Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Island vacation homes sit empty most of the year—owners need reliable eyes
• •Snowbird property owners return to find issues if no one is watching
• •Limited options for property care—you become essential to absentee owners
• •Community trust on islands is both easier to build and easier to lose
• •Vacation rental owners need reliable local turnover coordination

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Build trust through references and background checks

   • •You're asking people to trust you with their homes—credibility is essential
   • •References from known community members carry more weight
   • •Background check shows you have nothing to hide
2. 2
   Create detailed service agreements

   • •Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings and disputes
   • •Written agreements protect both you and the homeowner
   • •Documentation is essential for liability and insurance purposes
3. 3
   Develop checklists for property checks

   • •Systematic checks ensure nothing gets missed
   • •Documentation protects you if problems arise
   • •Consistency builds client confidence in your reliability
4. 4
   Consider liability insurance

   • •Accidents happen—insurance protects you from catastrophic claims
   • •Some homeowners require proof of insurance
   • •Professional coverage distinguishes you from casual house sitters

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Live in homes during sits to reduce your own housing costs
• •Combine multiple nearby properties into efficient routes
• •Partner with handymen, cleaners, and landscapers for referral exchanges
• •Use free property management apps rather than expensive software
• •Group properties by neighborhood to minimize driving

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Long-term snowbird contracts provide consistent seasonal income
• •Vacation sits may have irregular scheduling—summer and holidays peak
• •Collect payment upfront or arrange regular billing cycles
• •Some services (turnover, maintenance) may invoice with short delay

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Document property condition thoroughly at start of every job
• •Have emergency contacts for plumbers, electricians, and owners' preferred services
• •Know location of water shut-offs, electrical panels, and security systems
• •Send regular photo updates so owners feel connected to their property
• •Have backup plan for your own illness or emergencies
• •Never give key access to anyone without owner permission

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Island vacation homes sit empty most of the year—owners need reliable eyes
• •Snowbird property owners return to find issues if no one is watching
• •Limited options for property care—you become essential to absentee owners
• •Community trust on islands is both easier to build and easier to lose
• •Vacation rental owners need reliable local turnover coordination

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Build trust through references and background checks

   • •You're asking people to trust you with their homes—credibility is essential
   • •References from known community members carry more weight
   • •Background check shows you have nothing to hide
2. 2
   Create detailed service agreements

   • •Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings and disputes
   • •Written agreements protect both you and the homeowner
   • •Documentation is essential for liability and insurance purposes
3. 3
   Develop checklists for property checks

   • •Systematic checks ensure nothing gets missed
   • •Documentation protects you if problems arise
   • •Consistency builds client confidence in your reliability
4. 4
   Consider liability insurance

   • •Accidents happen—insurance protects you from catastrophic claims
   • •Some homeowners require proof of insurance
   • •Professional coverage distinguishes you from casual house sitters

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Live in homes during sits to reduce your own housing costs
• •Combine multiple nearby properties into efficient routes
• •Partner with handymen, cleaners, and landscapers for referral exchanges
• •Use free property management apps rather than expensive software
• •Group properties by neighborhood to minimize driving

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Long-term snowbird contracts provide consistent seasonal income
• •Vacation sits may have irregular scheduling—summer and holidays peak
• •Collect payment upfront or arrange regular billing cycles
• •Some services (turnover, maintenance) may invoice with short delay

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Document property condition thoroughly at start of every job
• •Have emergency contacts for plumbers, electricians, and owners' preferred services
• •Know location of water shut-offs, electrical panels, and security systems
• •Send regular photo updates so owners feel connected to their property
• •Have backup plan for your own illness or emergencies
• •Never give key access to anyone without owner permission