

All mod cons can be found in our home and you will be very comfortable.

Housecarers unavailable while we move to a better home 23/9/09 from 11PM EDT

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Housecarers will be unavailable from

September 23/09 starting around 11pm EDT for approx 4 hours while we move
to a new facility. This facility owned by hosting.com will provide far better connectivity,
security and uptime for all our members.

Ian

House sitters required to Enjoy Southern Spain

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"Just to say thank you so much once again for providing such a great site.

It's a fantatic service and I have had many successful house sits.

I like to know that someone is looking after the house, garden and animals while I am away...and they enjoy their time away from home too."

Thanks and best wishes Enjoysouthernspain

Housesit details: = Conil de la Frontera, Cadiz Spain

Charming two bedroom villa on 350 sq metre plot with large enclosed patio, parking, flower beds, sunbeds and ornamental pond on the outskirts of Conil.

Queen Size bed,air conditioning, flat screen UK/Spanish TV, bath/shower, kitchen with electric hob/oven, fridge/freezer, washing-up machine. Wi-fi connection. 2 mins walk to shops and local ventas, national bus stop across street, 5 mins drive to beach, walk straight into countryside.

Requirements are to enjoy the house, feed and play with the 6 month old kitten and walk and play with delighful, easy, medium size dog and keep an eye on watering the garden if necessary.

Canine Influenza Virus risk for Dogs - another reason to find a House Sitter rather than a boarding Kennel

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USA Today is reporting on the spread of the highly contagious canine influenza virus (CIV).

"it causes acute respiratory infections in dogs, and virtually all dogs who are exposed become infected. During the incubation period of two to four days, pets who appear healthy can still be spreading the germs."

Says Kimberly May, spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association

Backgrounder: Canine influenza


May, also recommends exploring options such as having a house sitter stay with your pet.


Read full story- USA Today - Boarding your dogs? Find out if they need a flu vaccine

Denver Colorado Homeowner shares their house sitting experience

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We've been using house-sitters for many years now and have become friends with some.
It's very important to be a good judge of character and to get references. I always check the potential house-sitter out on the internet if they pique my interest.

We don't pay our house-sitters and in fact, they're responsible for paying the utilities (other than water) while they're house-sitting. Most of our house-sitters are amenable to this because living in a different state or country gives them the opportunity for a "free" vacation. We let them use our vehicle while they're here. Our major requirement of house-sitters is that they vet our mail and let us know of bills due, to whom, the address and amount.

Yard maintenance is also an expectation. With one house-sitter, we set up an account for $1,000, in our joint names so that they could pay the bills for us. That worked out well, though I wouldn't recommend it unless the homeowner really trusted the house-sitter....

Read Full report in House Sitting Forum

2 months housesit Denver - Details:

We require a mature age couple or perhaps single non-smoker(s) to care for our home while we are on vacation.

We do not have pets.

No yard work is required other than shaking snow off trees and clearing of path and sidewalk (about 20 feet) if there is snow.

We require attention to our mail and e-mail notification of bills, so that we can timely pay them. The housesitter is responsible for paying electric/gas utilities and phone. We pay water bills.

Our home is two-storey and is located near Denver University and about an hour from the nearest ski fields. Denver has a good theater district. The home is handy to all facilities, such as supermarkets, post office, dining out, bus service and light rail to city.

Victoria British Columbia couple find wonderful Housesitter and Llama sitter

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Thank you so much for your services. We have found a wonderful person - "charitygirl" who lives close by. We have met with her and
feel it will be a good contact. Please remove our ad for a sitter
now. Thank you. "Gigfreck "

House/ Llamas sit details :

We are 45 mins from Victoria BC. on the south western coast of Vancouver Island. 10 ks west of Sooke. Sunny, private, modern home and small llama farm on 10 forested acres. Magnificent ocean views and sunsets, 5 min walk to amazing beachcombing beach. Great hiking trails and other beaches close by. Super restaurants to choose from. We have one little cat 22 yrs old very healthy who needs a lap to sit on in the evenings and a hello during the day. The llamas are very easy to look after

Perfect house sitter found for 5.5 month housesit in Edmonton Alberta Canada

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"Ian !
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to use your Home Sitting Service!
We found the perfect person for our home sitting needs in less than 24 hours!
I was worried about finding a sitter and now know where to get the help i needed!
I would highly recommend your site to anyone!!!!!!!
Thank You !!!!!
Don (drkdrummer)


Housesit details: 5.5 Months, Edmonton Alberta Canada
1500 sq ft Bungalow, 3 bedroom, 2-2/2 Bathrooms, Developed Basement, pool table, shuffle bd and Sattelite TV 52". Front driveway parking. N/S N/P Close to Bus, shopping and 5 min to freeways. Oct 18th/09 to Apr 1st/10 Pay for utilities only!