@rssc2010, London is a hot spot. And probably popular with housesitters from out-of-London. Unable to provide specific feedback as you didn’t link to listing but here are a few ideas that may help:
- Ensure photographs are clutter-free and include images of all key areas (inc housesitter bedroom and kitchen). Many housesitters run away from clutter.
- Consider reasonableness of pet responsibilities. Many housesitters have red-flags based on pet care expectations. This can include number/complexity of pets; likely issues in pet care (e.g. aggressive dogs); intensiveness of care per day (e.g. many hours daily dog walk); separation anxiety (e.g. unable to leave pets for reasonable duration); pet rules (e.g. pet sleep in human bed)
- Consider duration of housesit. Pet Parent expectations for a 2-day housesit are probably different than for a 2-month housesit. The longer the duration, the more latitude a housesitter may expect (they have to live their lives too).
- Review listing content. Some applicants may not be local. Provide details of local public transit, local restaurants/supermarkets, attractions, etc.
I don’t believe that “sitters are just looking for amazing homes with pool”. But they do seek a fair trade. If you’re not receiving applicants then, for one reason or another, potential housesitters may not perceive the listing as attractive or fair.