How can I get House Sitting Jobs?

home garden

Obtaining house sitting jobs seems to be an ideal employment plan for some. The prospect of living rent free in beautiful houses at various locations around the world seems like a dream job. However, like any other job, building a reputation is important, and gaining regular house sitting jobs is not easy.

There are many Internet sites that advertise house sitting jobs. Many charge a fee for their services. Like many Internet services, some are reputable, and others are not. Before sending any money, check on a house sitter discussion board to see whether the company you are considering is reputable. There is never a guarantee that a company won’t take your money and then forget all about you.

The Internet is one of the most useful tools for finding out information about house sitting jobs. Most towns have community web sites that advertise jobs. By checking the website of the country or town you are considering, you may be able to source some house sitting jobs. There may also be information on reputable agencies that can help with house sitting jobs.

The next step is building a reference base for yourself. Written references regarding character are a good way of introducing yourself to any possible employers. A step farther is to have details that you have been put through a criminal check and have proof of no criminal record. This will often allay any fears that a possible employer has.

If you are considering house sitting in a different country, begin to advertise. You can easily find the website for the local newspaper of the town or city you wish to house sit in. Placing ads saying that you are available for house sitting jobs should be an advantage.

You should also state in your advertisement whether or not you charge any fees. If you are just beginning to house sit, you should consider taking house sitting jobs for free until you build up a few references. Many employers do not expect any fees to be charged for house sitting jobs, but there may be extra tasks involved, such as pet care or garden maintenance. In this case, the job can be seen as a service, and a small fee can be involved.

If you manage to receive an interview for a possible house sitting job, remember that this is one job where first impressions count. Try and present yourself conservatively and confidently. Answer any questions as honestly as you can. Do not be put off by strange questions; these people are putting their full trust in you with one of their most precious possessions.

The house sitting business involves a great deal of luck. You are competing against a wide variety of people for jobs. Retired people and travelers will be your biggest competition. When you meet people, make sure you tell them you are looking for house sitting jobs. Word of mouth is a big factor in the house sitting business. People go on holiday all the time, and it is in these situations that a chance remark might bring work.

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12
I would like to house sit december - april. Fairfield county ct. Where do i look for these opportunities?
- anon52090
11
I want to learn more about housesitting. i really think this is the job for me.
- anon44351
10
I am a nurse reaching retirement age. Am interested in house sitting as a retirement job. I am single and female. Do you think this would deter potential opportunity?
- anon42785
8
We are a retired couple looking for a housesitting job that last more than a month to save on rent we are willing to pay rather than collect for our service. Can you give us some info how to get started in nc if we want to move to fla first of next year.
- anon39380
7
Anyone out there with a success story????
- marty555
6
getting housesitting jobs should be considered a chance of luck. I now housesit for three families, one a multi-millionaire, others probably as well but the other two households work. I make good money at one place, getting $100 a day, but I clean a couple donkey stalls and take care of a dog. All the housesitting jobs I know have a pet involved. But i received these jobs as luck, I don't think you would be able to do this full time, but hey if you put your mind to it! You must know the people, every household I sit for I met through gardening and caretaking their property.
- anon23673
4
how does one get references if one has not done this before?
- anon18260
3
House sitting forum? I'm new at this, want to find house sitting opportunities.
- dcvz
2
You mention checking discussion boards/forums regarding house sitting sites

There is a dedicated House sitters community forum where you can see a body of knowledge built up by housesitter contributions

- access2000

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Written by Garry Crystal
Last Modified: 19 November 2009

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