G’day all we’re new here and still waiting for our first listing to be approved and go live, not sure how long this takes. We’re a couple in our 60s who have 2 very precious Cattledogs, a red girl, Memphis and a blue boy, Cash. They are both very spoilt and loved, we all live in a small town on the south eastern shores of Lake Macquarie on the NSW Central Coast. We’re looking forward to receiving lots of hints and tips from all of you experienced folk on here.
Cheers.
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Hello and welcome @Peterese !
Sounds lovely - hope you enjoy your THS experience! It is a friendly and helpful community here on forum, so lots to learn by reading, and reach out if you have questions.
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Welcome @Peterese to this wonderful world and hope you don’t have to wait too long to get your listing approved.
I had a wonderful time housesitting in Australia after the pandemic and was very near you for one housesit. I also had some sits in Western Australia, Canberra N & S New Zealand. I love cattle dogs
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Hello, we were newbies a year ago and now have 4 sits under our belts with two more confirmed. I would say the trickiest thing is learning to use the app, which for me anyway wasn’t exactly intuitive (this forum helped to educate me as I read all the threads like doing an intensive course!). My top tip is to secure a mobile number very early on in the process so that you can WhatsApp potential sitters. Keep screenshots of the conversations regarding handover times/important info that’s been agreed once you confirm your sitter. We couldn’t always get a signal (we used data only ESIMs when travelling) so having photos of the address/passwords/pass codes etc made life simple when arriving for the handover. It’s working very well for us so far.
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Hi @Peterese,
Your listing is now live! I would really recommend you read the blog @Peonie19 has posted as there are improvements that could be made.
Would you be attracted to a sit if the very first thing you see of it is a photo of the back shed and wheelbarrow?? Sitters could well not even click on your listing to see/read more.
Your Home and Location information is far too brief. You need to “sell” your home and what your location offers. How many bedrooms/beds would be available, for example?
You mention your dogs are like family but you make no mention of them in Responsibilities!! Sitters need to know about their daily routine - how long are their walks eg 2 x 45 mins; how often fed; how they behave on/off lead; are they walked from the house or taken in car for walks; where exactly do they sleep inside; how long can they be left alone; any health issues or medication etc.
Remember, you’re wanting your dogs and home to be well-cared for so it’s important to share with potential sitters who are strangers exactly what your home is like and how best to care for your lovely cattle dogs.
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Hey @Peterese I can’t see your listing but these guides are more in depth than my original blog that @Peonie19 kindly posted. They are more step by step and may be more helpful:
By me:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/uploads/short-url/pLTxH15JL8f02lWEkv8FsjpLKxD.pdf
By @Fatamorgana:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/uploads/short-url/2j2Xbyp2Go6y4DDKISeAKg8njw7.pdf
Hope they help! 
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