Lately there has been a lot of talk about this business. The demand for information is high. This business opportunity is the Foreclosure Cleanup and Property Preservation business. The business model is very attractive for a home business. Low start-up costs. It can be started quickly. Several ways to earn money with a single task.

Collecting and cleaning debris from the property is just the beginning of the work involved. The property will also need repairs inside and out. I have personally seen in a home where the master bath was left open and overflowed destroying the kitchen below. Appliances and fixtures stripped from the walls, as well as the plumbing and copper wiring. So there’s quite a bit of work to do with just one task! You can bring in subcontractors, or if you’re a licensed contractor, you can do the work yourself.

The Property Preservation side of the business covers insuring the property and in some cases “tempering”. The scope of work would include rekeying the door locks or replacing the entire set of locks. Repair of doors and door jambs. Repair windows and board up windows and doors if necessary. There will also be some yard work and landscaping to make the house look more presentable.

Marketing your new venture is the most important element to your success in this business. Real estate brokers and agents are going to be your main clients. As these properties go through the process, most of the time these properties eventually become Bank property. The Bank has a list of Brokers and Agents who list these properties for sale. It is the responsibility of the broker or agent to turn on utilities and insure the property shortly after receiving the quote from the bank.

The best source for finding these brokers and agents who specialize in REO properties is the National Association of Realtors. Or you can print advertisements on postcards and visit local Real Estate offices in your area. If you speak to the receptionist, you should allow her to place cards in the office mailbox. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are good social media sources to use.

Every business has its high and low periods. But through strong marketing of this business, once you’re with the right people, you’ll have more than enough to keep you busy.
The Foreclosure Cleanup and Property Preservation business provides a needed service to the community and adds a silver lining to this unfortunate economic situation.

A good USA Today article gives an example of companies that are actively in business.

And also from the National Association of Realtors, an ongoing program that aims to repair and list homes in communities hard hit by the foreclosure pandemic.