In this article, we will be discussing how to clean abandoned houses for money.
Abandoned homes, also known as foreclosed homes need the services of cleaners. More often than not, these homes are mostly in bad condition.
These are sometimes called abandoned homes because some occupants simply walk out of such properties leaving personal belongings behind.
A lot of people are faced with such personal tragedies simply because they couldn’t keep up with their mortgage payments due to financial difficulties.
For banks, taking back possession of such homes is just one aspect of the job. The other requires putting it back in shape by way of cleaning and renovations.
This is where you come in as a cleaner targeting abandoned homes for cleaning.
Of course, you won’t simply walk in to start house cleaning.
You’ll have to be ready and make the necessary contacts to get considered for such jobs.
How You Earn Money Cleaning Abandoned Homes
Just show me how to make the money! This is mostly what many readers will want; to be shown just how to begin.
However, involves a lot more than you know.
First off, you’ll need to get all the right equipment necessary to start your operations. This includes obtaining licensing and any other approval applicable.
Secondly, there’s a need to know what lenders or banks want from foreclosed property cleaners. Thirdly, you’ll need to seek out clients. In other words, you need to inform clients about your business.
Without that, there’s little chance of you getting cleaning gigs.
i. Prepping Before Hand
The most effective way of cleaning abandoned or foreclosed homes for money is by first making all necessary preparations. Necessary preparations in this sense include networking or establishing the right connections.
This idea is quite vague and will need to be broken down further.
So, establishing the right connections simply involves discussing with the right people crucial to getting the job done. These include cleaning product and service suppliers, as well as cleaning services.
Cleaning services are mentioned here because the actual performance of the cleaning job may not be your thing.
Under such circumstances, you consider yourself a cleaning contractor. A contractor coordinates the entire cleaning process making sure everything is done right.
Apart from cleaning services, you’re looking at handymen, locksmiths, and more.
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Why Bring a Locksmith When Cleaning Foreclosed Homes?
This is an important question to ask because sometimes, foreclosed homes tend to be vandalized and locked with keys thrown out. This is understandable due to the anger and displeasure experienced by mortgage defaulters.
As a way to take their vengeance on the system, they seek to cause as much difficulty as possible before leaving.
You’ll need to be in contact with a locksmith to have an idea of what’s needed to gain access to such homes.
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You May Be Required to Give an Estimate or Make a Bid
Without prior networking with the right professionals for a cleaning job, you might miss out on an opportunity when called upon to make a bid or given an estimate at a moment’s notice.
This is why it’s necessary to have done all that’s necessary to get the job done.
ii. Knowing What’s Needed by Lenders
To adequately prepare for the cleaning of foreclosed properties, you must know that such jobs aren’t the usual home cleaning contracts. Rather, a lender or bank is involved.
Such lenders have their requirements for foreclosed cleaning.
A lender isn’t interested in all the tiny details. They simply want the job done whatever it takes. In other words, you’ll need to figure out how to take care of all the problems associated with the job.
In most cases, abandoned homes are auctioned by the lender.
Therefore, cleaning doesn’t have to be thorough as compared to a situation where homeowners call for cleaning.
This isn’t a deep-cleaning procedure. Buyers know that the homes will require more renovation and cleaning as such, they don’t come with high expectations.
Property must be salable. This is made possible by clearing up all junk and abandoned belongings from the home. The good part is, you get to sell any valuable items found, thus adding to your profits.
A lender needs to know that you’re indeed capable of getting the job done. Plus, jobs must be completed within set time limits. The faster you’re able to complete a cleaning job the better.
Of course such cleanup must be satisfactory.
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Seeking out Clients
This is the point where you’ve made all necessary preparations for kick-starting your business and need to land your first clients.
Here, there are multiple ways to reach your objectives.
They include phoning local banks, attending foreclosure auctions, reaching out to the seller, and also linking up with real estate agents for quotes and contracts.
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Phoning Local Banks
Have you ever thought of reaching out to local banks? These banks have departments handling foreclosure sales.
You will aim to establish contact with such department to discuss business. Of course, your offer must be interesting enough to hold your attention.
However, don’t sell yourself short simply because you want to offer the best deal. Understanding the going rate within the industry will help you negotiate better.
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Attending Foreclosure Auctions
Foreclosure auctions are great avenues to sell your cleaning business.
Here, you’re only interested in winning bids. Having some form of recommendations from previous clients will be a great way to make them consider your business.
Here, you’ll need to have brought along your business cards for distribution.
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Reaching Out to the Seller
All properties having foreclosure signs on them are potential businesses. You’ll need to establish contact with the seller and introduce your business. There must be a clear benefit to the seller.
However as stated earlier, you’ll need to avoid selling yourself short.
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Linking up with Real Estate Agents
To clean abandoned houses for money, you’ll need to mingle with industry players. Real estate agents are those you should consider because they play key roles in property foreclosures.
Online research on existing foreclosures will prove useful towards getting close to these professionals.
By being in contact with them and letting them know about your business, you’re able to attract patronage whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Cleaning abandoned or foreclosed houses for money is a viable business idea that you could start with little to nothing. However, when properly done, you stand to gain a lot in terms of profits.