@mbalmand this has been discussed a lot -the explanation that THS has given is that notifications are sent out hourly ( not instantly ) . Popular sits receive 5 applications within minutes…
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/saved-search-emails-and-notifications-arriving-too-late
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/brand-new-sits-immediately-in-application-review-status