In this article, I have asked one of our former hosts (and now friend), to tell us about the top traits they look for in a great house sitter. This valuable information from an experienced user of Trusted Housesitters and a regular house sitting host gives both sitters and future hosts an insight into what to look for to enable the perfect sit.
Let’s get started. From the point of view of a regular house sitting host and pet parent, here are the top traits to look for in a great house sitter.
Contributor’s Introduction
As homeowners who frequently open our doors to house sitters, we’ve learned firsthand what makes an ideal candidate stand out. Trust is paramount when you’re leaving your home and pets in someone else’s care.
After years of positive house-sitting experiences, I feel that we’ve honed in on the key qualities to look that lead to peace of mind and confidence when selecting a sitter. I’ve shared some key ones below.
Strong Communication Skills
From the very first interaction, clear and consistent communication is a must. Good communication goes a long way, whether responding promptly to messages or keeping us updated during the sit. We appreciate sitters who ask relevant questions about our pets’ routines, the house, or the neighborhood.
Regular updates via pictures, texts, or videos reassure us that everything is under control during the sit. It doesn’t have to be every day, but checking in and letting us know how our pets are doing is incredibly comforting.
Love and Experience with Pets
For us, our pets are family, and the way a house sitter interacts with them is key. While previous pet care experience isn’t essential, we lean toward sitters who show genuine affection for animals. We’ve noticed that the best sitters are those who take the time to get to know our pets’ personalities, needs, and routines.
A great house sitter should also be comfortable with handling any potential challenges, such as administering medications, dealing with pet anxiety, or handling unexpected vet visits. Experience with a range of pets and situations helps us feel confident that our furry friends will be in good hands.
Respect for Our Home
Beyond taking care of our pets, we expect our house sitters to treat our home with care and respect. This means keeping things tidy, using items with consideration, and following any specific instructions we’ve left about the house.
This could be as simple as watering plants, taking out the trash, or managing the heating. A great house sitter goes beyond just looking after the pets – they maintain the home’s routine too.
We also appreciate when sitters leave the house in the same (or even better) condition as they found it. It’s always a relief to return to a clean, well-kept home after being away. Cleanliness is one of the top traits of a great house sitter!
Trustworthiness and Reliability
Trust is the foundation of a successful house sit. We look for sitters with a solid track record of reliability, whether through reviews on Trusted Housesitters or personal references. A great sitter is someone who sticks to their commitments, arrives on time and follows through on the promises they made.
Transparency is also crucial. If something unexpected happens, we prefer sitters who are upfront about it rather than trying to cover it up. Honesty builds trust, and we’re far more understanding if we’re kept in the loop.
Adaptability
No two house sits are the same, and sometimes unexpected situations arise. Whether it’s a sudden change in our travel plans or an issue at home, we value sitters who are flexible and adaptable. A great house sitter can handle surprises with a calm and positive attitude.
Being adaptable also extends to small things like adjusting to the quirks of our home. Whether it’s figuring out how to use a temperamental appliance or managing different weather conditions, a great sitter is resourceful and finds solutions without needing constant guidance.
A Respect for Boundaries
While house sitters are guests in our home, they also play a crucial role in maintaining its privacy and security. We appreciate sitters who respect boundaries and take care not to overstep. This could include limiting their use of our more personal spaces or refraining from inviting others into the house without permission.
It’s all about understanding the balance between making the space feel like home and respecting the homeowner’s personal space.
We also expect our sitters to be mindful of security measures, such as locking doors, activating alarms, and being cautious with who they share information about our home and location with.
Problem-Solving Skills
Problems can arise when we’re away, and we count on our house sitters to handle minor issues without needing to involve us constantly. A great house sitter knows when to use their judgment to solve problems independently and when to reach out for guidance.
Whether handling a minor household emergency like a leaky pipe or knowing how to deal with a pet’s unexpected behavior, a good sitter remains calm and handles challenges responsibly. We’re grateful for sitters who can make decisions in our absence, keep us informed, and seek advice when necessary.
Positive Reviews and References
We always try and select sitters who have reviews from the previous house sits. Positive reviews indicate that a sitter is reliable, responsible, and experienced. We’ve previously taken on sitters based on character references alone, but always feel more comfortable knowing they have an outstanding pet and house sitting track record.
When a sitter has consistent feedback that aligns with the qualities we’re looking for, it makes the decision process much easier.
An Up-to-Date Profile and Willingness to Communicate
A detailed and up-to-date profile is a top consideration when we are looking for a house sitter. A great sitter keeps their profile current with recent photos, updated availability, and relevant experience. Photos that show their personality, love for pets, and professional attitude make a strong first impression.
Verification, such as background checks or ID verification, also adds an extra layer of trust, giving us peace of mind.
We also appreciate sitters who are open to having a phone or video call before confirming the sit. This conversation helps us get to know them better, address any specific questions or concerns, and establish a personal connection.
A Genuine Interest in House Sitting
Lastly, we love working with sitters who show a genuine interest in house sitting as more than just a way to get free accommodation. Sitters who truly enjoy the experience of caring for pets, exploring new places, and maintaining a home demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to their role.
This mindset often translates into better experiences for everyone involved. The best sitters treat house sitting as a rewarding responsibility, rather than a transaction, and that positive attitude shines through in their care and attention to detail.
Contributor’s Conclusion
What we look for in a great house sitter comes down to trust, care, and communication. Finding someone who shares our values and genuinely cares for our home and pets ensures we can leave without worry and return to a well-cared-for home.
If you’re thinking of becoming a house sitter, remember that these qualities make all the difference in standing out as a top choice for homeowners like us.
Further Information About House Sitting
Thousands of listings globally are currently accepting applications on Trusted Housesitters. If you are new to the game, I recommend signing up for a free account using just your email. You can then browse the many active listings and start thinking about where house sitting can take you, sign up for free here.
We have a library of information on our website to help you get started with articles such as The Step-By-Step Guide to Applying for a House Sit and What to Expect From Your First House Sitting Experience. Head over to our Start Here page to get going today.
Sign Up With Trusted Housesitters
To apply for any of the thousands of house sits currently available, you will need to be a paying member of Trusted Housesitters. But fear not! Memberships start at just $129/year and our friends and readers receive a further 25% when they use code BEACHES25 at checkout, click here to sign up.
There are three tiers of membership, for both sitters and homeowners. The higher the tier, the more benefits that come with it and subsequently a slightly higher cost. However, these benefits can be valuable and reliable resources for seasoned house sitters and house sitting hosts.
I’ve done a full breakdown of all the different membership options, benefits, and prices in my previous article – Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Conclusion
I hope this insight into the top traits people look for in a great house sitter has been a valuable read for sitters and homeowners alike. Pulling on the experience of an active host with dozens of previous sits completed, we have been able to get a sneak peek to the other side, and discover what hosts are looking for in a sitter!
The top traits a great house sitter should possess are by no means set in stone, but the information listed in this article offers a great template for how a successful house sitter should set out their stall. I’m grateful to our previous host for granting us access to this important information.
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Owner permission has been given for use of all photos in this article.