Bidding jobs at houses being turned over

[mikewhite85]

It seems like lately there have been a lot of foreclosures and new homeowners. Almost all the jobs I bid in the past 2 weeks have been with new or prospective homeowners. It seems like they have been satisfied and ready to go with me but then the bank suddenly sends a crew to do it.

To say the least, it's a bit frustrating (especially having to drive in LA traffic to the properties), though I am thankful for the work I have right now. It could be a lot worse!

Do you guys usually wait until you know the client has bought the house or will you go for a bid even if a potential buyer calls you? What I would more like to know though is how do you get an in with the bank???

 

[mattfr12]

happens to me all the time its very frustrating especially since my daily driver is a 1 ton chevy duramax im not really getting good MPG or saving on tires since i have 6. i dont mind if i bid a job and loose to another bid but i hate when they just want to see what its going to cost and waste my time. i think you should only call if your seriouse and ready to move forward with work not say i think ill wait intill next year or think that people will work and 8 hour day for 200$.

alot of people tell me they need a bid to try and get that money off the house and then never call me for the work:censored:

 

[Toddppm]

If they mention they're trying to buy the house and don't even have a contract yet, instant consultation fee. Min. $75.00+++

And how about those house flippers....doing 1 today, hope it doesn't turn into a fiasco.

 

[tree md]

I've never dealt with the bank on a foreclosure but I know they are normally trying to invest as little money as possible in the house. They often do what they call a short sale where they are trying to just get the money owed to them on the house.

I do work for a few realtors in town and have often been called in to just give an estimate. I don't like it either but that's what they do a lot of the time. When they do a contract on a house they will often require the seller to commit to so much money in repairs, usually $500-$1000. There are certain requirements that must be met by the agency giving the loan. Repairs like wood rot, roof damage, and termite treatment are going to take precedent. The buyer may ask the seller to remove a tree but once the money is used up on home repairs then the seller is not required to spend anymore. Sometimes both parties will reach an agreement that the seller will pay to remove a tree and sometimes the buyer just wants to see how much it will cost for the removal before they make an offer. It is very rare for the seller to be contractually bound to remove a tree. It does happen occasionally but not often. And it is even rarer for the loan agency to require a removal.

Still yet, it is not a bad idea to get to know a realtor or two. I have gotten work from them but be advised, they usually use the cheapest labor they can find. But they work with lots of new homeowners and will often refer you if you have a good relationship with them.

 

[treeman82]

I got a call a few months back from a guy who was looking to buy a particular house. I said no problem, $100+ for me to come out and look. Normally I get a $50 minimum to go and do a consultation, but for this I doubled my rate because I figure it's a waste of time. Oh well, I got the $100 at least.

 

[imagineero]

I got a call a few months back from a guy who was looking to buy a particular house. I said no problem, $100+ for me to come out and look. Normally I get a $50 minimum to go and do a consultation, but for this I doubled my rate because I figure it's a waste of time. Oh well, I got the $100 at least.

I do something sort of similar on jobs I feel will have a lot of competition. I charge the customers for a consultation, but make it refundable if they use me for the job. Some people do just need a price, and if that's all they want, they can pay for it. If they want real work, then they usually don't mind paying the consult fee because they know they'll get it back. Its mainly the ones who are just 'curious' that baulk ;-)

Shaun