I am thinking of soliciting repair work from a few real estate agents. Could someone provide guidance concerning what to be aware of and what can I expect when moving into this type of work? Thanks in advance for your time, dlb
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Do it real cheap and do it real fast.
I do work for a few realtors in my area. In general they want work done quickly, with little notice at a quality level just above what the customer won't complain about. I also do work on reposessions through a realtor such as lock changes and winterization. These are paid for by the banks and they take 60 to 120 days to pay there bills so don't do much of this if you can't wait for the money. I always get paid but it takes awhile. The local work I get paid right away or at the closing depending on the situation. They like me because I get small stuff done promptly and I don't steal from the properties, something they have problems with. DanT
It is last minute work but if you are in the right area and get hooked up with the right agent it is good work. You need lots of parts for commonly repaired items or running will kill you.
Example of a recent job:
Repaired- 7 windows, reset 3 toilets,fixed pop up drain,leveled washer
Collected $275.00 total parts cost $11.75 done in 2.5 hours
Dale,
I`ve worked with several Real estate agents. The first thing to be aware of is the fact that the agent is trying to make a sale. Often times they will try to minimize the amount of work necessary as not to scare off potential buyers. Be sure to let all those involved understand in your proffesional opinion what is required and what it will cost. Don`t allow yourself to get sucked into doing something that is not correct in order to satisfy the realator who is trying to satisfy another.Example: If all it needs is a fresh coat of paint, by all means, paint it. But if it needs a fresh coat of paint to disguise an existing problem, stay clear. It`s your reputation that is on the line.
If you plan on directing your business towards this type of work, be prepared to be readily available.
All the best!
Jay
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Good advice from Jay and DanT. Very good on the point about doing the repair to the standards of a............. Courtroom.
'Cause that were you can end up if you add to "concealed damages".
Find out who really owns the property and find out which title company is handling the closing.
Just do your best, keep it ethical, and always get paid before closing. If in doubt, send a bill to the title company and mark it Due.
If anything, it's a great way to get to know the new Owner.
Dale, I'll give you one step better; solicit work from property managers. I have a client whom I've done plenty of work for, from small things like evictions and changing locks to a three day job hanging doors, installing trim and drywall repair.
I was able to jump to number one in the stable of "handymen" of this office by doing what I said I would, WHEN I said I would.