Check out how this guy makes money house watching for snowbirds.
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/a_helpful_neighbor_for_hire/1511/
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information
Howdy Bob
You may not know it but there are some home inspectors on Active Rain that offer this service to folks.
Have a good one
Dale
Nov 16, 2007 10:00 AM
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information
Howdy Bob
I am not offering this service as of yet.
I do not know if there is much of a call for this service in Illinois or not. One of the first things you will want to look into are there folks, that move to warmer areas in the winter mouths. You also want to be bonded for this service.
Have a good one
Dale
Nov 17, 2007 02:52 AM
Greenville, TX
I've seen the reverse of this in areas where wealthy people own vacation properties in resort areas. It's probably a little easier in that situation because there is more of a concentration of such properties, and the temporary resisdents are less likely to have family or friends that are full-time residents of the area. For example, I would imagine a retired couple in Chicago who winters in Florida would be more likely to pay someone to watch the property in Florida because they have friends and family who stay in Chicago year-around. Even so, there may be some potential there.
You might try making contact with people who advertise "property management" services. Some realtors around here (Texas) do that. Mostly, that involves managing apartment buildings and rental houses, but they may be able to give you some insight into the market potential for serving part-time residents. I suppose you would have to be a little careful not to show your hand too much so they don't take the idea and run with it.
Nov 18, 2007 02:31 AM
Canyon Lake, TX
Hey David: Are you still here? Why did I think you left us? I guess since I am now 65 I have lost my mind.
Nov 20, 2007 10:50 AM
Helm Home Inspections - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp
If 65 makes one lose their minds, I better get some blogging done now. I think you are fine Carl. David checks in from time to time just to keep his hand in. David, How's the new job going? Bob, sorry this comment doesn't address your question. In a slightly different version of what you were talking about, my wife and I recently bought a cabin (1700 Square foot house, actually) in the mountains to rent out on a nightly/weekly basis to skiers, snowboarders, hikers, climbers, river rafters etc. Today begins the first day of actual rental. Not quite house sitting, but it does bring in additional income.
Nov 21, 2007 08:02 AM
Greenville, TX
Yes, I'm still around. So far, I'm really enjoying working for the Federal Reserve. It's VERY different from the corporate environment I became burned out on. As you may know, the Federal Reserve is a "quasi-governmental" organization. We're not government employees, and we are not funded by tax dollars. Nevertheless, the chairmen of the various Fed branches are appointed and approved by the government, and we serve as the central bank for the United States. I've been very impressed with the level of quality, professionalism and general human decency among all levels of employees of the Federal Reserve. The turn-over is incredibly low--we just had a lady (secretary) who retired after working for 60 years at the Dallas Fed! She still comes back frequently to visit.
I am still doing some foundation related engineering inspections and reports, but I'm not actively marketing those services. So far, I've been doing one or two every weekend. I've been turning down any job that has to be done during the week because it's dark by the time I get home. I may start doing some week day work in the summer when the days get longer.
It costs too much to maintain my inspectors license for part-time work, so I will change it to "inactive" status next month, and I'll stop doing any standard home inspections.
Nov 22, 2007 04:24 AM
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection
Well it is dead for alot of us right now , but this is the time when you think strategy for the coming spring.
As for me I am redoing my sites for better keywords and info.
Good time to study also.
I just switched to a software to save money as I was using Horizon at 79.99 per month.
Nov 23, 2007 02:43 PM
Canyon Lake, TX
Hello Everyone
Thanksgiving to New Year's are a little slow (norm), but in this crazy industry you never know. It may be good for everyone to sit back and re-energize; like Bob said, time to do a little marketing.
"Be sure to wear your badge when Christmas shopping, remember what happened to me in Walmart earlier this year." For those that are new, someone saw my badge, asked me what I did, I told him and gave him my card and got a really nice call that evening and booked the inspection.
So, it may pay to make it a point to go out everyday Christmas shopping, ha, ha.
Nov 24, 2007 09:09 AM
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information
Howdy to all
I made some full color transfers with my business name and logo, and put one on the back and front of 2 coats, I always wear one of them when ever I go some where.
We have to keep our names out in front of folks at all times. As you Ya'll know.
I am also working on some new advertising ideas. As I get them worked out I'll let Ya'll know about them.
Have a good one
Dale
Nov 25, 2007 12:27 AM
Real Estate Resources
Chicago Home Inspection
Comments (10)Subscribe to CommentsComment