[cyclotic]

What I’m saying is that your advice to pay a housesitter when I’m not home is kind of stupid. If I own the house, no one but no one should have any claim on my house.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I agree, as long as you have the title, (or are current on your mortgage) no one else should be able to move into your house without permission and even with permission they should be required to move out when permission is withdrawn.

But that is what should be. What should be and what is are not even in the same ballpark.

Once you list the house and pictures of the empty house are listed you have announced to the world that there is a nice place up for grabs. People who are overseas can "rent" your property out and never step a foot in the US. It has happened.

So, especially in states where property rights are not protected, having a house sitter can prevent you from having squatters or people coming and trashing your unprotected property for the fun of it.