Sitting House – Living Without Rent In Puerto Vallarta

I am a visitor to Vancouver for many years. I would rent an apartment for a few weeks each year near Los Muertos beach while taking a well-earned break from teaching. Last November, while on the beach with Jeff and Cindy from Ohio, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime.

Jeff and Cindy first came to PV, like many, on a cruise ship, 9 years ago. They returned the following year and bought 4 weeks of timeshare, which they used every year until they retired 2 years ago and bought their dream vacation home in Conchas Chinas. They stayed at home for 6 months and returned to Canada for the summer.

When they returned the following peak season, they found that their house was a mess. There was rain damage and all of its plants had died. Evidently your friendly neighbor did not pay as much attention to the house as he promised. Some of the utility bills were also unpaid. Needless to say, this situation ruined his return home. It was then that they decided to find a house keeper, as they had done with their lakeside cabin in BC in the past.

When they brought it up to me over a margarita on the beach, I immediately envisioned living in their wonderful home while working on my PhD dissertation. It wasn’t long before we came to terms with what they expected of me (pay the bills, keep their house as if they were there, take care of the repairs, etc.) in.

Imagine living in a wonderful house near the beach. I enjoyed the peace and luxury of his home and finished my job.

They were so pleased when they came back that they asked me if I could stay again this year … Hmmmmm …

There are many advantages to having a babysitter over leaving the house empty. Whether you’re planning a two-week vacation, a three-month trip, or a full sabbatical, the question is always at the back of your mind: Who will take care of my house?

“In Mexico, a million Americans own homes south of the border and the boom in the golf community is just beginning.” – ‘The New York Times’, January 25, 2008

Why house sit? Save money, live without paying rent.