Mowing for real estate/ foreclosures...good/bad?

[MOturkey]

I've only done one, and they paid me twice what I asked, which was good, because I had to drive to the properties and take before pictures, which weren't good enough on my cell, so had to go back and take some more with my camera. Then, after mowing, I had to submit another group of pictures from approximately the same angles (6 I believe). I was told they paid on a "net 30" basis, but it was approximately 60 days before I received a check. Since then, I've had several calls from property management companies, and I just tell them thanks, but no thanks.

A 2 acre property just up the road from us was foreclosed a few years ago. I've never seen the guy that did the mowing before or since, and the longer time went on, the smaller the circle he mowed around the house. I'm guessing they were giving him a flat fee, and he figured out after mowing a couple of times he couldn't mow the whole place for what they paid.

[herler]

Originally Posted by RLLServicesCT

Well that's really what I was curious about. Ive had the good and bad, but these guys are very good to us. We did 6 yards of mulch, a light cleanup, and a mowing for them that took us 3 hours with three guys. They paid out $1653.17 Which surprised me a bit. Then they had us mow 7 other houses for another $612.18 which I did with one helper. Wasn't a bad day!
Posted via Mobile Device

To me PAID means their check was deposited in my account two weeks ago and I have NOT received any letters, if that's the case then I'm guessing you're a lucky individual.

[Blades Lawn Maintenance]

Originally Posted by Tizzy

real estate mowing and foreclosures are good as long as you deal with locals. i would not start dealing with people you cannot get face time with.

That's what I told her... I don't feel like getting screwed over

[herler]

Originally Posted by Tizzy

real estate mowing and foreclosures are good as long as you deal with locals. i would not start dealing with people you cannot get face time with.

I would have to agree with this statement, the only time I deal with out of state customers is when they own the home.

[Duekster]

I have mowed a few REO's from time to time and always been paid. I have one commerical REO that I mow.

I was just asked to mow one this week. I took the pictures and sent the invoice.

They have sent me a link to their back room to now take work orders. They have a list of the HUD requirements, their requirements and a HUD price schedule too. The company happens to be local but I get the impression they are nationwide.

There could be some delays in getting paid as I suspect they will bill HUD then pay me. If I give them what they need to get paid, I suspect I will get paid.

I would not mind changing some locks and posting notices if they want, that pays too. I can winterize a house based on what I read on their website. In the past, I have dealt with smaller companies.

When I looked into this a few years ago I was told most of the REO's were nationally. I did some research, reached out to SW Properties or someone like that with the HUD contracts. They sent me some forms, I sent them back and heard notta.

I just hired a guy so I have room to mow more. I have enough cash flow to survive the initial delays in getting paid. I would not expect them to go much past 45 days.

I have the work orders and the photos, I will get paid if I have to go to DC myself