House Sitter Overhead?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by virginwidow, Sep 29, 2014.

  1. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

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    Sep 21, 2014
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    On the average, what are folks paying for house-sitter?

    I'm assuming being gone 3-6 weeks at a time, the grass grows, the place looks "vacant" homeless pPL would want to break in etc etc etc... You would have to have a house-sitter or someone in your house for security else come home and place ransacked?

    Where has everyone found such home-body people's? Craigs list? (eek!) how do you verify there honesty etc and what does this cost? I'm assuming it HAS to cost money to get anyone that isn't a home-mutilating party animal? No, I don't have family :-(

    Thanks in Advance
    VW
     
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  3. bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Have you tried Angies List? Might be an option.
     
  4. SRQGhost

    SRQGhost Medium Load Member

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    I am currently in the security alarm biz, and most ppl in my area are seasonal and they only use a homewatch service and pay for a lawn guy to come and mow. Heck I have even seen a lawn and pool guy doing it. I would also say to try Angie's list or even your local Chamber of Commerce or the BBB for recomendations. If you want to go the one step further you could also get a monitored security that you could add a smoke detector for added fire protection while you are not their and be able to monitor a seperate homewatch service to ensure they are doing the job you paid them to do.
     
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  5. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

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    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
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    What is the usual "tab" for this? I've not read overheard others mention what they pay for this... I'm assuming that for the lawn service it'd be around $150 - 200 month depending where you live?

    Would the cost of home maintenance/security be considered work related (deductable) expense for taxes -- for a company driver?

    It strikes me that "Room Mate" would be a much cheaper option

    Thanks
    VW
     
  6. Clyde07

    Clyde07 Heavy Load Member

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    You should be able to accomplish this for no or little cost. Friends, friends of friends, etc. Somebody, somewhere needs a place to live, even if it's just temporary. Even trade...You provide free housing, they take care of the place. The big hurdle is finding someone you can trust and depend on. Or find someone cheating on their spouse, go tell the spouse, now you have your house sitter.
     
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  7. avenger79

    avenger79 Medium Load Member

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    my dad is a condo mgr and has a side job as a home watch guy for seasonals in FL. it doesn't pay a ton and honestly I told him he should forget about that gig due to the possible liability if someone breaks in.

    when I went to FL i let my son live in my home. now he has moved on, so if I go again, I have a young man lined up willing to live there for free if he takes care of it.

    it's harder than you would think to find people who are willing to live in your place for free.

    That would be the option I would look at if I were you. Hard part is finding someone who you don't mind sharing your home with. even though you may not be there very often it is still yours.
     
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  8. dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

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    can always get a roommate. that way you are making the money ;)
     
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  9. Lesmeister

    Lesmeister Bobtail Member

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    Best sitter ever it will be your neighbor if you can't have or don't want to have a roommate.
    He can keep an eye on the house , mow your lawn and feel good about it if you know how to ask for his help.
     
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  10. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

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    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
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    Boy aint that the TRUTH... and it would seem to me a serious cause for attrition in this trade would be "keeping a home I'm not AT most of the time" I could see my fail would be when the "home in crisis" then I'd have on the road crisis etc etc so it makes sense to have that NAILED DOWN

    I have an 18 yr old son who's soon to get drivers license, quite old enough to fend for himself and it's my hope HE would have a freind stay @ the house with... yes that would mean 2 baboons at best in the house... but my main concern is the pets are fed and no break ins. Would be better to have an adult-er person on hand for him being as he's not as resourceful as I was at that age we'll be Lqqking :)

    Thanks for the input
    VW
     
  11. avenger79

    avenger79 Medium Load Member

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    sounds like you are looking at it realistically. my son was 20 when I left him in the house for 1 1/2 yr. like your son, not as resourceful as me. LOL
    I figured there would be some partying etc. there was, but mostly it was a pretty good deal. he did better than I expected.

    Problem he had was we live out in the country so no real close proximity to friends, things to do, etc. he got real lonely.

    make sure he understands who to call in case of this or that. I have a 3 ring binder in the cupboard with all the owner's manuals for everything plus a few pages of plumber/electrician/well guy/ septic guy etc.


    The young guy I'm thinking of for next time is a little older and wants to be out in the country.
     
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