Sunday, December 29, 2013

5 Steps to Becoming a Paid House Sitter


For whatever reason, transitions such as job loss, divorce, saving for retirement, natural disasters, or just wanting a change of pace, you would like to be paid for your services.

The fundamentals of being a paid house sitter, are the same, as those using house sitting as a trade for accomodation.

Here's the 5 first steps to becoming a paid house sitter:

1. Take on a couple of house sits for someone you know..to test the waters. This is very important as you will learn if you have the attributes for house sitting. You will be alone most of the time. Hopefully, you love animals as they may be sleeping with you. Are you feeling comfortable in a home that is not yours? You are responsible for keeping the place clean and picked up. This really is the only way to know if you have what it takes and if you will like it.

2. Do your research. Go online and you will see there is a community of house sitters and homeowners looking for each other. It is endless. Once you have done this, you will know more or less, if house sitting may be something that would work for you and meet your needs at this time in your life.

3. Put yourself out there as a house sitter. Start letting people know you want to house sit. Tell everyone you know. Word of mouth is the best! Put an ad on Craigslist in your area. My book is full of the how to's for posting an effective ad on Craiglist.

4. Sit down and work the numbers..make it a win/win for both you and the homeowners. Be confident in you and the service you provide. Know that what you do is a valuable service. People who call will be asking you what you charge so be ready with an answer that works for you both.

5. Be ready for calls..know yourself and your limits. You will get many characters calling you with different situations and not every call will work for you. There are many aspects of house sitting. Trust your instincts! The little voice knows best!

I hope this helps in getting you started..my guide book is filled with the details..this is only a preview..






Sunday, December 22, 2013

I'm busy...doing whatever I like

Once my responsibilites are taken care of, I have the freedom to do... whatever suits my fancy.

One of the wonderful perks (freedom) of house sitting, is setting it up to be a glorious vacation. The homeowners encourage you to do so. You can pick and choose your house sits. Make sure you choose the ones you really, really want.

Since most of my house sits come with some adorable pets, I want to make sure they are well taken care of before I go gallavanting. That involves feeding the animals, cleaning a litter box, walking the dog, and just being around for the morning routine. If there's any watering to do, that is taken care of also.

Once your pets have been secured, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend:

* jumping into the ocean (you may have a water dog who would like to play with you)

* taking a class

* seeing the sights

* riding a bike

* going to that restaurant you've been hearing about

* meeting up with a friend in the area

It's the "free spirit" in me that is being filled up.



Friday, December 20, 2013

The Holidays are a Busy Time for House Sitters

Today is the second day of my beautiful house sit on the North Shore of Kauai. My pet companions are a sweet, 14 year old cocker spaniel and a huge kitty. This is a Mainecoon and the most beautiful cat I've ever seen...I've seen a lot of cats. My homeowners are wonderful people and very generous.

I knew it would be a busy time because I've kept a timeline of my house sits. For me, October through January is very busy. People start the holiday vacationing around October. Basically, my house sits are back to back with either an overlap of a day or so or a few days between each. It's a good idea for you to keep a timeline. That way you will know when you will be able to take some time off for yourself. Although, I consider house sitting as a fun vacation for me, I like the periods when I don't have to think about anything except when my next swim will be.

I will be here for the holiday through the beginning of January. The weather is cool and clear with a bit of trade winds. I always like to make short term goals for each house sit. It's a fun and motivating way to get things done, knowing you have a end date or you could call it a deadline. For this one, I plan on making headway with my book. To pay my person, who will be converting the book to electronic form and get ready for the next phase which will be to get it onto selling platforms. Woo-hoo!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Well, It's Confirmed! I'm a Mermaid Princess

My house sits always amaze me.  Each one is different but equaling satisfying.  This house sit really is a Castle Beach House one block from the ocean.  I can watch the early Sunrises as I make my morning coffee.  The popular walk/bike path is nestled up against the sweet picket fence so plenty of motivation to get out and join the other fitness minded folks.  I have access to a bike so everyday, I hop onto my bike and ride along the coast.  Today, there was a monk seal peacefully resting on the sand.

Isn't it lucky for me, I not only have another house sit of my dreams but also the company of two fabulous dogs and a talkative African Gray Parrot?   My dogs, Tucson and Toto are avid walkers and love the path as much as I do.  As the sun sets and the kite boarders are gliding by,  l enjoy my nourishing dinner of cajun grilled ahi (fresh tuna) over grilled veggies.  It has been a warm and perfect day.  Such is my life.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

House Sitting Can Spoil You! Oh No! Not That!

Oh my gosh!  I'm getting so spoiled.  A majority of my house sits are a stone's throw from the beach.  So when I have to get in my car and drive 10 minutes to the beach, I get a little cranky.  I know!  It's pretty pathetic.  Have a beautiful day!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Kauai Mermaid Welcomes You!

Aloha friends,

I'm Robin and this blog is about my Happy-Go-Lucky life as a paid house sitter on Kauai. I love house sitting so much, I decided to write a book about my experiences, in hopes of helping others get through life transitions, such as divorce, job loss, natural disasters, or just plain wanting a change in their lives.

I welcome all comments and questions in any aspect of this special life I have created for myself. I would love for you to 'swim along with me' and experience the adventure house sitting and pet care (most house sits come with pets) have to offer.

Mahalo for stopping by