Hi everyone from North Somerset - I’m brand new to THS and recently put up my first listing for a weeks sit in July. I’ve had no applications, so got some feedback from Reddit, and updated the listing.
I’m getting a bit anxious as no one has messaged and would love some advice on how to make it more appealing.
It’s (I think) a super easy sit for bunnies and hens, the house is lovely, near a train station. I got the basic membership so won’t get a refund if no one applies so want to make the most of it! Thanks so much in advance!
I dislike seeing an owner saying it’s an easy sit, and you mention it multiple times. Yes, some pets can be less work than others. However, a good sitter also recognizes the responsibility that comes with caring for someone else’s home.
A double bed is a no-go for many couples.
Using the owner’s bed is also a negative for some sitters
Your first photo looks pristine and makes me think it’s a real estate agent one. If so, replace it with a true photo. Sitters need to see the real home. If it is accurate, then that’s great as it’s really neat and tidy.
I added the ‘easy’ wording from other feedback but I align more with your thoughts there so will amend. When you say double bed is a no-go, do you mean they would prefer larger or two singles? I’m not willing to let sitters use my own bed so the double in the guest room is all I have unfortunately.
A lot of beds abroad are much bigger than a double. I wouldn’t worry about it, there are lots of people in the UK who are used to it. July is holiday time and it is quite late to post and many of us are booked a long way ahead. Just make your ad the best possible to attract people to your home and area. I would have a plan B in place just in case you don’t find anyone. Good luck
My mistake. I thought you’d said they would be using your room. Guest rooms are preferred by many. However some couples sleep in separate beds and others are used to larger beds. However, as someone has already mentioned, there are also couples used to double beds. Hopefully you will find a good fit.
Your bunnies look very cute @Mitchy. Do they stay in their coop all the time or would sitters be expected to/allowed to nurse and pat them?
I, too, don’t like reading about “easy” sits as it just takes something unexpected to happen and it’s no longer easy, no matter what pets or house there are. It’s actually a big responsibility to look after unfamiliar pets and homes if you take your sitter responsibilities seriously.
One thing that comes up on the forum time after time from both hosts and sitters is cleanliness of the home. With the way THS has now structured the listing sections, I see far less in the responsibilities in relation to the house than ever before. So many hosts don’t mention they would like their home left clean and tidy or as they leave it for the sitter. If it’s not included in the listing under tasks, then there really is no comeback if the home is left dirty etc. as it’s what is in the listing that confirmation is based on. So, if cleanliness is important, then make sure you include it in your tasks.
You mention watering outdoor pot plants but no mention of those I see inside your home.
You live in a lovely location and hopefully you will attract some applicants soon. It’s always wise to have a back-up plan too and don’t just accept anyone because you are desperate as your house and much-loved bunnies (and hens) are worth more than that.
I agree with removing the word easy from anywhere in the listing. It could be interpreted as you thinking you’re doing sitters a favour by letting them sit for you which I don’t think is your intention! Are the bunnies entertaining - can the sitter let them run around the lounge under supervision?
The bedroom looks a bit dull. Maybe put some cushions on the bed and a 2nd bedside lamp.
It would be helpful to explain how many plants you have and how long they take to water. Is a hose set up to make it easier?
Also maybe say what people can do in the immediate area without catching a train - nice walks, pubs, markets or national trust places to visit. Hope you find someone.
Hi Mitchy, Your listing looks lovely. I think it may be a little short notice for some though. It looks fairly easy. i have looked after a rabbit before and basically it was just dry food and water and carrot and fresh lettuce etc. Chickens are usually no bother, as take themselves off to bed just around dusk and just shutting the coop. Certainly easier than walking dogs. And on nearly all my sits I have slept in a nice double bed. It is normal. Only a couple of times has it ever been any larger. And these are sits where previous sitters have been couples. A double bed is meant for two people. Good luck.
There are no photos from the curb outside the home. If there is curb appeal, maybe start with outside photos of house followed by photos of the inside. Yatton looks like a charming village. Maybe add a few photos of the village and shots of the beautiful country walks. Your goal is to make your pets, home and location appealing at a quick glance on a swipe-right world.
The photo of the sitting area has a large philodendron in the view. At first glance of the photo in the default small format, it looked like a room cluttered with throws. On closer look, it’s mostly good though I’d chose to clear the room of the few throws for photographic purposes. Then I’d reframe the photo for a clear line of sight of the subject (sitting area ) and then add a photo or 2 of the plants in the room.
Because you have no applicants as yet, you can delete the sit dates, update the photos and then repost the dates to bump your listing higher on THS.
@Mitchy I think it looks great and I’ve favourited you for future, I’m already booked in July. You may have left it a bit late, good sitters get booked up months in advance.
I agree with you re the toilet lid and yet most listings seem to show an open toilet lid. I’m a sitter but it made me wonder whether advice to owners was to show an open toilet lid…!
