Another factor that would put many sitters off is the short duration of the sit. Schlepping out to rural Ireland for just four days might seem an effort too far. Nothing you can do about that, of course. But it was the first thing that struck me, so I’m passing it on.
You have some good feedback here and I would agree with all the tips with the most important being better and clearer photos of your home both inside and out - one of the rooms looks like it has a purple bedspread - but I can’t tell if that is actually a bed.
Someone mentioned tidying up and while I would agree this could affect lack of applicants, I would also discourage you from posting unrealistic photos. If the house is going to have that “lived in” look - that is how it should appear.
You can see often on the Forum sitters complaining of a home not being neat and clean. Sitters want to know exactly what they are walking into. So the photos should reflect how it will be when a sitter arrives. I am one of those sitters that is happy to see photos of an untidy home (especially a kitchen) because it helps make my decision easier. I don’t like surprises.
Your home and responsibilities description is very short.
I would suggest looking at lots of other listings - ones with multiple past sitters - to see how they describe their home and especially the responsibilities. This would help you edit your listing.
Housesit is a relatively short duration and in a rural location. That probably rules out international housesitters.
Suggest extent content significantly. Work through Peonie19’s questions and include answers. Take new photos that show the exterior and interior of the property at its best.
Given that one of your dogs is banned in nearby UK then encourage that you include significant information about their behaviour, any aggression, exercise, etc to provide appropriate comfort that the dog is ok.
Finally recommend create a backup plan. Your dates are near-term. The housesitter community is highly diverse in terms of situations, objectives and preferences. Perhaps your listing is a perfect fit for someone. But it seems credibly possible that you may need a paid professional.
You’re clear on why and when you need a sitter but not clear on why a sitter would enjoy staying a few days in your home. You have a few places on your THS profile for highlighting why a sitter would want to sit for you. I don’t think you’re using any of those few places effectively.
First, the title needs to be better to catch a sitter’s attention as they’re quickly scrolling through open dates. Maybe something like “Tranquil 2-dog (plus a few chickens) rural sit near Castletown, Co. Meath”.
Second, your photos need some work. You need an eye-catching first photo. An outdoor photo that flatteringly captures your home and the dogs would be ideal. 2nd and 3rd photos from inside the home looking out on beautiful landscapes and a blessing (herd) of unicorns would be pretty catching but we only work with what we’ve got. Just do your best. From there, inside the home, only post photos of what the home will look like when a sitter arrives. If the photos you have are that, fair enough. If you plan on tidying up before leaving, better. Photos of the loo are NOT first priority. And you only need a few photos featuring the dogs.
Third, your introduction paragraph is fine but your Home and Location section is too sparse and unappealing. Maybe add to the description of the home and surrounding property and include information on where the sitter will sleep. Then expand on your location and why anyone would want to visit. What is there to see and do? Are there any pubs/coffee shops/restaurants nearby? How far to places of interest in Co. Meath? Slane Castle looks interesting. Is it far? How about the Hill of Tara? How far to Dublin?
Finally, you need to get out in front of the knee-jerk reactions to the “American Bully” breed. Maybe something like “Diesel is a very sweet 8 year old Classic (or Standard) American Bully (NOT an XL Bully) who loves everyone but, under Republic of Ireland law, must be muzzled while off our property. Willow is a 5 year old rescue. She can be initially nervous are new people but is also very sweet once she gets to know you.” (I’m so sorry that irresponsible dog owners have stigmatized the Bully breed. They’re such sweet and loyal companions when properly bred and raised).
I would not be put off by the American Bully breed, the dogs look wonderful. However, the photos of the house could be improved. You must have some beautiful green fields around? It’s Ireland
The American Bully breed in itself is enough to put many sitters off. In a straight choice , between other sits in same location, same time scale, but other sits were a labrador a collie, a retriever, I know which sit I would choose. Who wants to take out a dog which has to be muzzled? Somebody might, of course. It’s already very competitive on here.
Also, none of your photos are appealing. sorry. They all look dark. Maybe open the curtains in first photo, or retake them in daytime, and declutter. No outside view of the house either.
I agree with RedLassie + the main photo is rather off putting, just dark and not at all appealing. Everywhere looks extremely cluttered and there are no outdoor photos. I would like to see what the ouside of a building I am staying in looks like. Also I like to see what garden area there is, and any nice places to sit outside. What are the views like?
the new photos are way better. A vast improvement. The only photo I would question now is the one of shower, with shower curtain closed. People, especially those with any slight mobility issue, want to be able to see that they can easily step into shower area, safely.
Well first, I love your dogs, we would apply in a heartbeat but my husband is going to be renewing his passport and we won’t be able to travel at that time. Your stay looks really easy, and would be the type of sit that would excite me, would love to have the chickens and dogs that don’t have to go off property, the only tiny thing would be I would possibly neaten up the bedroom photos and de-clutter a little bit. But I don’t know why you’re not getting applications, it looks pretty amazing. You should add that you are just an hour outside of Dublin.
As a hopefully helpful FYI, the online passport renewal is REALLY quick. Both my wife and I renewed ours in the last 16 months. My new passport arrived in 2 weeks. My wife’s renewed 2 months ago and, again, arrived inside 2 weeks. In spite of the government shutdown, passport renewals are being processed normally and without delays. We wouldn’t hesitate to book a trip late next month over passport renewal.
We live in the Netherlands so that adds a layer of concern. My birth certificate has been held up and we have been waiting over eight months because of issues that they say they didn’t receive what they need. I know that that is different than the passport department but we are still a little nervous.