House sitters

[GU_Thomo]

We are heading off again later this year and, now the kids have moved out, we have no one to look after our house while we are away.
We have decided to look for a house sitter(s).
I would prefer to use people we know or have been referred by friends but as this may not be possible I have been crawling the appropriate websites.
What are your experiences?
Do you know any house sitters?
Can you recommend a good way/website to find them?

Can you offer any advice?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Cheers
Parry

[Bird]

check out on exploroz, heaps of threads on there

but there are  numerous websites like www.mindahome.com.au/`
https://www.google.com.au/?gws_rd=ssl#q=house+sitters+australia

[krisandkev]

We have used the Aussie House Sitters web site several times.  Free to join to look for sitters and you should get a great response.  We like to meet prospective sitters first so we can see if they would be suitable and also for them to see us.  We have a very detailed instruction booklet we give the sitters, it also includes contact numbers.  You can download a contract from the site if you need one.  We have only used this once and now we don't bother with one.  Some sitters prefer to live in their caravan, but use your bathroom and toilet; some will want to live in your house.  Our arrangements have been free for both; they stay for free we pay for electricity etc.  Has worked out great for us as we live on 61 acres and have a dog and horses so a bit to look after.  We have had sitters for 3 month periods to a 6 month stay.  You will get more replies for shorter periods.   Kevin

[GU_Thomo]

check out on exploroz, heaps of threads on there

but there are  numerous websites like www.mindahome.com.au/`
https://www.google.com.au/?gws_rd=ssl#q=house+sitters+australia

Thanks I will check exploroz.
I have been looking at the internet house sitter sites but their reviews are so varied it is hard to decide if any of them are any good.

Cheers
Parry

[GU_Thomo]

We have used the Aussie House Sitters web site several times.  Free to join to look for sitters and you should get a great response.  We like to meet prospective sitters first so we can see if they would be suitable and also for them to see us.  We have a very detailed instruction booklet we give the sitters, it also includes contact numbers.  You can download a contract from the site if you need one.  We have only used this once and now we don't bother with one.  Some sitters prefer to live in their caravan, but use your bathroom and toilet; some will want to live in your house.  Our arrangements have been free for both; they stay for free we pay for electricity etc.  Has worked out great for us as we live on 61 acres and have a dog and horses so a bit to look after.  We have had sitters for 3 month periods to a 6 month stay.  You will get more replies for shorter periods.   Kevin

Thanks Kevin, that is great information.

Cheers
Parry

[xcvator]

Watching this with great interest too 

[V8CRSA]

Watching this with great interest too 

Me too, we have always been lucky my FIL always comes and stays at our place and looks after the dogs when we are away.
But always wondered what other options there is.

[richee]

We just put a post on Facebook and had someone recommended within a day.  We had numerous other offers from friends.

[Fathom]

Yup we might be in the same boat soon. We have twice had house sitters - once was ok.. Parents of some friends. Once was a disaster... From a house sitter website .. But we may not have s choice. But to go that way again.

[speewa158]

l shell raise my hand to tackle the task . Being a fine sometimes upstanding member of( A A Community )of MySwag .
Can you please leave the number of the closest grog , pizza , fish & chips shop that delivers  . Also the number of close friends that l can fit in the spa/pool & the amount of off street parking  . Trust me   " What could possibly go Wrong "


Speewas Party Centre Knock with your elbows , as you have a slab under each arm    Coming Soon 

[MarkGU]

l shell raise my hand to tackle the task . Being a fine sometimes upstanding member of( A A Community )of MySwag .
Can you please leave the number of the closest grog , pizza , fish & chips shop that delivers  . Also the number of close friends that l can fit in the spa/pool & the amount of off street parking  . Trust me   " What could possibly go Wrong "


Speewas Party Centre Knock with your elbows , as you have a slab under each arm    Coming Soon 

.................and BYO chair 

[speewa158]

Should be 1 there that wont reject me ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Bad Scott]

Should be 1 there that wont reject me ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Their musical chairs.. sorry speewa

[GU_Thomo]

We just put a post on Facebook and had someone recommended within a day.  We had numerous other offers from friends.

Thanks Richee, that is certainly worth a try.

Cheers
Parry

[GU_Thomo]

l shell raise my hand to tackle the task . Being a fine sometimes upstanding member of( A A Community )of MySwag .
Can you please leave the number of the closest grog , pizza , fish & chips shop that delivers  . Also the number of close friends that l can fit in the spa/pool & the amount of off street parking  . Trust me   " What could possibly go Wrong "


Speewas Party Centre Knock with your elbows , as you have a slab under each arm    Coming Soon 

Nice try Speewa, but I have had the pleasure...... of your company around a couple of fires and you are right "what could possibly go wrong"