How to Build a Solid House Sitting Profile

Ready to join an incredible community of like-minded travelers, but unsure where to start, or how to build a successful house sitting profile? I’ll share which websites I love, how to build a successful house sitting profile, best practices to land that first sit, and some insider tips that will ensure a glowing reference.

Table of Contents

• Where to Sign Up for House Sitting
• Build an Impressive House Sitting Profile
• Include References on Your House Sitting Profile
• Start Searching for a House Sitting Gig
• Contact The Homeowner
• Obtaining a Reference
• Build A Solid House Sitting Profile That Produces Results!

Where to Sign Up for House Sitting?

First, you will need to decide which community best fits within your budget and needs. Below are three sites that I am active on. In the beginning, it’s not necessary to register for all three, but each offers something a little different. It’s important to note that homeowners oftentimes post to more than one site. There are lots of house sitting sites, but I find these the most practical with the most results. Each community is wonderful and offers lots of resources.

MindMyHouse

MindMyHouse is a great website for those looking at dabbling into house sitting. This site is the cheapest, making it ideal for ultimate budget travelers, or those contemplating this method of travel. It’s a smaller website, but still has plenty of options to choose from. House sits include destinations from 6 continents with diverse sits and a wide-range of time frames.

Average Number of Active Available Sits: 175-250

One year Membership Fee: $20 USD

Sign up to become a member at MindMyHouse here.

Housecarers

Housecarers is my go-to and favorite house sitting website. The membership is a little more expensive, but the community is intimate. Homeowners contact me on housecarers to see if I am available. There’s a wide-range of sits in Europe and the United States; however, there seems to be quite a bit more showing up in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Average Number of Active Available Sits: 150-190

One year Membership Fee: $50 USD

Sign up to become a member at Housecarers here.

TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters.com is by far the largest house sitting data base. The membership is the most expensive, but there is a wide spectrum of listings for every kind of traveler.  Due to its popularity, it’s more competitive to secure a sit. Those with flexible travel plans will love the last minute house sit notifications.

Average Number of Active Available Sits: Over 1,500 +

One Year Membership Fee: $119 USD

Sign up to become a member at TrustedHousesitters here.

Registering is the first step!

Build an Impressive House Sitting Profile

Next, it’s important to build a solid house sitting profile that will guarantee a response from a homeowner. Here are some tips and tricks to score your ideal house sitting gig.

Name

Some websites require a nickname that the homeowner will see during initial contact. Pick a name that fits your personality. Are you great with animals or love to garden? Somehow incorporate it into your username. Choose something short and to the point that showcases your strengths. Use a creative name to gain attention. There will be lots of applicants, and your username will be your first impression on the homeowner.

Photos

Photos are one of the most vital components on a house sitting profile. Choose photos that highlight your love for animals, people, and nature. On my profile, I include photos of me with a few different types of animals. This verifies that I will care and love their fury family members. People skills are important for homeowners as well. Use photos that show you engaging with people, especially outdoor and traveling photographs. Avoid pictures at parties and with drinks in hand.

In addition, incorporate photos that flaunt your skills and traits. Here are some examples below and their significance.

• Hiking & Outdoor Activities– Great for homeowners looking for active people to keep up with high-energy animals and home projects.
• Gardening & Nature– Target homeowners looking for people to help maintain large yards, extravagant gardens, and vineyards.
• Travel Photos– These photos reinforce all the places you’ve been and the willingness to temporarily live outside your comfort zone.

These are just examples. Show photos of volunteering and working. Whatever you choose, make sure it embodies your shining personality!

Keywords

Use plenty of catchy keywords to describe your hobbies, traits, and purpose for house sitting. Your house sitting profile should describe who you are and what separates you from the rest of the applicants. Here’s some keywords in my profile for brainstorming purposes.

• Animal Lover
• Experienced with plants
• Clean & Tidy
• Responsible & Level-Headed
• Active & Fit
• Willing to Learn
• Immersion into Local Community

Each profile builder is a little different for every site, but I generally just make a base profile and then alter accordingly. The generalities are the same: photos, references, why you want to house sit, and of course preferences. Make sure to take the time to have an honest, yet detailed house sitting profile that highlights YOU!

A Quick Note on Background Checks

Some of the sites encourage you to get a background check that will be linked to your profile. The result is a badge on your profile that you are in fact verified. I have never paid for a background check, but I have shared my Driver’s License and other information to verify my account. This is a personal preference, but I’ve never been asked or denied by a homeowner for not linking one to my profile. Background checks run around $35.

Include References on Your House Sitting Profile

References are incredibly important. Personally, I feature that I have multiple references within the first paragraph. They don’t need to necessarily be a letter, but can include a homeowner’s e-mail and contact information.

New to House Sitting?

There are ways around this. If you are brand spanking new to house sitting, ask for personal references. Do you have a long time neighbor, co-worker, or boss that would be willing to boast about you? Contact them! Have you watched over a relative’s pet while they were at work or a neighbor’s house while they were away? Ask them to write you a small blip on all the great things you did for them.

I built my house sitting profile on personal references until I had completed my first gig.

Insider Tip

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer is: turn ON the email notifications. This sends new and available listings straight to your inbox and gives you an advantage over those who opted out of the emails.

There are lots of house sitters who cancel, and sometimes homeowners are frantically looking for a last minute replacement. Sometimes its within a week, a few days, or even hours! This is a great opportunity to snag a last minute gig and help out a distressed homeowner. Added brownie points.

Start Searching for a House Sitting Gig

Now that you’ve registered and built an ideal house sitting profile, it’s time to start searching for the proper fit. Here are some things to consider.

Be Honest With Yourself

While browsing through the house sitting site, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you are searching for. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, an isolated countryside sit would probably not suit you. If exploring a new area is your number one priority during house sitting, it would not be wise to not apply for a sit where you are confined to hours of yard work per day. Truly think about what you want to get out of the house sit before applying, so that your needs are met and the homeowner knows what they are getting. Transparency and communication are key.

Two of the biggest questions to ask yourself are:

• How long do I want to house sit for?
• Where do I want to go?

Insider Tip

There is a section that asks for personal preferences by time frame and location. This is another great place to be flexible within your profile. I click all time frames from 2-3 days to months at a time. If I’m traveling around Europe, I click every country in Europe. When I’m in South America, I update my preferences again. If I am actively looking, but extremely flexible, I click that I am available for every continent. This has resulted in homeowners reaching out to me!

Keep your profile up to date!

Contact The Homeowner

You found that perfect match! Next, it’s time to message the Homeowners. These are some tips I practice when reaching out for the first time.

Search For Key Word When Responding

The homeowner will have a small blurb about what they are searching for, if they have animals, what is expected, and other practicalities. When I am ready to apply, I re-read their posting and search for keywords. When I go to respond, I tailor my answers to match what they are looking for, but still keeping my integrity. Never lie on your application, it just starts everything off on the wrong foot. The end result will be disastrous for you both.

Remember they are seeking the applicant that best suits their needs as well.

Here are some examples:

Homeowner: We have two large dogs who have a lot of energy.

Response with Keywords: I am very active and enjoy going for hikes and runs. I would love to include the dogs with me if possible!

OR

Homeowner: We are looking for someone who could tend to our garden.

Response with Keywords: I love being out in nature and some people tell me that I have a green thumb!

These responses show the owner your assets, yet gives a little glimpse of you and your personality.

Stay true to yourself, but show the homeowner that you possess skills that align with their needs!

Now, Wait….

Wait patiently for the homeowner to reach out to you. This is the hardest part, patience is such a virtue. If all goes as planned, begin planning for your next adventure!

Did you get the house sit?! Here are some of my best tips & tricks for having excellent house sitting etiquette!

Obtaining a Reference

As the house sit nears an end, hopefully everything went smoothly. If you feel comfortable, kindly mention a reference. I usually check in with the homeowner a few days after I left to make sure they are happy with everything and to check in on my new furry friends, who I usually dearly miss! At this point, I casually ask for a quick reference. Most homeowners are happy to write one for me, or allow me to share their email for future references.

Finally, use the new reference to continue to expand your house sitting profile. It’s always easier once you have the first one under your belt! I try to keep in contact with my previous homeowners, because you may never know when they are planning their next vacation.

Build A Solid House Sitting Profile That Produces Results!

In conclusion, sign up for a house sitting website that best suits your needs and budget. Next, build a stellar house sitting profile with my tips and tricks. Lastly, finish up the house sitting adventure with a glowing reference. Make sure to add it to your blossoming house sitting profile!

Do you house sit or are you interested in trying it? Are you still just a little bit hesitant to try it out?

Check out these 7 Reason to Try House Sitting.

Did you find this article useful? Let me know! Or maybe, share your experiences with house sitting.

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.