Table of Contents

• Introduction to House Sitting in Mexico
• How Lisa Became a House Sitter
• The House Sitting Experience
• Benefits of House Sitting
• The Financial Aspect
• Challenges of House Sitting
• Who Should Consider House Sitting?
• Tips for Successful House Sitting
• FAQs
• Conclusion
• Useful Links

Introduction to House Sitting in Mexico

Living in Mexico can be a dream come true, especially when you can live cheaply and luxuriously. House sitting offers a unique opportunity to experience this lifestyle without the hefty price tag. Over the last two years, Lisa has lived in eight amazing luxury homes throughout Mexico, and she has paid nothing for that. This guide will explore how you can adopt a similar lifestyle and what it entails.

How Lisa Became a House Sitter

Lisa, a professional teacher by trade, spent 17 years working at Seattle Children's Hospital before deciding to change her life. She sold her house and belongings and moved to Europe, where she taught English in Spain for five years. During the pandemic, she decided to move to Mexico and began house sitting.

Lisa's journey into house sitting started with extensive research. She created a personal profile and joined a house sitting platform specifically for Mexico. This platform cost around $60-$80 per year. She then joined various Facebook groups to connect with potential clients. Now, she has multiple repeat clients and is booked through the summer of 2025.

The House Sitting Experience

House sitting can vary greatly depending on the homeowner's needs. Lisa's responsibilities often include taking care of animals, managing the house, and communicating with the homeowners. Each house is unique, offering different experiences and challenges.

Types of Houses

Lisa has stayed in a variety of homes, many of which are luxurious. For example, she stayed in an 8,000 sqft house in Manzanillo with ocean views, jacuzzis, and a pool. She also stayed in a three-bedroom house in Puerto Vallarta, a rustic home in San Cristobal de las Casas, and a beach house in La Ventana.

Connecting with Homeowners

Lisa connects with homeowners through various methods, including Facebook groups and house sitting platforms. She emphasizes the importance of mutual fit, ensuring that both parties are comfortable with the arrangement. Video chats are a common tool for vetting potential clients.

Benefits of House Sitting

House sitting offers numerous benefits, both for the sitter and the homeowner. For the sitter, it provides a way to live cheaply in Mexico while experiencing luxurious homes. For the homeowner, it ensures their property and pets are well cared for.

For the Sitter

• Free accommodation
• Low living expenses
• Opportunity to explore different areas
• Builds connections with homeowners

For the Homeowner

• Peace of mind
• Care for pets
• Safety and security
• Regular communication

The Financial Aspect

House sitting is an exchange rather than a paid job. Lisa's expenses are minimal, covering only food, fun, travel, a $10 cell phone bill, and Netflix. She does not exchange money with her clients to avoid tax implications.

Some homeowners provide additional perks, such as trips to Costco, free use of an apartment, or a driver. However, it is essential to have backup savings in case of emergencies or sudden changes in plans.

Challenges of House Sitting

While house sitting can be a dream lifestyle, it is not without its challenges. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial traits for a successful house sitter. The lifestyle can also be isolating, making it difficult to form long-term relationships.

Emergency Situations

Emergencies can arise, such as a homeowner's sudden inability to travel. In such cases, having a backup plan is essential. Lisa has experienced situations where her plans changed last minute, but her clients were accommodating.

Qualities of a Good House Sitter

• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Strong communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Love for animals

Who Should Consider House Sitting?

House sitting can be suitable for various individuals, including singles, couples, and digital nomads. It offers a flexible lifestyle that allows for slow travel and exploration of different areas.

Singles and Couples

Both singles and couples can thrive as house sitters. Couples may find it easier to manage larger properties and pets, while singles can enjoy the independence and flexibility of the lifestyle.

Digital Nomads

House sitting is an excellent option for digital nomads who have another stream of income. It allows them to reduce their living expenses while still making money online. Lisa, for example, continues to teach online and is working on a book about her experiences.

Tips for Successful House Sitting

To succeed as a house sitter, it's essential to follow some best practices. These tips can help you build a positive reputation and secure more house sitting opportunities.