Property Types, Profiles, and Terminology — How to Read This Site

Quick note:

This page explains how we use the terms: 

  • "house,"
  • "apartment," 
  • "flat," 
  • "profile" (CV), and 
  • "pet-friendly" 
on NordicHouseSitters.com. It exists to avoid misunderstandings and save time for both property owners and sitters

 


What is a Sitter Profile (CV)?

A Sitter Profile (CV) is a written profile completed only by the sitter.

It is shared with property owners before any discussion or agreement takes place.

The purpose is simple:

  • reduce misunderstandings
  • avoid repeated explanations
  • help owners decide whether to proceed

Property owners do not fill out the sitter profile.


House vs Apartment vs Flat — What Do We Mean?

We use these terms based on how the property functions, not marketing language.

House

A house is a standalone or semi-detached residential building with its own private entrance.

This category also includes townhouses, which may share walls with neighbouring homes but function as individual dwellings with separate access and responsibilities.

Typical characteristics:

  • private access
  • often includes garden or outdoor areas
  • higher responsibility for maintenance and utilities

Apartment (Flat)

An apartment (also called a flat in some regions) is a residential unit inside a shared building.

Typical characteristics:

  • shared entrances or common areas
  • fewer exterior responsibilities
  • often building rules or access restrictions

Important:
Apartment and flat mean the same thing. The difference is regional language, not responsibility.



Property — What We Mean by This Term

On this site, the term property is used to describe larger or more complex residential setups that go beyond a standard house or apartment.

This typically includes:

  • Large houses with extensive grounds
  • Summer houses or secondary residences
  • Rural homes with land or outbuildings
  • Small farms or hobby farms
  • Properties with multiple buildings or systems to manage

The term property is used because these setups usually involve a higher level of responsibility, planning, or routine compared to a typical single dwelling.

A property may or may not include pets or animals. Animal presence is handled separately, as it affects responsibilities regardless of property size.


Pets and Animals Are a Separate Factor

Pet presence is not a property type.

We treat it separately because it affects routines and responsibilities regardless of whether the property is a house or an apartment.

Examples:

  • House — with pets
  • Apartment — no pets
  • House — with animals (e.g. livestock)

This keeps descriptions clear and avoids mixing unrelated concerns.


Owner Profiles vs Sitter Profiles

Sitter Profile (CV)

  • Completed by the sitter
  • Shared with owners
  • Describes experience, routines, availability, and expectations

Owner / Property Information

Owners may share property details separately, but this is not a sitter profile and not part of the CV system.


Why We Use This Structure

This structure exists to:

  • reduce unnecessary messages
  • avoid assumptions
  • make expectations clear before any commitment

It is not about bureaucracy.
It is about clarity.


Short Version (for sharing)

If you just need the summary:

  • The sitter completes the profile (CV)
  • Owners review, they don’t fill it out
  • House = standalone home
  • Apartment / flat = unit in a shared building
  • Pets are handled separately