How to Be House Sitter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience. However, it can also be a stressful one if proper arrangements are not made for the house that is being left behind. One way to ensure that a house is properly looked after during the transition is to hire a house sitter.

A house sitter will not only watch over the home while its occupants are away, but they can also provide other services such as picking up mail, watering plants, and even taking care of pets. Having a house sitter can provide peace of mind that the home and its belongings are safe and secure, which in turn can make the process of moving much less stressful.

Steps How to Become

Research house sitting opportunities. Start by researching house sitting opportunities in your area. Consider the size of the home, the duration of the assignment, and the type of responsibilities youll be expected to take on.
Make a list of references. Before applying for house sitting assignments, create a list of references who can vouch for your reliability and trustworthiness.
Create a profile. Create a profile on a house sitting website or app to showcase your experience and qualifications. Make sure to include any certifications or special skills you may have.
Apply for assignments. Start applying for available assignments. Be sure to read over the job description carefully and ask any questions to ensure you understand the expectations.
Interview with homeowners. If youre selected for an interview, be prepared to answer questions about your experience and discuss any special needs or requests the homeowner may have.
Negotiate a contract. Once youve been offered a house sitting assignment, negotiate a contract that outlines all of the expectations and responsibilities.
Prepare for the assignment. Before starting your assignment, make sure to prepare your belongings and review any instructions the homeowner provided.
Follow through. During your assignment, follow through on all of your duties and responsibilities to ensure the homeowner is satisfied with your work.

House sitting is an increasingly popular way to save money on housing costs and provide a service to those in need. When done right, house sitting can be an ideal and efficient solution for both the house sitter and the homeowner. It enables the homeowner to have their house looked after while they are away and the house sitter to save money on rent or have a place to stay while they travel.

A successful house sitter is organized, reliable, and responsible. They should have a plan for taking care of the house, such as watering plants, checking mail, and ensuring security. They should also be prepared to handle any unexpected or emergency situations that may arise.

Furthermore, the house sitter should be aware of the homeowners expectations and follow them accordingly. By taking the proper steps and being prepared, both the homeowner and house sitter can benefit from a successful house sitting experience.

You may want to check Events Sitter, Travel Sitters, and Night Sitter for alternative.

Job Description

Collect mail, newspapers, and other deliveries
Water plants
Monitor security of the house
Clean up after pets
Maintain outdoor areas
Take out garbage
Ensure all windows and doors are secure
Rotate lights and curtains
Check for any signs of damage
Provide companionship to pets

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to care for plants, pets and other animals
Ability to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the house
Knowledgeable in basic home maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, unclogging toilets, etc.
Ability to respond to emergency situations such as water leaks or power outages
Good organizational skills
Ability to follow instructions
Knowledge of basic emergency first aid
Ability to use technology (e. g. , smartphones, computers, tablets)
Excellent communication skills
Reliable and trustworthy
Attention to detail
Flexible and adaptable to changes
Respectful of the homeowner's privacy
Ability to contact the homeowner if necessary
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Knowledge of local laws and ordinances

Being a house sitter requires a variety of skills and qualities. One of the most important skills to have as a house sitter is reliability. Having a reliable and trustworthy personality is essential in order to maintain the trust of the homeowners.

By being reliable and responsible, house sitters are able to take care of the home and its occupants while they are away. This can include taking care of plants, turning lights on and off, taking out the trash, and even checking in on pets or other animals in the home. In addition to reliability, house sitters should have excellent communication skills.

This ensures that they are able to communicate efficiently and effectively with the homeowners, as well as other people who may be involved in caring for the home. Lastly, being detail oriented is also an important skill to have as a house sitter. Paying attention to details helps ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten, which can be critical when taking care of someone elses home.

Having these qualities will help ensure that house sitters can provide a safe and comfortable environment for the homeowners while they are away.

Babysitting Administrator, Teen Sitter, and Overnight Sitter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in house sitting?
Are you comfortable with pets and taking care of them?
How long can you commit to house sitting?
Are you available during weekends and holidays?
What safety measures are you familiar with when it comes to house sitting?
Are you comfortable handling emergency situations such as fires or floods?
Do you have experience handling security systems, locks, and alarm systems?
Are you comfortable handling small repair projects?
Are you familiar with lawn maintenance and gardening?
Have you ever dealt with a difficult situation while house sitting? If so, how did you handle it?

Common Tools in Industry

Cleaning Supplies. Necessary to keep the house clean and tidy (eg: vacuum cleaner, mop, broom, cleaning solutions).
Security System. An alarm system to protect the house from unauthorized intrusions (eg: cameras, motion sensors, locks).
Home Maintenance Tools. Useful for minor repairs and general upkeep (eg: hammer, screwdriver, drill).
Gardening Tools. Equipment for weeding, planting, and other gardening tasks (eg: shovel, rake, pruning shears).
Pet Care Supplies. Necessary for taking care of animals in the home (eg: food, toys, beds).
Automated Appliances. Technology to help with housekeeping tasks (eg: robotic vacuums, automatic dishwashers).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Professional House Sitters (NAPHS)
International House Sitting Network (IHSN)
House Sitting World
HouseCarers. com
Trusted Housesitters
House Sitters America
House Sitters UK
Nomador
Caretaker Gazette
HouseSitter. com

We also have Pet Sitting Manager, Kids Sitter, and Pet Sitter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Security Deposit. An amount of money that a house sitter may be asked to pay up front, usually refundable after the duration of the house sitting assignment is completed.
Key Exchange. The process of exchanging keys between the home owner and the house sitter to ensure secure access to the property.
Background Check. A process of verifying a person's background information and criminal history before hiring them as a house sitter.
House Sitting Contract. A document that outlines the duties and responsibilities of the house sitter, as well as any additional rules or regulations associated with the house sitting job.
Pet Sitting. The act of taking care of a pet while its owners are away, including feeding, exercising, grooming, and providing companionship.
House Sitting Service. A company or agency that provides house sitting services to homeowners who need someone to watch their property while they are away.
House Sitting Rate. The amount of money that a house sitter will charge per hour or day for their services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is House Sitting?

House sitting is a service in which a person temporarily occupies a residence to take care of duties such as accepting mail and packages, watering plants, maintaining the home, and looking after pets.

What are the benefits of House Sitting?

The benefits of house sitting include having someone trustworthy to look after your home while you're away, saving money on accommodation costs, and having your home and pets taken care of while you travel.

What are the requirements to become a House Sitter?

The requirements to become a house sitter vary depending on the service provider, but typically include a background check, references, and insurance.

How much does House Sitting typically cost?

The cost of house sitting depends on the length of stay, the duties required, and any additional services needed. Rates can range from $15-$50/hour or $100-$300/day.

What is the best way to find a House Sitter?

The best way to find a house sitter is through a reputable online service such as TrustedHousesitters or Care.com, or through word of mouth from friends and family.

Web Resources

The House-Sitter | USC Digital Folklore Archives folklore.usc.edu
House Sitters Available | Faculty Senate | Oregon State University senate.oregonstate.edu
Housesitters/Caretakers - byui.edu www.byui.edu