House Sitter or House Predator? Who is Really Looking After Your Home?

There is a stranger in your home sitting on your couch. He is eating your left over lasagna and watching your television. A few moments go by and he goes outside to play with your dogs. Eventually he packs up his things and leaves, as if he was never there.

Sounds disturbing, right? You have nothing to worry about, it's just Bill, the house sitter you hired to watch your home while you are on vacation. Bill is harmless and lives down the street from you. In fact, Bill has watched your house several times before. I guess it doesn't matter to you that Bill is a registered sex offender and that you have children living with you. You probably also knew that he has done time for breaking and entering in Wyoming. Wait, you are unaware of Bill's criminal past? This situation doesn't seem so safe now, does it?

Strangely, the criminal background of a house sitter is rarely checked by homeowners when they select someone to watch their home while they are away. More often than not, house sitters are neighbors or come recommended by friends. Besides, what type of damage could a house sitter really do? Surprisingly, more than you think.

By giving an individual access to your home while you are away, you are entrusting him or her with your possessions and more importantly, the safety of your family. House sitters know the locations of your spare keys, your schedule and where you keep your valuables. Even worse, a house sitter knows which bedrooms belong to your children.

So what can be done to ensure you are getting a responsible and safe house sitter? People Search News recommends the following three steps:

Step One: Always check references. Inquire about the sitter's personality, work ethic, etc.

Step Two: Go with your gut. If a person seems dangerous, he or she probably is.

Step Three: Make sure to screen your potential house sitter through an online background check.