Your 10 Biggest Questions Answered (Plain & Simple)
You stay in or check on clients’ homes while they’re away, providing security and basic maintenance.
1. Do I need a certificate?
No, but references are crucial. You need trustworthiness, responsibility, and basic home maintenance knowledge. Can you be relied upon to care for someone’s most valuable asset? That’s your skill.
What to do instead:
- Get character references from employers, teachers, community leaders
- Learn basic home systems (thermostats, alarms, plumbing basics)
- Practice attention to detail in your own home
2. What’s the minimum I need to spend?
$0-100.
- Background check: $20-50 (for platforms)
- Transportation: To/from houses
- Phone for communication
- Basic tools: Flashlight, notepad
Optional: Liability insurance ($200-400/year) once you’re serious.
3. How do I describe what I do?
DON’T say: “I watch houses.” (Sounds passive)
DO say: “I provide professional house sitting services that give homeowners peace of mind through security, maintenance, and attentive care of their property.”
Services:
- “Live-in house sitting and security”
- “Daily home checks and maintenance”
- “Mail/package collection and plant care”
- “Emergency response coordination”
4. Where do I find my VERY first client?
Start with your immediate network:
- Friends/family going on vacation
- Neighbors in your community
- Local Facebook neighborhood groups
- TrustedHousesitters (platform with international clients)
Message: “Going away and want peace of mind about your home? I provide reliable house sitting services. Available for local homes, first-time client discount.”
5. How much do I charge?
First Clients: $25-$50 per day or $150-$300 per week.
Example pricing:
- Daily checks: $25-35/day (1-2 visits)
- Live-in sitting: $40-60/day
- Weekly rate: $200-350/week (discounted from daily)
- Holiday rates: 25-50% extra
Payment: 50% deposit to reserve dates, balance before homeowner leaves.
6. What does house sitting work look like? Step-by-step
Project: “7-Day Live-in House Sitting”
Daily routine (1-2 hours active work):
- Security check: Walk perimeter, check all doors/windows
- Mail/packages: Collect, organize, forward urgent items
- Plant care: Water as instructed, remove dead leaves
- Basic maintenance: Run water in unused fixtures, adjust thermostat
- Pet care: If included (follow pet routine separately)
- Home appearance: Turn different lights on/off, adjust blinds
- Communication: Daily check-in text/photo to owner
- Emergency preparedness: Know utility shutoffs, emergency contacts
Additional responsibilities:
- Meeting repair people if scheduled
- Handling emergencies (leaks, alarms, etc.)
- Keeping home clean/tidy
- Following specific homeowner instructions
7. How do I handle payment safely?
50% deposit to reserve dates, balance before homeowner leaves.
Use checks, PayPal, or bank transfer.
Detailed agreement: Responsibilities, emergency procedures, what’s included/not included.
Key handling: Secure method for key exchange/return.
8. What’s the #1 beginner mistake?
Not documenting condition before homeowner leaves.
Golden rule: Walk through home with homeowner, note existing issues, take photos. Protects both parties.
9. How do I know if I’m good enough?
You’re good enough if:
- You’re responsible and reliable
- You notice details others miss
- You handle emergencies calmly
- People trust you with their belongings
Test: House sit for a friend locally. Do they return to a home in same/better condition? Would they recommend you to others? If yes, you’re ready.
10. What’s the next step?
Get bonded/insured and specialize (luxury homes, estates, homes with complex systems).
After basic house sitting, offer: vacation rental preparation, home inventory services, seasonal home opening/closing, coordination with other service providers.
Your Action Plan:
- Today: Gather 3 character references, create house sitting resume
- Tomorrow: List on TrustedHousesitters and local Facebook groups
- This week: Offer to house sit for a friend going away in exchange for testimonial