the Cost of House Sitters

House sitting costs $16 per visit for me. This includes taking in the mail and putting out any garbage, filling the pool with water, checking all doors and windows, and handling any emergencies that might arise (e.g., downed trees after a storm, burst pipe, etc.). If there has been a serious storm or other issue, she will check on the house immediately, even if that is not the scheduled visit. If I am gone for a longer time, she will call my voicemail and leave a message regularly telling me that all is well.

Very satisfied. Although it may seem a bit expensive because most of the time the sitter has very little to do, you are also paying for the security and reassurance of knowing that the one time something does go wrong, someone will be there to take care of everything.

Make sure that your house sitter is bonded and insured. If they should make a mistake and your house winds up flooded or robbed because of a door left unlocked, your home insurance will not take the hit. That means your premiums do not go up. Also, make sure you get references for your sitter, and don't be afraid to check on them during the first or second time you use them. Have a friend make sure they are actually coming, or give them a call and ask them a couple of questions about the house. A good sitter won't mind; they will understand that their reliability is important, and their success will mean return business.