Domestic Staffing FAQ

Answers for Clients and Candidates

Whether you’re hiring household staff or pursuing a private service career, our domestic staffing FAQ covers the essentials. Clients and candidates alike will find answers about our placement process, resume tips, and more. At Precise Home Management, transparency and support define every step we take.

Client FAQ

  • Precise Home Management opened in 1998 after Mr. Lowrey’s role as a butler came to an end.

  • Mr. Lowrey’s hospitality journey began in 4-star hotels in the UK, followed by eight years working on cruise ships. He then owned and operated a tea room in Ely, Cambridgeshire, for three years. Afterward, he served as Head Steward aboard a private 345-foot yacht based in Monaco. In 1990, he accepted a role as a butler at a 25,000 sq ft estate in Baltimore, Maryland, built for Alfred Vanderbilt. In February 1998, he founded Precise Home Management.

  • Having worked personally in private homes as a butler and estate manager gives Mr. Lowrey and our team an insider’s perspective on what truly works—and what doesn’t—within a household.

  • While we have placed private service professionals within a week, realistically you should allow one to two months.

  • The vetting process begins the moment we receive a phone call or résumé. We first assess whether applicants follow our application procedures carefully.

    Because standard background checks alone are, in our opinion, insufficient to ensure your family’s safety, we partner with a leading independent investigator to conduct a full background investigation. This includes extensive character and integrity checks to uncover any hidden criminal or derogatory behavior.

  • Our placement guarantee is 60 days. We have found this time frame sufficient for both employer and employee to determine if it is a good match.

  • The positions we place typically fall within these ranges:

    • Housekeepers: $80k–$120k

    • Chefs: $80k–$200k+

    • Couples teams: $160k–$225k+

    • House Managers: $120k–$160k

    • Estate Managers: $160k–$225k+

  • Health care is important. If the client can provide a health care plan through their company, that is ideal; otherwise, a healthcare stipend toward a personal plan is acceptable.

    Additionally, small gestures such as a card and cake on birthdays are appreciated. An end-of-year bonus, typically one month’s salary or more based on performance and cost savings, is also strongly recommended.

  • No. Rent should not be charged or deducted from an employee who is provided with housing. That said, because each placement is unique, there are cases where terms can be discussed and negotiated to a mutually successful agreement.

  • Maintaining a healthy employer-employee relationship is key. This includes setting clear boundaries, fostering mutual respect, offering a Christmas bonus, and conducting annual salary and performance reviews. We recommend a six-month performance evaluation followed by a full end-of-year review.

Candidate FAQ

  • 1. Apply online for a current position via our Candidate Registration Form.

    Update your resume beforehand and attach all relevant documents:

    • Updated resume (use our template)

    • Professional photo

    • Photo ID

    • Reference letters

    • Certifications

    • References to contact

    2. You’ll receive a call from Tiffany to review your resume and the job description. A video interview will then be scheduled with Andrew Lowrey.

    3. If the client is interested, PHM will submit your profile. A basic background check will be conducted before the interview.

    4. If the client chooses to move forward, PHM or the client will send you a formal offer letter, pending a successful background check by our security partner.

    5. You’ll receive onboarding instructions from PHM or directly from the client to begin your new position.

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in private service is required.

  • No. It’s best to apply only for roles where you have relevant experience listed on your resume. For example, if you’re an experienced estate manager, applying for a housekeeping role can signal you’re stepping backward in your career, which may be a red flag for clients. These placements often don’t last, as candidates tend to leave once they find a better fit. We recommend applying only to positions you’re excited about and aligned with professionally.

  • Only if you have a strong personal connection to that location (e.g., family, friends, or you’ve spent time there and love it). Keep in mind that clients often prefer local candidates. If you’re unfamiliar with the area or unsure about a long-term stay, it may not be the right fit. Clients invest heavily in hiring, so they need confidence that you’ll stay long-term.

  • Absolutely. We will request an updated resume during the process. Use our simple resume format and tailor it to the role you’re applying for—many candidates leave off key skills that may be critical for the role. Include a cover letter explaining your background, how you got into private service, and why you love the work.

  • Once a week by email to [email protected] is ideal. If needed, you can follow up by call or text to 443-326-8626.

  • We typically call references once an offer is made, as part of the background check. Please ensure you have at least two references related to your previous positions, and collect reference letters when you leave a role (in case you lose touch with your former employer). References often make or break a hiring decision, so it’s best to apply only for roles you genuinely want. Over-applying can result in reference fatigue, which could hurt your chances.

  • Yes! Here are some of our top recommendations:

    Essentials of Household and Estate Management

    HNW Solutions by Peter Van Ryder

    Table Settings from Around the World (for housekeepers and servers)

    Charles MacPherson Academy

    British-Style Nanny Certification

    The Hotel Nanny School

  • Here are a few smart entry paths:

    • Work as a housekeeper at a luxury hotel or resort

    • Gain exposure by working for a high-end catering company

    • Start as a nanny to build experience in private homes

    • If you’re a property manager, find a role that services high-end estates, then train up

Still have a question?

We’d love to give some insight on whatever question or goal you have.