Advice for House Sitting Services

Whether homeowners have two houses or are away for extended periods of time, they may need someone to care for pets, plants and houses. House sitters want to find ways to earn extra money or stay somewhere on vacation for free, in exchange for small chores. Some arrangements are live-in and others are check-in.

Identification

• A variety of home owner and house-sitting matching services are available on the Internet. Usually for a small fee or for free, these services will match people who wish to find a mutual business relationship. These sites may offer agreement forms and answers to frequently asked questions.

Features

• By hiring a house sitter, homeowners save on pet kennel fees and possibly save on homeowner's insurance, by having an occupied home. House sitters save money on rent, enjoy the companionship of different pets and explore other geographical areas.

Warning

• Make sure all expectations are spelled out in the agreement. House sitters should know exactly what is expected of them. Homeowners should take references and do background checks on anyone they hire to stay in their home.