Hello, I’m new to TrustedHousesitters and would appreciate any feedback on my listing. Anything I should add or reword? Thank you!
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Welcome @mkosmala. You have created a detailed listing, sound very welcoming and have a lovely cat. The only things that some sitters might ask about are 1) is there a cat flap (I’m thinking there isn’t) and 2) what is the actual size of the sitter’s bed as full size can mean something different depending on which country a person lives in?
The other point to consider is that sitters only using the website will not see the information under each photo. This is only readable on the app. So check what you have included and if anything is really important, include it in the relevant section of your listing.
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Thank you for asking us! I will tell you what we look for in the ad. Along with other sitter’s comments, I’m sure you will be off to a good start.
- Photos: I always look at the clutter and cleanliness of the house and yard.
- Amenities: the bed and sleeping area, in general. A good quality mattress is such a blessing; since no one can replace their own bed. Having a good mattress makes life so much nicer.
- Clear but reasonable expectations. If I see a pet owner requiring their dog have 3-4 long walks a day, I go right past the sit, no matter how desirable it may appear. I doubt very much if the actual owner does it; never mind asking us to do it. Unrealistic.
- I like to know how often the owner wants updates and what kind;, photos, verbal, both ?
- Fill out the guide completely!
- Communication! It is paramount! When they are leaving. When they are returning. We like to clean and make the home walk in ready for the homeowners. Our last sit, the owners told us when they were on the road and again at the 30 minute out stage. It was absolutely perfect!
- Mishaps: they are going to happen. I’ve broken something and went through all sorts of gyrations to replace it; only to find out the owner didn’t care. We’ve had a ceiling leak from the upstairs bath. Stuff will happen! Clarification is so helpful.
- I always look at the reviews from other sitters. It will take so time for you to get yours established. But, you will get there.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck!
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Thank you, this is so helpful! I didn’t know about the photo text not being visible to everyone. I’ve included more information about my work desk in the listing, and added info about the bed and that yes, I have a cat flap. Thanks again!
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Thank you, very helpful information!
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You are very welcome! Good luck.
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This listing looks great! The key questions I always look at first are transit/accessibility without a car and WFH-ability, then I look at responsibilities and tone/overall comfort of the stay. Your listing answers all my questions in detail (that $1 shuttle service sounds awesome!) and sounds like a lovely place to stay 
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You have a nice listing and you include information on everything I look for in a listing, so that is great!
It looks like a lovely sit for the right person. I’m not familiar with inches, and pasted it in Copilot, which says that is approx. 137 x 191 cm. For me at least that is a single (my «single» is 150x200 cm). Some might wiggle their toes outside of it.
You might well get a single applicant or a snuggly couple! But just to mention: Many sitters are adults that prefer some more room (some preferring separate beds/ rooms also). You can consider offering the master to open up the pool of sitters. Some might choose the guest room for convenience anyway, but you might get more applicants. Just a thought.
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I agree as a couple we look for a minimum of a queen size bed or preferably a king size.
My husband is 6ft so we would never be comfortable in a full size bed.
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I absolutely LOVE the details that you’ve witten about Amber’s personality and needs especially her indoor/ outdoor habits. As a cat lover I’d welcome the licking and bedmate but others may not.
Because I am a frequent reader of others’ reviews (a/k/a nosy) this next point is something I’ve learned from occasional conflicts between sitters and HO’s : Your “fully stocked” kitchen is great but be careful to note if you have any items which are off limits. Most of us are respectful of HO’s homes and generosity but there are a few who abuse such. This is not a major point…Just throwing it out there.
Good luck finding someone who loves on your girl as much as you clearly do !
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Thanks, Garfield. In the US, we have 4 standard bed sizes: single and full, which are typically for a single person, then queen and king for two people. Unfortunately my master room king bed is old and lumpy – needs to be replaced! – and I’d feel embarrassed offering it to sitter. Hopefully in the next year, we’ll have a new master bed, but I’m not there yet. I totally get that my listing is aimed at single people, and I appreciate your explanation.
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Thanks, Happytravellers. Yeah, me and my husband (6’4") too!
Thanks, toreishi. I appreciate all your experience. I’m working on my Welcome Guide right now, and am a bit stuck on the kitchen. I’m happy to let sitters use all the appliances and a reasonable amount of staples. (Who wants to buy a pack of salt or a bottle of oil for just two weeks?) Is there a good way to phrase this?