Ever considered a House Sitter?

Always nice to hear good reports.  Not considered them here.  But have looked at adverts asking for sitters in NZ (our daughter lives there) for when we can really have extended stay there (maximum 6 months) so we could have the best of all worlds; seeing our daughter and her family, not be on top on each other and possibly so other parts we haven't visited before possibly saving money and maybe a bit more comfortable than hotels.  So might be worth consideration for our house too.

Hey Bakers - a wonderful country to visit, so wish you well with your plans and hope you make it.  Try for as long a period as you can.  Bought a small motorhome out there and re sold it, just prior to our return. A lot cheaper than hiring a M/H.  OK, so you need to be aware of what's on offer as opposed to what you want. Wait till you get there and check the small adds.

Good luck

Hey Bakers - a wonderful country to visit, so wish you well with your plans and hope you make it.  Try for as long a period as you can.  Bought a small motorhome out there and re sold it, just prior to our return. A lot cheaper than hiring a M/H.  OK, so you need to be aware of what's on offer as opposed to what you want. Wait till you get there and check the small adds.

Good luck

We've been seriously considering buying one out there, but prices are rather high from what we've seen, we've always hired one.  Were you on North or South Island?  I'd like more details Sorry to take this thread off topic.  Maybe once Christmas is over I'll start another thread, or for a personal message facility on here.

Yes, did some years ago from Homesitters. Quite expensive but when it works well it's very good. When it doesn't .......

Perhaps a good idea to interview the people sitting for you before they sit, to avoid misunderstandings. 

After a poor experience, never again! pets go into kennels.

One paranoid couple sitting for us kept pestering our neighbours to see if parked vehicles  outside belonged to them, in case they were burglars casing the joint. When there was a minor water leak from an appliance, they mopped it up (excellent) but when we rang home at one point to check if all was OK, they said there had been a "problem" but refused to tell us what it was in case it spoiled our holiday.  So we worried about this "problem" for the rest of our (now shortened) trip and it spoiled our holiday anyway!!

Peter.

Artyboo. How does it work? Who does the vetting? Is there an agency involved? Do you have to tell your household insurers? What happens if there's a problem?

Hi Wherenext, go to the website, trusted house sitters.com. 

I apprciate other people might have had problems with house sitters but in the main, we have had replies from professional people(or retired)  taking a year out to travel and recharge batteries. Most (not all) have house sat before and have the references from those that have experienced their services. Most also are 'PNC' (Police checked) and all have experience with pets and in many cases livestock.

I agree, we have only done it once (two more booked) and OH had real problems with it but YOU get to choose who you want and you can ask intrusive questions without anyone getting upset. They appreciate its your home after all!  I don't know how it would work but I am perfectly willing to have you e mail me with those I have 'rejected' but have been suitable but have become close seconds or cannot do the dates we need. 

Housesitters.com do require a registration fee but this more than compensates knowing that your pets and home are in good hands.

Good luck, whatever you decide

Yes, did some years ago from Homesitters. Quite expensive but when it works well it's very good. When it doesn't .......

Perhaps a good idea to interview the people sitting for you before they sit, to avoid misunderstandings. 

After a poor experience, never again! pets go into kennels.

One paranoid couple sitting for us kept pestering our neighbours to see if parked vehicles  outside belonged to them, in case they were burglars casing the joint. When there was a minor water leak from an appliance, they mopped it up (excellent) but when we rang home at one point to check if all was OK, they said there had been a "problem" but refused to tell us what it was in case it spoiled our holiday.  So we worried about this "problem" for the rest of our (now shortened) trip and it spoiled our holiday anyway!!

Peter.

   

Write your comments here...A terrible shame that you have had a bad experience. Last time I told all of my neighbours and all agreed they would help should a problem occur. And in answer to Wherenext, no we did inform our house insurance but maybe we should have. We will do so in future. As long as your house sitter has your details (e mail/text) everything is usually OK. I DO think sometimes we panic about the 'what if this happens' but actually, anything could happen while you are away and if your house is empty, you may get home to mayhem. I would prefer to leave instructions for someone To deal with it and have my pets in their own environment.

BTW is free

Thanks for reply. Not needed at present as MIL lives with us and she stays here when we're travelling but brother thinking of doing something similar so thought I would make some enquiries seeing your post.

I was really lucky last year when my son sprung his wedding in Salt Lake City on us. I asked a lady staying at the vet's house in the village and she said yes AND wouldn't take money for it as she considered it a holiday!  Of course she got a good present and she came again in the Summer this year for a few days.  However normally I like to take my dogs with me when possible.