A vacant house on the market costs the seller money. It doesn’t have to. Whether they’re called housesitters, hometenders or short-term renters, these people will pay you rent to stay in your home until it sells. There are companies that cater to this niche. Some will also offer home staging—-a perfect combination. Here’s one company that’s been around since 1985.
Since hometenders must move out on very short notice (as little as 10 days), the rent they’ll pay is less than market. But it beats an empty house draining your wallet. It’s a win/win situation.
The advantages of using a hometender are many:
- Obvious financial gain to offset your expenses
- An occupied house is less likely a target for burglars or vandals
- lnsurance cost is lower because of occupancy (lower risk)
- Furnished (staged) home shows better and should sell faster
- Likely to get a higher price. A vacant home reveals a motivated seller
- Insures that regular maintenance is done (lawn, pool, etc.)
- Hometending company will screen candidates
- Insured hometending company provides added protection
Now a savvy person, with flexibility, can get a gig as a hometender and rent a mansion at the cost of an apartment, not be bound to a long term lease and save some dough for his own home. Hey, maybe your recent college graduate son or daughter can take advantage of this niche renting. With the housing boom leaving expensive homes sitting on the market longer, this niche may enjoy its own boom.
Poster: HouseSitter (1992 starring Goldie Hawn & Steve Martin).
I’m looking to become a hometender again while a wait for a settlement that has already been approved.
linora
During the past four years I have been the Resident Manager of Alderbury Cove Apartments a community of 56 units. I have worked extremely hard at doing a job in which I was assigned thirty working hours, Monday – Friday 1:00 to 6:00 and Saturdays 10:00 to 2:00. In addition, I am very accessible to tenants and prospective tenants during off hours for their convenience.
I am proud of my accomplishments which are satisfied tenants, paper work submitted on time, and four years of rental occupancy at 95% average. Our 2 bedroom apartments in Oct. of 2002 were $515 and as of today we now are advertising those same apartments for $679.
In addition I have increased the resident’s rates over the past four years 69%.
I promptly collect rents, deposit monies, issue and collect all late fees. I keep good inventory records, survey the rental market frequently, communicate and maintain a good relationship with vendors and maintenance. I am know for using both written and verbal communication to keeping the management company extremely knowledgeable thus eliminating any misunderstandings.
I would consider looking into working for Hometenders, property management company. If you are interested in further information please contact me at 208-861-7657.
Sincerely,
Carroll L. Dodd
208-816-7657
Resume on request