Australian Retirees -

Do you want to sell a property without reducing your pension, and without paying thousands of dollars in agent's fees?

If so, call 0468 703 513,
email property@ssanz.com,
or click on the Strategic Outlooks logo below

Strategic Outlooks Pty Ltd
- creating property solutions

Toyota's Land Cruiser "Troop Carrier" is a popular platform for camper conversions

While every situation is different, and decisions on such matters are for negotiation between owner and sitter, we at SeniorSitters feel that the following are reasonable, and fair to both parties:

1. Telephone. While the owner continues to pay for line rental, it is reasonable for the sitter to pay for phone calls. However, this may be subject to variation, with the owner prepared to pay all phone charges, or just requiring the sitter to pay for long distance and international calls. Our tip for sitters who expect to make such calls is to buy a prepaid calling card that will be much cheaper than rates charged by Telstra – particularly for overseas calls.
   
   Better still, get Skype and make free calls from your computer. (See links page)
   
2. Gas and Electricity. Here we feel that unless the sit is for an especially long term, or there is higher than average consumption, it is not worth the trouble to apportion charges. Much easier for the owner to pay.
   
3. Water. As garden care is usually one reason for engaging a Housesitter, it is not fair or reasonable to expect sitters to pay for water consumption or standing charges.
   
4. Rates, Land Tax, etc. Similarly, unless there are exceptional circumstances, we do not think sitters should be expected to shoulder these charges.
   
5. Bonds. As SeniorSitters Housesitters are aged over 50, we feel it is reasonable to expect a level of maturity and responsibility such that the payment of a bond is unnecessary.
   
   Also, we have heard legal opinion to the effect that a bond may even be counter-productive, implying a financial limit to the sitter’s duty of care.