Is there a House Sitting market for deployed military personnel?

CPT John McAndrew — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:06:52 -0400

I am a teacher nearing retirement and a father of two USMC officers. I am wondering if there opportunities to house sit for other service members who are on deployment?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 23 at 2021 9:09 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:09:59 -0400

You could try posting on next door in areas where you would want to do that. Be prepared with references.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 23 at 2021 9:18 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:18:25 -0400

Is there a specific location you had in mind?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jun 23 at 2021 9:55 AM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:55:25 -0400

Not sure about "house sitting", but I rented an apartment in summer 2014 from a Marine NCO deployed to Afghanistan. It was near San Diego and my official status was an approved sub-lease that his mother oversaw based on power of attorney.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 23 at 2021 1:24 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:24:19 -0400

While it makes sense for those with quarters off post, it would not apply on the base. Even off post would have to be of quarters for a GEO bachelor or a single service member. In which case they would likely have to pack up and place belongings in Storage at government expense (if authorized off post housing) as it is likely their BAH would be pulled for the duration of the deployment.

Response by A1C Chris Pointer made Jun 23 at 2021 1:39 PM

A1C Chris Pointer — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:39:42 -0400

In my experience people who go on deployment usually have someone in their unit house sit for them. Usually someone in the dorms/barracks. Not sure if there would be a huge market for strangers to house sit tho

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 4:53 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 16:53:42 -0400

You might want to set up an affordably-priced rental property management business, and offer deployment house-sitting as another service.
People in the military need rental managers more than they need deployment house-sitting.
More of them own rental properties than you would guess.

Response by CPT John McAndrew made Jun 24 at 2021 10:16 AM

CPT John McAndrew — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 10:16:16 -0400

Thanks to all for ringing in. My only intent was to explore the possibility of providing a comfort service to those deployed. I know that leaving your home behind while deployed can be a stressor. I was not looking to set up a business or make money. Thanks again for all of your input and of course thank you for your service!