Can we house sit for you in August?

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

Hello fellow Davis Square peeps,

My family of four is hoping to find a place to stay for most of August (could start as early as August 3/4 or as late as August 9, until Aug 31) while our house is being renovated. We originally thought we could stay in while work was being done, but looks like we should be out for 2-3 weeks just to be safe. We don't have any family locally and don't have any friends with enough space to hold us for that long that live nearby. Is anyone going on vacation during August and would be willing to let us stay at your house/condo/apartment? We would be more than happy to mow lawns, water plants, feed pets, bring in mail, etc while there. We could even possibly pay a small amount in exchange. Our other options are extended stay hotels or furnished apartments, but both of those options are incredibly expensive and are plan C for right now. We also don't have a car, so staying near public transportation is pretty important for us.

About us: married couple with two children (ages 5 and 3). We both work in the Longwood Medical Area and kids go to daycare three days a week. We're both runners, training for a marathon in October. We have a cat that we would love to bring with us, but if we couldn't, he could stay at our house and we'd check on him daily (one reason we want to stay close to the Square). We're clean, responsible, don't smoke, don't have parties, and my husband is very handy with both computers and home improvement type projects. He also makes really good bread.

If anyone is interested or has any suggestions, I'd love to hear. Thanks!

Comments

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

Plan D: Get a big tent and live in the back yard! (This actually sounds like plan A+ to me)

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

we have thought about that, but not sure the kids could tolerate it for 3 weeks (maybe a long weekend...). we also live on a corner lot, though, so no privacy and it would be very very obvious to anyone walking by that we were sleeping/camping there, which makes me feel a little unsafe.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

also, camping with no access to a fridge or cooking other than a grill might present a problem over that long of a period.

[chenoameg.livejournal.com]

I think someone posted looking for an August housesitter on the somerville moms email list.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

yeah, i've been in touch with them. They are plan A but I know that they have many people interested so it's not definite.

Thanks!

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

They ended up choosing another family, so that plan is out now. :(

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

You might also try airbnb.com - A lot of friends of mine have had good luck finding short-term rentals that way.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

My husband was looking into that last night, we're going to talk more about it tonight. i believe he felt things were still incredibly pricey.

[teresaelsey.livejournal.com]

When I was looking for a new apartment for September, I considered a number of places that had leases starting in August, and I would have paid rent on two apartments for August for the right place. If that had happened, I would have been happy to sublet one of the apartments for August, and probably for a very reduced price.

Perhaps you can find someone in that situation (either someone renting a place they don't need yet in August or a landlord that has an apartment ready to rent now but wants to start a lease in September)?

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, good idea. Any ideas how to find those people? I've been looking at craigslist and will probably post there soon...

[pywaket.livejournal.com]

How about renting a trailer or RV? There are companies that specialize in temporary offices/housing.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

This is an interesting idea, and one we could probably explore, though I imagine parking would be a problem (permits if on street). Our driveway will be in use with dumpsters and contractors trucks...I'll post back if it actually seems feasible