If you're looking for a new business opportunity, property preservation may be the perfect choice for you. This industry is growing rapidly, and there is a lot of potential for success. Property preservation is one way to get into the real estate game. But, before starting your own property preservation business, it's imperative to understand what this industry is all about.
Property preservationists work with banks or lenders to upkeep foreclosed properties. This includes all maintenance and conservation regarding the property. Preservationists have teams working with them, or they may work independently. It's critical to know the ins and outs of property preservation before jumping in. In this article, we will discuss what property preservation is and how to get started in this exciting industry!
What is Property Preservation?
Property preservation is the business of maintaining and repairing foreclosed properties. This industry has grown rapidly in recent years, as more and more banks are looking for ways to save money on property upkeep. Property preservationists are responsible for all maintenance and repair work on foreclosed homes, including painting, repairs, landscaping, and cleaning. The cleaning aspect may be the first thing that comes to mind, but there's much more. A vacant home can go downhill fast since there's no one with a personal investment to care for it. Caring for the yard, the roofing repairs, or even insurance claims - it's all down to the property preservation company.
There are national property preservation corporations. Some property preservationists work for these companies, while others work independently by starting their own businesses. While yet, others may work as a vendor for a local company. There are many different property preservation businesses, so it's essential to do your research before getting started.
A property preservation business must follow the rules and regulations set by HUD (The Department of Housing and Urban Development), FHA (Federal Housing Administration), and the VA (Veteran's Administration). These guidelines generally point to fair and equal property preservation fees and FHA underwriting procedures.
What Does a Property Preservationist Do?
A property preservationist is responsible for all maintenance and repair work on foreclosed homes. This includes painting, repairs, landscaping, and cleaning. Property preservation businesses may also be responsible for winterizing properties and removing debris.
Understanding your target market before getting started in property preservation is important. Most property preservationists work with banks or lenders to upkeep foreclosed properties. However, some property preservation businesses may also work with real estate investors or homeowners. Suppose you're interested in working with historic properties. In that case, you'll need to research to ensure you're familiar with the guidelines set by HUD, FHA, and the VA, as they have stringent guidelines on preserving historic buildings.
However, if you're interested in general housing property preservations, research your area's foreclosure market. While property preservationists are always in demand, your particular area may not be as fruitful as others. VRM Mortgage recommends gauging the demand for foreclosures for any city by accessing national and local data from various real estate websites. Collect data on the number of foreclosures in your market vs. the number of foreclosures available to purchase. This will guide you to the market that works best for your new property preservation business.
How Do I Become a Property Preservationist?
If you're interested in starting your own property preservation business, there are a few things you need to do. First, research the industry and make sure you understand all the ins and outs of property preservation. Knowing what you're getting into before starting your own business is important.
Next, you'll need to create a business plan. This will help you determine your start-up costs and set some goals for your new business. Once you have a solid business plan, you can start looking for funding. You may need to take out a small business loan or find investors to get your property preservation business off the ground.
Finally, you'll need to get the proper licensing and insurance in place. This is important because property preservation businesses deal with a lot of liability. Make sure you're fully protected before you start your property preservation business.
What Does REO Stand for in Property Preservation?
REO stands for "real estate owned." This is a type of property that a lender owns after a foreclosure. When a property goes into foreclosure, the homeowner stops making mortgage payments, and the bank seizes the property. The property is then auctioned, but if no one buys it, it returns to the bank. The bank then hires a property preservation company to care for the property until it can be sold. Preservation Properties US says a bank or a government agency can own an REO property or a government loan insurer. Check who owns the property when you receive your work order, as each lender may have specific requirements.
Property preservation businesses that work with REO properties generally have more stability because they have a consistent stream of work from the same client. However, working with REO properties also comes with its own set of challenges. You'll need to be familiar with the guidelines set by the bank or lender in order to preserve the property properly.
What Equipment Does a Property Preservationist Need?
There are a few critical pieces of equipment that property preservationists need in order to do their job correctly. First, you'll need a reliable truck or van to transport supplies and equipment. You'll also need ladders, tools, and other general maintenance equipment. Painting equipment can often be bought as you receive orders, as each property will require different colors and textures. If you're planning on doing any landscaping work, you'll also need to invest in some basic landscaping equipment. Finally, you'll need a computer and printer to keep track of work orders and invoices.
Property preservation is a challenging but rewarding industry to get into. If you're interested in starting your own property preservation business, make sure you do your research and put together a solid business plan. With the proper preparation, you can be well on your way to success in the property preservation industry.