I have been a visitor to Vancouver for many years. He would rent an apartment for a few weeks each year near Los Muertos beach while taking a well-deserved break from teaching. Last November, while hanging out 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 9 years ago. They returned the following year and bought 4 weeks in a timeshare, which they used every year until they retired 2 years ago and bought their dream vacation home in Conchas Chinas. They stayed at his house for 6 months and returned to Canada for the summer.

Returning the following peak season, they found their house in a shambles. There was rain damage and all their plants had died. Obviously, your friendly neighbor didn’t 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. That’s when they decided to find a house sitter, as they had done with their cabin by the lake in BC in the past.

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

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

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

There are many advantages to having a babysitter instead of leaving the house empty. Whether you’re planning a two-week vacation, a three-month trip, or an entire gap year, there’s always the question at the back of your mind: Who will take care of my home?

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

Why sit at home? Save money, live rent free.