How to Compete Successfully as a Newcomer Part II

This post continues my email exchange with a subscriber who, as a newcomer to property caretaking and housesitting, has questions about getting started. Jerry's questions are below, followed by my answers.

Jerry: Are there any stories that you can share about people like myself who are new to caretaking and housesitting and want to learn from the experiences of others?

Gary: We profile subscribers who are currently caretaking and housesitting in each issue of the Gazette. In their profiles, these people usually talk about their background, what they did before discovering caretaking, how they found their first position, their duties and responsibilities, and what they are interested in doing in the future. Many of these profiles are archived on our website at: http://caretaker.org/main.php?smPID=DBS::PROFILES

Jerry: When is it appropriate to cut short or leave an assignment prior to the owner's return?

Gary: During your initial discussions with the property owner, you should work together to determine a contingency plan if you are unable to complete your assignment. For example, if you become ill or there is a family crisis and you need to leave the property, who will come in to complete the assignment in your absence? For long-term assignments, many caretakers/housesitters and property owners will agree to a "trial period" of a week to 30 days in duration. At that the end of the trial period, you and the homeowner can decide if you both would like to continue with the arrangement. It is also a good idea to discuss with the property owner, and put in writing, how much notice will be required if either you or the property owner decide to terminate the assignment.

Jerry: What are the more effective ways to advertise ourselves locally until we're ready to hit the road for more lengthy tours?

Gary: Over the course of a year, we have many ads for short-term assignments - these appear either in the issues of the Gazette or in our email updates. Many of our subscribers who are seeking positions in specific geographic locations also opt to run Situations Wanted ads in the Gazette. Many property owners prefer to find caretakers and housesitters via our Situations Wanted ads. Subscribers who are currently caretaking or housesitting may submit a Caretaker Profile. If selected for publication in the Gazette, there is no cost to the subscriber. Our subscribers who have been featured in the full page profiles, which include photos, tell us that they have received assignment offers from interested property owners.