How to Find Work Cleaning Out Foreclosures

Starting a foreclosure cleaning business can be a lucrative business during periods of housing decline. When homes are foreclosed upon, homeowners often leave behind things they no longer need or want. Homes in foreclosure are also more likely than not to be in need of repair and maintenance, as well as cleaning. The banks need these properties cleaned and repaired so that they can sell them. Cleaning out foreclosures can include both inside and outside work.

Instructions

1. Obtain a business or contractor's license if one is required in your state. You will also need to obtain an EIN (employer identification number) for tax purposes.Obtain this online at the IRS website. You will need general liability insurance in case any damages to people or property during the cleaning operation. If you are going to hire employees, your state will usually require that you carry workers' compensation insurance. You will need some experience in the field of the services you are offering. This experience may be obtained from working with other cleaning, lawn service and repair companies.

2. Create a list of services that you are offering. Your business can offer to do things such as painting, lawn maintenance, window replacement, trash removal and inside cleaning such as vacuuming, shampooing carpets and washing windows and walls.

3. Market your services by contacting banks, mortgage companies and real estate offices. Advertise in the newspaper and on job boards to generate business. Get business cards made and leave them at real estate offices, restaurants and other targeting areas. Post fliers on local bulletin boards. Design a website letting potential customers know what services you offer. Send emails to real estate offices and banks introducing them to your company. Check in with these companies periodically to follow up.

4. Search job boards and classified ad sites. Search categories specific to the foreclosure cleanup business, including construction categories, mortgage field services and cleaning services. Search in the geographical area in which you want to provide services.

References

• Bank Forclosure Listings: The Cleaning of Foreclosed Home Properties
• Busniness.Gov: Types of Business Insurance
• Business.Gov: Insurance Requirements for Employers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Seattle Times: Foreclosures Mean Work for "Trash-Out'' Specialists