Foreclosure Idea.

**rjallen22** · 09-08-2008 07:07 PM

With all the forclosed homes around there has to be a demand for landscaping for them. Can someone give me an insight on how to find out who's already doing it in my area, and how do you make the proposal to the government or to whom the property belongs to now.

**aalmirall** · 09-08-2008 07:33 PM

Your best route is to contact your local county office.. Most likely the property appraisal office and found out who is in charge of bidding for landscaping.. Another avenue you might want to try is calling the lenders who are foreclosing in your area.. Chances are the banks that are foreclosing in that area have many houses within their portfolio... The banks are responsible for maintaining the homes until they are actually sold.. You would be surprised to find out how many people have actually abandoned their homes and left the bank with the mess...

**rjallen22** · 09-08-2008 08:59 PM

Thanks,I will look into that.

**Warranties-For-Less** · 09-08-2008 10:10 PM

In most cases the banks are the ones who own homes which were foreclosed, so you have to check with local banks to negotiate maintaining property. I would think most would be more interested in a full service operation, not just grass, but checking for break ins, leaks, and general maintenance, this is a booming business in my area. Banks are overwhelmed, so it should be easy to find a local bank to work with.

Good luck, Mike

**rjallen22** · 09-09-2008 10:01 AM

Hw do I find out who owns the house, would there be something posted on the house or should i just call local banks.

**aalmirall** · 09-09-2008 12:10 PM

Rarely will the homes have public posting... So I would suggest calling the local lenders as well as checking your Foreclosure Listings through the county..

**chrispalko** · 09-09-2008 12:36 PM

This is a great idea. Those running businesses similar to this one in my area are doing great. You really should offer more than just grass though. Think about lawn maintenance, home maintenance, and possibly pool care (if the home has a pool). Also, you could offer lock out services for homes about to be foreclosed.

There's a big article on this on Entrepreneur.com. Search for it.

**rjallen22** · 09-12-2008 10:02 PM

what do you guys think would be a reasonable estimate on the startup cost will be for something like this.

**jrford** · 09-12-2008 10:46 PM

Banks and Government only mow the property and no landscaping is done. You can contact VA. My uncle cleans out the houses and mows the property to get it ready to show. He owns his own biz, but is contracted by VA to do this work in our county. But no landscaping.