Michael L. Says:
If I live overseas part-time, what should I do with my house while I’m away? I will have my stuff and my houseplants there. Should I rent it out?
IL’s Go Overseas Mentor Kristin Wilson Says:
Great question, Michael. What to do with your house (and stuff) is a big consideration if you’ll be living abroad for part of the year.
If you own your home, renting it out is a good option. You can rent it short-term on a site like Airbnb, VRBO, or Sublet.com. (Craigslist is also an option, although it can be harder to vet tenants this way.)
You can also hire a local property management company or real estate agency to manage your home while you’re away. If you’re from the United States, some companies, such as Zeus Living, specialize in managing short term rentals for property owners in major cities across the country.
Another option is to do a house swap with other homeowners on a site like Love Home Swap, Third Home, or Home Exchange.
Hiring a house sitter is an affordable option. With a site like Trusted Housesitters, you can leave instructions to take care of plants, pets, or other maintenance while you’re away. Annual memberships cost from $129 to $259 per year.
For your stuff, Airbnb hosts recommend designating a home closet guests can’t use and buying a lock for it. It’s a convenient way to tuck your personal items away and keep them safe.
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