There does not seem to be a lack of home owners who seek out the services of a house sitter. Our modern age has drastically changed the lifestyle of many. With business travel, military assignments and even some families owning more than one home, house sitters never have to fear being without a place to lay their head at night. There are house sitters who never call one place home, while others only seek short house sitting assignments a few times per year. Whatever their lifestyles, house sitters usually find a home owner who can meet their needs.
Retirees are particularly fond of house sitting. Many of them make radical changes in their lifestyles when they realize they are not obligated to stay in one area. Retirees have been known to pack up a suitcase and catch the next plane to Mexico, Australia, or wherever the home owner sounds the call from. Many seniors find the change of environment invigorating after years of the monotonous drudgery of employment. Other seniors prefer to take only a few short assignments each year. This gives them the opportunity to visit new areas while still maintaining their home base.
Freelance photographers and writers are also finding the house sitting lifestyle beneficial. Writers who are creating the next best selling novel--or doing research on a particular part of the world--can house sit for a home owner in that area and experience first hand the life, culture and history of a given spot. The same is true for photographers. Many photographs travel and are in need of a place to stay. When they are matched with a home owner who needs a sitter, the photographer can tell the hotel room good-bye.
Families are also realizing that house sitting gives them a chance to vacation in parts of the world which would be out of the question for them otherwise. There are many home owners who welcome families. Home owners who also need the sitter to care for pets can be assured their pets will get adequate attention and exercise when children are in the equation.
There are some house sitters who are unsure about where they want to put down their roots. Recent military people who have lived in for years may want to house sit in different parts of the world for a while before they decide which area would suit them for a permanent residence. Students are also house sitters. By being a house sitter, this cuts down on their living expenses. This also assures the student of a quiet place to concentrate on studies--away from the distraction of a college campus.
Most house sitters register with a house sitter directory. For a small fee, their information is available to home owners who are in need of a house sitter. Here house sitters can post their information, such as which areas they are available to house sit in, the length of assignments they are available for, what skills they have which can benefit the home owner, and so on.
Besides having the opportunity to see the world, house sitters benefit because they are not charged rent. In exchange for room and board, the house sitter maintains the home owner's property and does regular duties for the home owner while they are away. These duties can include lawn maintenance, cleaning a pool, taking care of pets, and more. The needs of the home owner will be clearly outlined in a house sitting contract.
Being free from rent or a mortgage payment is allowing many house sitters the chance to save their money. Some house sitters have big goals and house sitting gives them the opportunity to achieve them. Whether its starting a small business, saving for a down payment on a home, or paying their way through college, houses sitting is paying off for the sitter.
House sitters are mature and responsible. They know the home owner is leaving their possessions and mementos in their capable hands. If a problem arises, house sitters are quick to rise to the challenge. If a pipe leaks, or a tree falls in the yard because of a storm, a house sitter is on the job and willing to take the necessary steps to fix the problem. House sitters are also aware that while they may be living in someone's home, it is not their property. House sitter guidelines usually do not allow for parties or over night guests.
Many house sitters are invited for repeat stays. When a home owner finds a sitter they like, they will usually ask the sitter to come back when the need arises for them to travel, again. Many home owners and sitters are finding they are forging friendships with each other and they keep up with each others life away from the house sitting arrangement.
Occasionally house sitters will be asked to do more than just maintain the property of the home owner or care for the pets. For instance, some home owners may own rental properties in the area and ask for the sitter to be on hand for rent payments. Other home owners may live on a farm. House sitters have been known to feed the chickens or horses. Most house sitters love the diversity of these tasks, and welcome the experience. Each home owner is different and house sitters love exploring all aspects of a new assignment.
If you are interested in becoming a house sitter, you can register with a house sitter directory. You don't have to be a year-round or full time house sitter, either. There are many home owners who are constantly seeking sitters for short stays, such two. These home owners may simply want to go on a vacation themselves and need someone to watch over their things.
If you would like the chance to see the world for a few weeks--or for months on end--you should seriously consider house sitting. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Copyright © 2005, Ian White
Author Ian White is founder of HouseCarers House Sitting Directory. Registration is free for homeowners and a small fee is charge for house sitter membership.
[tags]housesitting,housesitters,house sitters,house sitting,rent free accommodation,retiree travel,sitters[/tags]
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