Location:   Brandon, Florida

Experience:   9 yr 8 mo

Rank:   rate this sitter

About Arthur Pfaffko:

James Mitchell

Homeowner in St. Petersburg, Florida

HOMESITTING REFERENCE FLORIDA 2020 / 2021

Having been out of country for well over a year due to work and then stranded due to air travel being suspended in the country where I was located due to Covid-19, things became very desperate at my 1935 era Florida home. An email from a neighbor made clear the dire straits... The lawn people abandoned me, the yard was now a JUNGLE. A recent storm caused an oak tree to fall and take down a neighbor’s fence. Damage to my home and garage and so much more.
I couldn’t get back and had no one to turn to. Having used Mr. Pfaffko many years ago, I tracked him down...rest assured, he is the “Go To” guy.
Being available, he immediately drove from Whitefish, Montana to my home in St. Petersburg, FL. Within 4 hours of arrival he sent detailed emails and pictures of the immediate situation and his recommendations. I gave my approval. As time went on, more and more problems were faced.
He sent emails with detailed descriptions and detailed pictures of situations he encountered that needed to be addressed immediately.
1. Front and back yard a jungle. Remedied and contracted with a local company to continue.
2. House roof & chimney repair contracted to repair.
3. Several Home exterior issues needed repair.
Portions of front porch area rotted out. Roof support rotted, side area fence supports rotted. He had all these repaired/replaced at my direction.
4. Detached garage door destroyed by vandals...replaced and deadbolt locks installed.
5. Summer Florida Garage temperature over 140 degrees. Added a solar roof ventilator to significantly lower temperature.
6. Replaced indoor Air Conditioning/Heating control unit with a WiFi unit I can monitor and control from afar.
7. Multiple plumbing issues.
Home had apparently taken a lightning strike or a massive power surge. Remote interior & exterior camera’s, security system, thermostat control for A/C system had been destroyed as well as other WiFi operational systems...I was clueless as to my home and its condition Mr. Pfaffko detected all these and so many other problems. He either fixed them or hired vendors he researched and hired to my satisfaction.
He replaced my destroyed backyard fence adding a drive-through gate, replaced outdoor motion detector flood lights no longer working, repaired interior/exterior video camera system, replaced Air Conditioning and heat control unit, the list goes on and on.
He has remained at my home for over 9 months restoring it at my direction and I can’t say enough about him... I can now monitor my home via ADT, via security camera system and other internet systems. These enable me to control home temperature, lights inside and out, and record activity via cameras, ADT alarms, appliances.
He put all cameras, monitors, control units of all types on surge protection to prevent future failures. I ow have battery backup for all units.
In case of power failure, I will know it immediately and can monitor and contact appropriate entities.
Although I am and will be remainimg out of country indefinitely, Mr. Pfaffko has the keys, passwords and is the in-country contact for me when I’m unavailable.
He is well connected and if necessary can have someone onsite quickly until he can arrive. He is able to monitor my home, property if necessary.
Spring 2021...due to deaths in family, I was able to return to the USA very briefly.
Mr. Pfaffko, still at my home working remaining issues, picked me up at airport after midnight and took me to my home. It was amazing what I beheld the following morning... My home was spotless, my bedroom made up to perfection. My wife, who was unable to accompany me was jealous! I know Mr. Pfaffko is much in demand nationwide and very soon he will leave us to go on to help others.
Even if for a few weeks simple home/pet sitting or a long-term endeavor...I have his number!!!!! Please don’t hesitate to contact me via my email below. If you wish to speak to me personally, please send an email and I will call you to avoid international call charges for you.
Jim Mitchell
jimdean83@yahoo.com

Date of Service Sep 1, 2020

Lisa & Dennis Geotz

Homeowner in Pompey, New York

Dependable, pleasant, and knowledgeable house sitter

We had the fortunate opportunity to have Arthur contact us for our house sitting in Pompey, NY. We had a house for sale and needed to have someone who was flexible, knowledgeable, and accommodating for real estate showings and staying with the house during the winter season where snow and high winds are constant companions to the house. We felt at ease to know he was capable to handle any issues that may arise during the winter and spring seasons. When we first met him, he impressed both of us with his personality, work ethic, and expertise in keeping our property safe and secure. He kept us up to date by checking in and immediately called when there were issues he knew we would want to know about. Having Arthur house sit was one of the best decisions we made and when the house sold, he was accommodating. He left the house as he found it. We are fortunate to have established a friendship with him and would not hesitate to recommend Arthur to securely watch your house. Dennis and Lisa Goetz

Lisa, United States, 02 July, 2020

Tidy
Organised
Reliable
Kept in contact
Friendly

Approved

Date of Service Nov 1, 2019

Harvey & Molly

Homeowner in Mariaville, Maine

This website is not set up for a listing over 30 days.
This home sit service was from November 2013 through April 2014
It was a private lakeside retreat at the end of a 3 mile logging road.

We engaged Art for the winter of 2013-2014 to house sit and cat sit for us at our lake home in mid Maine. Art was here from early December until late April and the Maine locals have all reported what we who avoided Maine this winter already knew: it was the worst winter in anyone�s memory. Lots of snow, storms always seemed to be coming through just as you thought the last one was plowed. And temperatures that hovered at a high near zero for days at a time. Well, many folks may have abandoned their post, especially when the power went out just before Christmas and stayed out for 9 days. Well, Art saw it through to the end, going through three generators in the process until one finally lasted, and, from his and others� reports, loved it!!
Besides recommending Art for your winter�s worst nightmare, he was very professional, kept us informed always, took care of the two cats, helped the neighbor with plowing the road, kept the mail coming, and was in general, an excellent house/cat sitter.
Harvey & Molly
Email: hew@jhu.edu

Date of Service Nov 1, 2017

Roy Edwards

Homeowner in Folsom & Placerville, California

Roy & Robin Edwards
372 Flower Dr
Folsom, Ca 95630
707-696-5253

September 30, 2011

To whom it may concern:

Art Pfaffko housesat for us the summer of 2011and had the responsibility of caring for our home, cat, fish pond and yard while we were away. We found Art to be a wonderful house sitter. He was very trustworthy, and conscientious. He did a great job of communicating with us throughout the summer, and took great care of our cat and fish pond. He handled any problems that arose effectively, and gave us a great sense of ease the entire summer, as we knew things at home were in good hands.

We were so pleased with him that we have asked him to housesit for us in the future. We definitely would recommend Art to anyone in need of a house sitter.

Sincerely,


Robin Edwards

Date of Service May 1, 2017

Carol Taylor

Employer in Warrenton, Virginia

August 5, 2019

Reference for Art Pfaffko

To Whom It May Concern:

We had the great pleasure of getting to know Art Pfaffko through his work at our client’s property in Strasburg, Virginia. He was engaged by the out-of-state owners (who are daughters of the late owner), to look after their historic manor home as a house sitter. The term “house sitter” simply doesn’t do justice to the scope of work Art performed. When he arrived for what was to have been only a few months assignment, Art quickly jumped in to remedy issues common to houses that have been empty for a time. He brought the property back to life and he helped ready the property for market, which was a major effort.

I was always struck by the great care he took in everything he did, his great respect for the owners, and his meticulous attention to every aspect of the property’s operation. Art’s diligence and care in the way he managed things is really extraordinary in my experience.

Art is the epitome of discretion. He knew when to quietly vacate when prospective buyers were touring, and instinctively knew when to offer helpful information. He always had the property looking bright, clean and well lighted for showings.

Art gave so much of his time and effort; for example, he installed his own security systems and monitored the property at all times, even if he was out just for the day. He monitored water systems and pumps to ensure they didn’t freeze in winter; he carefully tended every part of the property.

His assignment continued into 4 ½ years. Even though Art was being sought out for a next assignment, he felt an obligation to see the assignment through to property sale and closing.

As it happened, the property was purchased by an out-of-country buyer. Art kindly remained at the property until the new owners arrival back in country, even though he put his personal plans on hold. He graciously compiled details of the surrounding area services, items of interest for the new owners, and other considerate, helpful information.

I would hire Art in a heartbeat for an assignment anywhere, in any type property. He understands farms, caring for animals, construction, how buildings work and how to keep them safe, mechanical systems, electricity, protecting against weather – items your average house sitter typically does not know.

I am happy to speak in person, if I can answer questions or provide further information. I can be reached at 703-577-4680 or email at ctaylor@middleburgrealestate.com.

Sincerely,

Carole J. Taylor, GRI
Managing Broker
Middleburg Real Estate & Atoka Properties

Date of Service Oct 1, 2016

James Mitchell

Homeowner in St. Petersburg, Florida

This situation occurred in 2008. Luxury only goes back to 2016

To Whom It May Concern:
I recently called Mr. Pfaffko to my “rescue” when I was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital on an emergency basis. I was very impressed how quickly he responded to my needs. He promptly drove 40 miles to the hospital to check on my welfare. There, I informed him I would need someone to look after my home and energetic two year old German Shepard.
My hospital stay was longer than anticipated and I was able to depend on Mr. Pfaffko to attend to my needs. He gladly provided transportation to bring me home from the hospital. Once home, I found him to be very accommodating by having laundered my bed linens (and towels) and remaking the bed in advance. He also cleaned the house and watered the plants on his own initiative.
In another instance I left town for two weeks and felt confident and assured leaving my dog with Mr. Pfaffko. He actually allowed her to stay at his home where he walked her multiple times on a daily basis.
I would refer Mr. Pfaffko to anyone looking for a highly responsible and trustworthy assistant. He is very personal and attentive to all my needs. I can count on him for a variety of jobs/tasks ranging from home maintenance and upkeep to providing transportation to the airport. I have always found Mr. Pfaffko to be an honest, respectable and capable extra hand.
Jim Mitchell

Date of Service Feb 1, 2016

Sara Beatty

Homeowner in Strasburg, Virginia

Recommendation!
There are not enough stars to rate Art Pfaffko's service as highly as he deserves. When he arrived, he promised to "exceed expectations." I can't even count the many ways he has lived up to, and beyond, that pledge.What we all thought was a 6-month position has morphed into FOUR YEARS. Our property is a large 200+ yr old home on 106 acres in rural Virginia. While in good repair, there have been many maintenance issues that have arisen, and Art has handled them all brilliantly.I will be happy to answer any specific questions about Art's abilities, but here is a sample of his accomplishments:He designed, maintained and monitored a sophisticated security system. He kept us apprised of all ongoing issues, by email and phone, and presented us with an accounting of all expenses. He has forwarded mail and packages and relayed messages as needed.He maintained good relationships with our own maintenance people, other tenants, and developed relationships with other tradespeople and city officials that proved invaluable.He dealt decisively with a mouse infestation!He maintained the home in perfect shape, and welcomed both us and our visitors for both short and long stays.He researched both tradespeople and equipment to find us the best possible deals.He figured out several plumbing and electrical issues and got them fixed expeditiously.When the house was put on the market, he rolled with the punches and kept the home in show condition, even stepping in to show it himself, when the Realtor was unavailable.He has seen Mt Pleasant through many weather events: hard freezes (and water freezes), blizzards, extreme heat/drought, wind storms, lightning strikes, the wettest year on record... He has seen it all, and dealt with it!
As I said, these are only a few of the challenges that Art has met with flying colors. More than a friend, he has become family. Anyone fortunate enough to have Art Pfaffko on their team is in very good hands.
Sara Beatty sara_beatty@hotmail.com

Date of Service Oct 28, 2015

Dale Bjorge

Homeowner in Whitefish, Montana

This service was performed from October 2011 thru May 01, 2012.
This website does not permit the listing of dates for extended service
This was my 2nd year here at the invitation of the home owners.
I was invited back for a 3rd winter but homeowners sold home and moved to AZ.

To Whom It May Concern:
Art Pfaffko was our house sitter from mid October 2011 thru the end of April 2012. He also was our house sitter for the year before for approximately the same period of time. He did everything that was asked of him and more. Art even set up his own security system to keep track of things that were going on around the property. He also communicated with us often about what was going on at our place and if anything needed to be taken care of. Art took care of our place as if it was his own.
We would certainly offer our house sitting position to Art again if the need arises.
Sincerely, Dale and Karla Bjorge

Date of Service Oct 1, 2012

Steve Houle

Homeowner in Valrico, Florida

To whom it may concern:
My wife and I took a trip to Europe for about a month.
While we were away; Mr. Arthur Pfaffko took care of our home, maintained our yard,
and looked after our cat.
He attended to the daily grooming as well as her feeding and liter needs.
Mr. Pfaffko�s responsibilities entailed home maintenance; alternating room
lights, securing doors, along with our mail and newspaper collection during our absence.
All services were conducted as required and we were very pleased that we had Mr. Pfaffko to assist us, while we were away.
Art was professional and quite detailed in his duties to care after our home and pet.
Since our trip we have used Mr. Pfaffko's services from time to time and his efforts have always been exemplary!
It is with great respect and encouragement that I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Arthur
Pfaffko!

Steve & Samantha Houle

Date of Service Jan 1, 2012

Dale Borge

Homeowner in Whitefish, Montana

This service was performed from October 14, 2010 through May 01, 2011
This website does not permit the listing of extended service.
I was asked to come back for the winter of October 2011-May 2012 and did so.
That reference follows.

To Whom It May Concern:
Art Pfaffko was our house sitter for six months this past year. He did everything that was asked of him and more. Art even set up his own security system to keep track of things that were going on around the property. He also communicated with us often about what was going on at our place and if anything needed to be taken care of. Art took care of our place as if it was his own.
We would certainly offer our house sitting position to Art again if the need arises.
Sincerely, Dale and Karla Bjorge

Date of Service Oct 5, 2011