We are a retired Canadian couple looking for a couple with house sitting experience to house sit our beautiful home in Zirahuen, Michoacan, Mexico beginning approximately June 1, 2018. Our pets will be with us so the major requirement is that someone stay in our home and troubleshoot any repairs that may be needed.
This is our third time looking for sitters on the internet. The first time, the sitters who committed to our housesit dropped out without saying so directly, just becoming unresponsive to our s/ . Our second house sitters did not live up to their resumé hype, so we are a little cautious this time around. Please don't respond to our house sit if it isn't for you and if you are unable to follow through on your commitment. We are honest and honorable people and if we select you as our sitters, we will make good on our promises to you.
Our home is for sale, which may be a red flag for some with visions of being on call at the drop of a hat for multiple showings per week. Not so. The real estate market in our area is not as buoyant as we would like, showings are infrequent and require giving sitters 48hrs or more, advance notice.
We have WiFi at home, satellite TV from Canada, a gym, den, art studio,fireplaces and large garden, 2 bedrooms, 3 baths.
Our home is located in Zirahuen, Michoacan, a small town of approx people with a very small expat community (12) about 25 minutes from colonial Patzcuaro, 45 minutes from Uruapan and 1 hr from the capital of Morelia where the International Airport is located.
Our country home is nestled in the hills above Lake Zirahuen, aprrox k. (uphill)from town. In town there is a weekly farmers market where one can purchase produce and there are several small grocery/convenience stores. For major purchases, it is necessary to go to Patzcuaro where larger chain stores are located. For this reason having your own car is definitely preferable, although cabs and buses are available.
Because we believe in truth in advertising, it has to be said that this area is NOT tropical, being located approx ft. above sea level. The climate is mostly temperate, but at some times of the year, temps can dip to 50F at night. Layered clothing is the norm and the fireplaces get used. As the closest occupied home is about 1km away, this assignment is probably more suited to a couple who has some familiarity with Mexico and Spanish.
If you enjoy tranquility and a country setting with a spectacular lake view, this may be for you. There are lots of hiking trails nearby, kayak and boat rentals and a zip-line across the lake. On the other hand, if you need lots of social interaction and activities, there aren't any bridge clubs in Zirahuen! However, there are more social activities in nearby Patzcuaro.
Key House Sitter Requirements:
Stay in our home(not use it as a base for travel)
Pick up the maids from town once per week.
Pay the maids/gardener for us and oversee their work
Pay the electric and propane, internet bills on our behalf.
Identify repairs & make arrangements for repairs if needed(better still if you like to do some of those yourself)
NOTE: We provide you with a 'kitty' for all bill payments and refresh it as needed. We pay for the maid, repairs, all utilities, internet, television.
As our home is for sale, keep the house presentable and be available to the realtors for showings.
This is a non-paid assignment. Our current sitters contribute to some of the expenses, specifically, the gardener. The cost is 500 pesos (about $30usd) per week), as well as replenishing cleaning supplies and propane for portable heater. The house has no land line, so the sitter would need their own cell (only costs about 12USD per month with unlimited calls within Mexico, Canada, U.S).
Familiarity with cisterns, pumps, solar water heating system is a definite plus in order to troubleshoot effectively. Must have contactable references by and .
Enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Zirahuen
Thanks in advance for your interest, Debra and George