[OaklandHomes]

I have recently begun working with a State agency to secure homes (have locks changed, board windows, etc) that will eventually become an REO for me to sell. I don't do the actual work, just arrange it and post no trespassing flyers on the homes. They would also like me to arrange for hauling of trash and 'broom cleaning the inside' as well as a BPO. They have asked me to bill them for my work but have told me to charge what if fair, either by hour (with mileage) or by flat fee. I know we are all over the nation but what do you charge for your consultation work? Most of these homes are in the San Francisco Bay Area and many in 'crime-prone' areas, so take that into account. I would like to continue receiving work so I don't want to charge too high a price. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

P.S. I'd be happy to trade my contact info and application package for similar REO bank contacts but only if you believe your bank is still accepting agents.

[Portland Real Estate Guy]

Not much boarding up in my area. Just doing quick re locks here. $30-50 for lock smith to come out.

[OaklandHomes]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm waiting for the locksmith to do his job for 2 hours I feel like I need to charge for that. No point in the locksmith making more than me.
;-)

[NorCalREO]

You're an agent right? Then why try to do property preservation? You must not be very busy if you're trying to make money off of trash outs and board ups. You find yourself a reliable crew for your initial services, a locksmith and a contractor. When you take possession of a property, you simply send them out to bid the job. Always bid flat costs - make sure your contractor goes out to the property to bid it. Make sure he includes calculating disposal fees and that he will handle Haz Mat. You will need secondary contractors to provide you with second and third bids depending on how big the job is. Trust me, I work for one of the top selling (top 1%) REO agents in California (we closed over 500 properties in 2008). We have a preservation company on the side... all we do is sub everything out. Good luck.

[ScottFicek]

I have a buddy that does this. He makes a nice living as he is also just coordinating the work.

Instead of calling a locksmith, just find a dependable handyman. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to change locks.

[OaklandHomes]

The reason I'm doing these properties is to get a larger contract to make it more affordable on scale. I didn't mean to imply that I personally am changing the locks or boarding the house up. I have a crew to do the boardups, that is not the problem. My original question was just what to charge for arranging the work on properties that I won't be selling. Some homes I secure I will be selling as REOs so I don't charge for them. Others will be hung up in court for a while so just needed some feedback.
i.e. what hourly rate do you think you/I/Realtors should charge.