House sitting?

[humanassy]

I have an elderly parent who wants to move into a supported living flat as soon as possible. They will need to sell their home which could take 6-9 months according to estate agents. However, they do not want to leave the family home empty for that length of time - any bright suggestions as to how to manage this? Housesitters?

Spare Room? Is it a city or university location? Maybe not students but academics?

That seems a very long time for a house sale. Did the estate agents say why they think it would take so long?

For house-sitters, you could try trustedhousesitters.com. There is an annual fee. I have been using that site for pet sitters for a couple of years now with no problems. You can read the sitter's profile, references and most importantly, reviews.

Yes it is - that’s a good idea

The agents said the market is very slow at the moment. It surprised us to be honest, I thought it would sell very quickly.

I had a look at trustedhousesitters earlier which is what provoked the thought. I wasn’t sure sure how how much legal protection they would offer? Is there a contract which stipulates when sitters would leave or can it be open ended? I would hate to put my parent into a position where sitters might not leave? Is that a crazy worry?

Why don't they want the house empty? Is it they are anxious about moving? Can you reassure in anyway?

Price it sensibly and it'll sell. Properties are only hanging around because they're priced too high and the seller is refusing to be realistic.

They’ll need to change their insurance. If it’s empty they’ll need to tell the insurance company and there’ll be restriction like inspecting every 3 weeks and either turning water off and draining the system, or maintaining the temperature above 15deg, and if they have anyone living in it, they’ll need landlord’s insurance.

Mere is right. Unoccupied house insurance is ££ and you need to check the house every week in our case. The EA did it for us. We priced late parents house to sell. No mucking around with high price or ‘waiting for the right buyer’ which my sister wanted to do.

Sell it at auction.

Worried about security and break ins

That’s all very useful thank you

Agree