Working with over 20 properties a month, doing cash for keys is sometimes a challenge getting a hold of the occupant. We've found the following process has helped us in managing our CFK offers.Upon getting a property, we first check MLS to see if there is an occupant's number is disclosed. We try calling the number on there immediately. If we reach a person, we give them our information and let them know there is a possibility for some help in moving costs. Usually they need to get back to us upon talking to a spouse, looking for an alternate location or talk to an attorney. We obtain any alternate phone numbers or occupants information at that time.If there is no number on the MLS, we next call PGE to find out if the utilities are on. PGE will give out the information without question. If it is on, it may mean the occupants are there but not positively. If it is off, it is more than likely they are gone but not 100%. We have had occupants stealing electricity from the neighboring home- AND growing marijuana in the house too!After checking the PGE, we will go to the property the same day usually within the couple hours of getting the listing and knock on the door. We look for signs of occupancy by knocking on the door first and if no answer check the mailboxes overflow, see if there are newspapers piled up, peek through the windows in the front, and look at the gas meter to see if there is any activity. Neighbors are always the best and nosiest so it's always a good way to ask them if they've seen anyone in or out of the house. If you feel it is safe, we go to the backyard, because many times the occupant does not pull the shades of their sliding glass door.If it's vacant great! If it's occupied, we have form letters that we leave at the door with our contact information. We also give our info to the neighbors to contact us if they notice the occupant is there and we can go at that time or the same time the next evening. We tend to try checking the property at diffent times of the day and week so that we may bump into them.The importance of doing CFKs? Many asset managers have a rating system for the number of CFKs completed so it's to your benefit to follow up with checking on occupancy and helps you get the property on the market more quickly!
I had the same situation just last week. Section 8 people left trash throughout a 400 unit complex. The unit and backyard were clear. HOA found out because they left their mail in the trash- along with a ss id. AM found out because HOA called them directly to send a bill. I gave up my $400 bonus to pay the trash in hopes that the AM would show I was willing to "not rock the boat" and build more business with them. We'll see....
Great input on CFK. Just curious...how many of the companies you do business with pay you for successful CFK?
I learned an important lesson today. I had an assignment with two homes on one parcel. One occupied by mortgagee and one by tenant. I called and spoke with rep at bank regarding the fact that neither occupant (both elderly and disabled) would be able to remove the accumulated 'trash' from several years but could vacate within 2 weeks with $750 CFK each. I was told to just make sure they sign away rights to personals, which I did. CFK completed yesterday. When I told AM that CFK was complete and send pics of trash and personals, he was unhappy because he didn't know there was that much stuff to trash out. I had failed to document my coversation with 'whomever' I spoke to that told me to just be sure they signed over rights to personals. This company gives a $400 bonus for successful CFK...I offered to give it up and have my trash out guy give them a great deal on T/O, what else can I do? Lesson learned.
I wish I could get through my career without ever making a single error, but, at least I learn from my mistakes....
Here's hoping this AM values an agent that can admit error and learn and grow over a 'know it all...never wrong' agent. Hope someone can learn from my experience.
I also hope this company realizes I still saved them $$$$, as they would have spend much more if they'd had to evict and they STILL would have had to do major T/O. I mean, seriously, I got these people out in two weeks for $750 each! Still, hate being 'not perfect'.
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I learned an important lesson today. I had an assignment with two homes on one parcel. One occupied by mortgagee and one by tenant. I called and spoke with rep at bank regarding the fact that neither occupant (both elderly and disabled) would be able to remove the accumulated 'trash' from several years but could vacate within 2 weeks with $750 CFK each. I was told to just make sure they sign away rights to personals, which I did. CFK completed yesterday. When I told AM that CFK was complete and send pics of trash and personals, he was unhappy because he didn't know there was that much stuff to trash out. I had failed to document my coversation with 'whomever' I spoke to that told me to just be sure they signed over rights to personals. This company gives a $400 bonus for successful CFK...I offered to give it up and have my trash out guy give them a great deal on T/O, what else can I do? Lesson learned.
I wish I could get through my career without ever making a single error, but, at least I learn from my mistakes....
Here's hoping this AM values an agent that can admit error and learn and grow over a 'know it all...never wrong' agent. Hope someone can learn from my experience.
I also hope this company realizes I still saved them $$$$, as they would have spend much more if they'd had to evict and they STILL would have had to do major T/O. I mean, seriously, I got these people out in two weeks for $750 each! Still, hate being 'not perfect'.