Blog- Choosing the Right Home Sitter for the Job: The Homeowner’s Hiring Guide

Imagine coming home after a two-week trip to find your plants thriving, your mail neatly stacked, and your pets happy, exactly how you left them. Now imagine the opposite: a leaking water heater left unfixed, wilting plants, and unanswered calls. The difference lies in how carefully you choose your home sitter.

Choosing the right house sitter isn’t about chance. It’s like hiring for a critical role where mistakes can be costly and trust is essential. Here’s how to conduct a “candidate search” that ensures your home is in safe hands while you’re away.

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Step 1: Post the Right Job

Every good hiring process starts with knowing where to find quality candidates.

Specialized platforms – Use vetted services like TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, or Rover (if pets are involved).
Local recommendations – Ask friends, family, neighbors, or local Facebook groups.
Professional agencies – They often cost more but handle screening, insurance, and contracts for you.

Treat your outreach like a job listing, state your “requirements” clearly so candidates know what’s expected before they apply.

Step 2: Write the Job Description

Before meeting candidates, define the role in detail. The average cost for a house sitter in the U.S. depends heavily on location, duties, and whether pets are involved. Rates in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles can be 20–40% higher than the national average.

In your job description, include details like:

Scope of duties – Pet care, plant watering, mail collection, garbage days, and any repair oversight.
Access and boundaries – Which areas are off-limits? Are guests allowed?
Communication expectations – How often do you want updates and in what format?
Special instructions – Any quirks with appliances, garden needs, or security systems.

A clear role description avoids surprises and makes it easier for sitters to self-select.

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Step 3: Screen Your Applicants

Just like in hiring, references and background checks are essential.

References – Ask for at least two and follow up with actual calls or emails.
Online reviews – If using a platform, read feedback from previous homeowners.
Trial period – Before a long trip, try them for a weekend to see how they handle the home.

Think of this as your “pre-employment screening”; you’re confirming skills and trustworthiness before the official handoff.

Step 4: Matching the Sitter to Your Home’s Needs

Every home has its quirks, maybe it’s a finicky boiler, a large garden, or pets with specific routines. Your sitter should feel confident handling all of it.

Ask questions like:

Have you cared for similar homes, pets, or gardens before?
How do you handle unexpected household issues (e.g., tripped breaker, leaking tap)?
How comfortable are you with technology (smart locks, thermostats, security systems)?

This step helps confirm that your sitter can handle your home’s specific routines, systems, and quirks with confidence. For a more detailed set of ideas, check out our House Sitter Interview Questions guide.

Step 5: Offer & Onboarding

Once you’ve found the right sitter, seal the deal professionally.

Written agreement – Outline duties, dates, payment (if any), and expectations.
Home guidebook – Provide appliance instructions, emergency contacts, Wi-Fi details, and security codes.
Walkthrough – Show them key systems, storage areas, and any special routines before you leave.

Once you’ve narrowed your list, consider a trial run. One homeowner on Reddit shared that they hire a sitter for a few short visits before committing to a long trip—this gives you a chance to see how they interact with pets, respect your space, and follow instructions. They also found great success sourcing sitters through neighborhood Facebook groups or by asking family and friends for referrals.

Step 6: Performance Management (Without Micromanaging)

Once you’ve handed over the keys, your job shifts from “hiring manager” to supportive partner. The goal is to stay informed about your home without making your sitter feel like they’re under constant surveillance.

Set a clear check-in schedule – Agree in advance on how often you’d like updates and what form they should take, maybe a daily text, a few photos every couple of days, or a quick weekly video call. This way, your sitter knows exactly what’s expected, and you won’t be left wondering how things are going.
Show genuine appreciation – A simple “Thanks for the update, I really appreciate you keeping things running smoothly” goes a long way. Feeling valued makes people more motivated to go above and beyond.
Leave room for initiative – Sometimes things come up that aren’t in the original instructions, a storm blows through, a delivery arrives early, or a pet needs extra care. Encourage your sitter to use their judgment and let you know how they handled it. Trust is a two-way street.

By keeping the communication friendly, predictable, and respectful, you make it easier for your sitter to focus on caring for your home and for you to relax knowing everything is under control.

💡 Pro Tip: Tools like HouseFacts make the handoff seamless. Store everything, from contacts and appliance manuals to maintenance logs, in one secure, shareable hub so your sitter has exactly what they need to care for your home with confidence.

Why This Approach Works

A home sitter isn’t just “watching” your property; they’re taking on an operational role in running it while you’re gone. Treating the process like hiring for a critical position ensures you get someone who is:

Reliable – Shows up, communicates, and handles duties without reminders.
Competent – Can troubleshoot issues, follow instructions, and adapt to your home’s needs.
Trustworthy – Respects your space, belongings, and privacy.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right home sitter is about more than convenience; it’s about protecting your home, your peace of mind, and your investment. With a clear selection process, open communication, and the right tools, you can leave knowing your property is in capable hands.

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