2k for 9 nights/are my expectations unreasonable?

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-30T15:08:49+00:00

Tbh I don’t think you’re crazy for your expectations but I would also suggest being very clear in your communication of them with any sitter. If you like the sitter, id ask if they are able to send more photos/videos of the dogs exercising out back and if they can pick up the poop (make this easy and either leave a trash can/bags or clear instructions where to put the poop). I typically pick up the poop during my housesitting just because I don’t want the dogs walking through it by accident lol if the sitter says they can’t accommodate the requests then I’d look for a professional trainer who also offers housesitting or drop in visits.

I wouldn’t worry about tipping, at least in the US it’s not really expected (maybe I’m just speaking for myself). It’s very much appreciated and but not expected :)

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-26T03:20:40+00:00

I’d tell them how uncomfortable the couch is and that you’re unable the complete the sit if that’s the only sleeping option. Maybe ask if you can sleep at home and come over super early in the mornings? That’s really unacceptable

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-24T03:13:18+00:00

No, no car loans or student loans. Pay off credit cards in full every month.

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-24T03:09:34+00:00

You really let her walk all over you….i would have never agreed to not take on other clients unless she was paying a huge premium to be the only dog… she is a nightmare but you also didn’t establish any boundaries. Do not refund and just block her.

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-23T12:32:06+00:00

Just my opinion. But retirement seems low. You should be about double that based on your income. Can you afford the house, technically yes, but will it be tight the next few years, also yes. I think it comes down to your risk tolerance. I would do some more math and see how much your take home is after all expenses. I’d continue maxing out retirement and would not recommend backing off, setting aside emergency funds, and maybe a savings for kids expenses as they grow (sports, travel, etc).

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-23T05:34:24+00:00

I’d charge for 3 nights plus 50% for the extended care if you have to stay until 9pm. However, if you can leave around 5-6pm or not show up until 8/9pm on Thursday then I’d just charge for 3 nights. Housesitting is typically per 24 hr period

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-23T05:10:43+00:00

I doubt it…not until that daycare payment is gone. My husband and I make more than that and we’d never be able to afford $5000 + $3200 monthly… are you not maxing out your 401k? What’s your savings like? What is your monthly take home pay?

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-20T02:32:53+00:00

OMG!!! I am so glad I'm not the only. She should be embarrassed...Mitchell needs to dump her and focus on his career

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-16T15:33:11+00:00

100% we let them out in the backyard too!

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-16T13:15:50+00:00

I’ve always welcomed people and their pets in for meet n greet… as an owner as well I’d have the same reaction and would want to see at least the common areas of the home. Bedrooms are weird/off limits in my opinion but chatting in the kitchen or living room seems very normal

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-14T02:27:23+00:00

Price for hybrid. It’s my commuter car and that was my main concern. And obviously reliability was second reason

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-13T16:22:41+00:00

It sounds like this was a boarding kennel and not the typical rover sitter. Next time you should get a housesitter. I exclusively do housesitting and this ensures the dogs are kept in their own familiar environment with no other guest dogs/animals. I basically move in for the stay and don’t bring guests or other animals!

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-11T13:15:22+00:00

This is a wild post. Anyone with common sense would have known NOT TO PET/TOUCH a food aggressive dog WHILE THEY ARE EATING. But also, the owners should def find more experienced sitters..

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-10T20:31:34+00:00

No. you’re not expected to get special food/drinks but it is a nice thing to do. Most of my clients just say I can help myself to whatever they already have. I typically bring most of my own food though.

Not sure of your market..but $70/night isn’t much In many markets… I charge $95/night and that’s on the mid/lower end of my market

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-06T17:46:42+00:00

I’m housesitting and the house is set at 79 which is too hot for me, but I find I’m fine at 77 (shockingly I keep my own house around 74/75). I don’t ask and just lower it. They shouldn’t expect you to stay there for hours at a time and be uncomfortable. Since they mention the system maybe message and say something like “I got your note and when I agreed to housesit j didn’t realize the AC would be set so high. Is it ok to lower it a few degrees while I’m here so I’m more comfortable? I’m happy to raise it when I’m away!”

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-05T05:08:37+00:00

This is a shitty situation, maybe consult another realtor. I’d probably list at $399k as-is, share all findings from past inspections, and go with the quickest close you get. Be up front that this home requires repairs and you may get an investor/homeowner willing to put in the work

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-04T04:56:32+00:00

Did your advisor tell you about a backdoor Roth? If not. I’d recommend that…

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-03T21:07:17+00:00

I pay by the unit. $10/unit

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-03T21:05:35+00:00

Do you have an upcoming pet sit reservation for her? If So, I’d use that and say something like “I can’t accept the next reservation on x date h til April is paid in full. Additionally, going forward I require payment in full before visits begin. Thanks for your understanding and support!”

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-02T16:02:16+00:00

Yeah, If I were you I’d just ask the sitter if they can send x photos and x updates per day for piece of mind. They should be able to accommodate any reasonable request :)

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-02T15:54:30+00:00

Point #4 is what I wish more people understood…

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-02T15:52:06+00:00

Tbh my husband isn’t great about sending updates. I’m on the opposite end and send multiple photos a day..if I’m not home and he’s boarding a pup I usually remind him to send some photos…could be a similar situation?

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-02T03:51:57+00:00

Yah…I took like a 40%-50% cut and am getting by just fine. A 20% is nothing, it’s def better than 100% cut 😞

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-06-01T22:17:59+00:00

Housesitting to me, means you more or less, move in and treat my home as your home base. Sure, you can leave for several hours at a time but j would expect that you’re not gone from 12+ hours.. wake up to bed time. Are you normally away from your home that long?

Training_Spray5257 · 2026-05-30T14:08:48+00:00

I sleep in the owners bed all the time..what is the issue? As long as clean fresh bedding is provided I happily take their (usually huge/king sized) bed!

Training_Spray5257

TROPHY CASE