I used to believe the biggest lie in house sitting: that you needed a long list of glowing reviews to even stand a chance. It’s the classic catch-22. You can't get a sit without experience, and you can't get experience without a sit.
Caro and I stared at our empty profiles, convinced we were invisible next to the seasoned sitters with dozens of five-star ratings. We almost gave up before we even started. That feeling of being an imposter, of having nothing to offer, was paralyzing.
But we were wrong. The secret isn't about faking a history you don't have. It's about fundamentally misunderstanding what homeowners are actually looking for. As we uncovered in our article on the real house sitter definition, this isn't a simple transaction.
It’s an exchange built on pure trust. Homeowners aren't hiring a resume; they're choosing a human being to care for the most valuable parts of their lives. Once we realized that, everything changed. Your biggest asset isn't a review score; it's your ability to prove you are that trustworthy person.
Your Profile is Your Digital Handshake
Let's get one thing straight: a homeowner will never see your incredible profile if your first message is terrible. But when they do click through, that profile has to seal the deal. Think of it less like a CV and more like an exam where the prize is a free holiday. Putting in the effort here is non-negotiable.
The 'About Me' That Actually Works
An empty 'About Me' section is the fastest way to get rejected. This is your chance to compensate for a lack of formal reviews. Talk about who you are, what you do, and why you're interested in house sitting. Most importantly, detail any experience you have with animals. Did you grow up with a dog? Did you help a friend look after their cats? Have you ever done any dog walking? All of it counts.
Explain that you're neat, tidy, and responsible. An added bonus that has been a slam dunk for us is mentioning a love for gardening. Homeowners adore it when we offer to mow the grass or sweep the leaves; it's a simple value-add that screams responsibility.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Power of Photos
Your photos are the first thing a homeowner sees, and they speak volumes. Forget professional headshots. What people want to see are raw, genuine pictures of you with animals.
A photo of you cuddling a cat on the couch or laughing while walking a dog is infinitely more powerful than a stiff portrait. Post many pictures. Show different sides of your personality and your comfort with pets. This isn't about being photogenic; it's about being relatable and trustworthy.
Borrowed Trust: The Power of References
No reviews? No problem. Use references. We helped our friends get started by writing them a reference, and they landed their very first sit.
Ask your parents, friends, coworkers, or a former landlord to write a short paragraph about your character and reliability. This is a simple but powerful way to build on the principles of house sitting safety by showing that you're a known and trusted person in your community.
The Art of the Winning Application
Your application message is your one shot to make a first impression. This is where you can outshine applicants with ten times your experience.
It's Not About You, It's About Their Corgi
The single biggest mistake newcomers make is writing an application that's all about their holiday plans. The homeowner doesn't care about your dream trip; they care about their pet's well-being and their home's security. Your message must focus on them. Address them and their pets by name. Explain why you are the perfect person to look after their specific needs. This instantly shows you've read their listing carefully and helps you avoid the common red flags in a pet sitter that owners are trained to spot.
(P.S. We're developing a guide with ChatGPT prompts to help you craft the perfect application message every time. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get it first!)
Speed is Your Secret Weapon
Turn on notifications for your house-sitting apps. When a homeowner replies, respond as quickly as you can. Promptness shows you're keen and organized. Caro is a master at this, always checking if a message has been read.
This has unlocked a new travel-planning personality in her! If they ask for a video call, be ready. Suggest a time in the next day or two. A face-to-face chat, even virtually, is the fastest way to show your personality and build a genuine connection.
Strategy for Success: How to Get House-Sits Without Prior Experience
Okay, your profile is polished and your messaging strategy is sharp. Now it's time to apply. Knowing how to get house-sits without prior experience is about being strategic with where you apply your efforts.
Start Small, Win Big
That penthouse with the mountain view will get hundreds of applicants in a few hours. You're probably not going to get it for your first sit, and that's okay. Your goal right now isn't the most glamorous location; it's getting that first five-star review. Look for less competitive sits.
You can easily find house sitting near you using online services. Shorter durations, caring for one or two independent cats, or sits in less touristy areas are perfect starting points. Once you have even one verified review, homeowners will start looking at your profile completely differently.
The Ultimate Trust Signals
Flexibility is a superpower. Many homeowners have tentative travel dates. If you can be flexible by a day or two, it can make you the winning candidate. We've had owners come home a day early, and we just grabbed a pizza and chatted with them, it builds goodwill and leads to great reviews.
Finally, consider getting a police background check. Many platforms offer this feature. Think about it: would you invite a total stranger from the internet into your home? A background check provides incredible peace of mind and instantly sets you apart from the crowd. It’s a clear signal that you're serious, safe, and have nothing to hide. This isn't just about getting a free place to stay; it’s about becoming the solution to a homeowner's problem.
Frame it that way, and you'll find that 'experience' is only a tiny part of the equation.
You can do it
Konrad and Caro
Do I need a professional-looking profile photo?
No, in fact, genuine, raw photos of you with animals are more effective. They show real interaction and build trust better than a staged headshot.
What's the single biggest mistake a new house sitter makes?
Leaving their profile empty or putting in low effort. A detailed profile shows you're serious, reliable, and trustworthy, which is more important than formal experience.
Can I really use a reference from my parents?
Absolutely. For your first sit, character references from anyone who can vouch for your responsibility, landlords, employers, parents, or friends, are valuable assets.
Should I apply for competitive house sits in popular locations right away?
It's better to start with local, shorter, or less competitive sits (e.g., caring for independent cats). This helps you get your first 5-star review, which then opens the door to more desirable opportunities.
Is it necessary to offer extra services like gardening to get chosen?
It's not necessary, but mentioning you're tidy and happy to help with light tasks like watering plants or mowing can be a huge bonus that makes your profile stand out to homeowners.
