Screening Your House Sitters

When entrusting your home to a house sitter, ensuring the security of your property and the sanctity of your personal privacy is absolutely paramount. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by thoroughly vetting your house sitter applicants, particularly by checking their references and verifying their authenticity. I emphasis the word ‘thoroughly’ because when you’re contemplating having a stranger live in your home when you’re not there, then you simply cannot afford to take shortcuts.

Here’s why this step is crucial and how to approach it effectively.

Why Reference Checks Matter

House sitters are tasked with safeguarding your home, belongings, and in many cases, your beloved pets. While an applicant might present a polished profile on a house sitting website, complete with glowing reviews, appearances can sometimes be misleading. Feedback direct from the house sitter’s referees provides critical insights into a sitter’s past behaviour, reliability, and trustworthiness. Without proper verification, you risk inviting someone who may not meet your expectations or, worse, compromise your home’s security and even your privacy.

The Importance Of Direct Communication

It’s not enough to simply glance at the references or reviews provided by a house sitter. Taking the extra step to contact each referee directly via phone or email ensures that the references are legitimate and it provides a clearer picture of the sitter’s capabilities. If the referees are in the same area as yourself, you could even choose to meet them face-to-face. When you do speak to them, you can:

Confirm The Relationship

Verify that the referee genuinely knows the sitter and has employed or worked with them in a house-sitting capacity. Ideally, referees should not be family or friends who might, even unintentionally, provide a biased account. Instead, they should be individuals who are not personally connected to the sitter.

Gauge Reliability

Ask specific questions about the sitter’s punctuality, communication, and how well they fulfilled their responsibilities.

Identify Red Flags

Listen for hesitations or vague responses, which may indicate issues that weren’t disclosed.

Learn About Problem-Solving

Understand how the sitter handled unexpected situations, such as emergencies or minor household issues.

Tips For Conducting Reference Checks

Request Multiple References

Ask for at least two to three references from past house-sitting engagements. This provides a broader perspective on the sitter’s abilities.

Prepare Questions

Before calling, create a list of questions tailored to your concerns, such as:

How long did the sitter look after your home?

Were they responsible for pets, and if so, how did they manage?

Did you encounter any issues, and how were they resolved?

Would you hire this sitter again?

Use Multiple Methods of Contact

While phone calls are ideal for detailed conversations, follow up with an email to confirm key points discussed during the call.

Verify Details

Cross-check the information provided by the referee with what the sitter has shared in their application.

Building Trust Through Due Diligence

Thorough reference checks not only protect your home but also set the foundation for a trusting relationship with your house sitter. It demonstrates your commitment to finding a reliable individual and ensures that the sitter understands the gravity of their responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a house sitter is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By taking the time to verify references and personally contacting referees, you can make an informed choice and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is in capable hands. Remember, a few extra phone calls today can save you from potential stress or complications in the future.