SNOWBIRD
To all you snowbirds (or RVer's that are away from home for extended periods of time). When you are away from your stationary home do you have friends, neighbors or relatives look after your place? ...
Forum Discussion
Our insurance will become void if the house is left vacant for more than 30 days without their permission. They also require that the house be checked regularly when vacant. We have several neighbours that take care of that. They must also approve renting the house and that they be advised of house sitters.
For those that do leave their homes, check your homeowners policy! THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT MAY NOT BE COVERED. What they call "mysterious disappearances" etc. Also water and freezing damage etc if the house is empty.
For several years we rented it out. It worked well as there were neighbours building new homes. We later advertised on the University housing site.
We had a one tenant (Not from the U site) that was annoying, so a couple of years ago went the house sitter route and gave up the rental income. )Note that rental income needs to reported on your income tax. Also a pita.)
The first sitter was a friend we have known decades, this year a couple of grandparents advertised on the local notice board. (The old fashioned paper and tack type!) They live in the prairies and wanted to spend a couple of months with their new grandchild. We have known the son in law for years. We talked them into staying 4 months! Hope they come back next year! The house sitters pay the electric bill(heat,) we keep the satellite TV,phone and internet going.
We also have an arrangement with a local contractor (and friend) to arrange for any repairs that may need to be done.
We have spent from 5 months to 10 months away over the last 11 years without problems but do your homework! (pun intended)
For those that do leave their homes, check your homeowners policy! THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT MAY NOT BE COVERED. What they call "mysterious disappearances" etc. Also water and freezing damage etc if the house is empty.
For several years we rented it out. It worked well as there were neighbours building new homes. We later advertised on the University housing site.
We had a one tenant (Not from the U site) that was annoying, so a couple of years ago went the house sitter route and gave up the rental income. )Note that rental income needs to reported on your income tax. Also a pita.)
The first sitter was a friend we have known decades, this year a couple of grandparents advertised on the local notice board. (The old fashioned paper and tack type!) They live in the prairies and wanted to spend a couple of months with their new grandchild. We have known the son in law for years. We talked them into staying 4 months! Hope they come back next year! The house sitters pay the electric bill(heat,) we keep the satellite TV,phone and internet going.
We also have an arrangement with a local contractor (and friend) to arrange for any repairs that may need to be done.
We have spent from 5 months to 10 months away over the last 11 years without problems but do your homework! (pun intended)
