Several men wordlessly carry out furniture, broken computers and boxes of garbage from a large blue house on a quiet upstate street on a brisk autumn morning. Rusting bikes and an old grill lay discarded in the overgrown backyard which is spotted with empty beer cans and crushed milk cartons. The mood is oddly serene as the men unload the remnants of what was one someone’s home.
Todd Drake, manager of Empire Real Estate Management in Latham, is overseeing yet another eviction. The home’s former owner has long gone, leaving just debris and an old phone number in his stead. After a county sheriff’s deputy checks to make sure no one is inside, crews head in to change the locks and clean out the refuse — also known as a “trashout.” Drake is stoic as he watches his crew.
“We’ve been butt-kicking busy,” said Linda Hall of All REO Preservation. “I work in the field as much as I work in the office.”
So busy that Hall’s even working on putting together a nationwide plan to give work to other contractors, and currently has crews and subcontractors in several other states. Her business also offers its own training program for startups.
Photo by Associated Press.
Curt on December 1st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
This is very interesting. I’m going to research the feasability of starting a business like this.
Matt @ Permanent Fitness on December 1st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Same is with factoring and debt collection companies - it’s their time to prosper.
cassy on December 2nd, 2008 at 5:32 am
Its a nice business only a small capital as starting,but its a big income for earning.
Jaclyn on December 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
On one hand this is a good read because it’s good to know that some business’ are prospering and are so busy they don’t know where to start, but at the same time it’s sad to know that they are prospering only because someone didn’t…someone lost their home so that they could make their living.
cleaningforeclosures on December 3rd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Go to cleaningforeclosures.com to get the info you need to start your own foreclosure cleaning business
Foreclosure Cleanup Atlanta on December 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Got for it… good money, hard work. Go to places like New Bid Select to find realtors working foreclosures. Price fair to yourself and to your clients.
foreclosurecleaningbusinessDOTcom has official ebook.
Louis on January 5th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Ladies & Gents… I own a general contracting firm and would love to advertise my services… flooring… vinyl siding…. windows…. roofing…. plumbing… electric… etc to companies that have distressed properties that need a face lift for a very attractive price! Any and all ideas are welcome!