FAQs for finding house sitters near you
What is a house sitter?
A house sitter is an individual paid to occupy a house while the owners are absent. The house sitter's duties include checking mail, watering plants, taking out trash, handling any small repairs needed and generally keeping an eye on things while the homeowners are away. House sitting provides an added layer of security because there is always someone in the house. In addition to this, a house sitter may also provide company for pets which can further reduce anxiety and stress caused by separation from their owners. If done properly, house sitting can be a great way for homeowners to maintain peace of mind knowing their house (and pets) are taken care of in their absence.
How do I find a reputable house sitter?
Finding a reputable house sitter using Care.com is easy. To get started, search Care.com by location and services needed. Once you have found house sitting services in your area, read through their reviews and feedback to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy house sitters. Additionally, be sure to check the house sitter's profile to determine if they have had experience house sitting before and if they can fulfill all of your requirements.
What are the benefits of hiring a house sitter?
Hiring a house sitter is a great solution for those who need to leave their house unattended for more than just a few days. A house sitter can ensure that your house is safe while you are away, and they can also provide small services such as tending to plants and bringing in the mail. Having someone stay in your house while you’re gone deters burglars, eliminates the worry of accidents or disasters (such as fires), and takes care of simple tasks around the house so you can arrive home to everything just as you left it. The peace of mind alone makes house sitting services very desirable, especially if you have valuable items or pets that would otherwise be left alone in your home while you are away.
How much does it cost to hire a house sitter?
Finding and hiring a house sitter can be a great way to ensure the security and protection of your house or apartment when you’re away. The cost of house sitting services varies depending on the specific requirements of each job, but the average cost nationwide per hour on Care.com is $19.20. Before engaging any house sitter for your property, you should ask for proof of identity and professional references in order to better understand their work experience and suitability for the role.
How do I interview a potential house sitter?
Finding the ideal house sitter for your home is an important process. Start by creating a clear job description that outlines the details about house sitting such as frequency and length of stay, tasks required, pay rate, house rules, etc. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential house sitters, plan to interview each in a structured format. Be sure to ask specific questions about their house sitting experience, communication style and reliability so that you can make an informed decision. Ask follow-up questions as needed to ensure that their values and personality align with what you’re looking for in a house sitter. Throughout the interview process be mindful to treat each candidate with respect; this will help foster trust that ultimately determines whether or not they are the right fit for the house sitter role.