Working with Realestate Agents

[Darrin A.]

I am just starting out part time and only want to do 12 - 16 lawns a week, mostly residential. I grew up in a realestate house (grandfather owned it, mom, dad and brother worked in it, then mom owned it) so I know there is a need for mowing over grown lawns at vacant houses. Does anyone find this to be a good way to make money, get started, etc. How do you word your contract for this. I do know alot of people who own there own businesses (realestate) and some of them started in my grandfathers.

Thanks for the help

Darrin A.

[MGO]

Definateley can be a source of work. I did a job for an Real Estate agent last year....I drove by a property that had grass about 2 ft tall and noticed it had a For Sale sign. I called the Realtor and asked him if he wanted it cut and cleaned up. He was very glad I called because he was closing on the place in 2-days and needed it cut and cleaned up before settlemenet or it would push settlement back. I charged him $210 for 3 hours of work and he didn't hesitate for a moment (cut it and bagged it).

Then, I got a $2,000 job at his residence doing a clean-up, hedge trimming, mulching, and topsoil.

Now he calls me...usually when he is in a jam.....but it pays well. That is the main downside....agents have a tendency to call you last minute (a day or hours before showing a property) and they want you to drop everything to "take care of them". That is fine though, if they are willing to pay for it!

[MAD MOWERS]

Contact each offices property maintance section and ask if and when they are taking bids. Get on a stick, cause now is the time to bid.
As you said you will get every kind of yard there is. and yes, a lot of them are in bad shape. There is money to be made, just be carefull and know your cost's and what profit you want to make.

[Darrin A.]

Went to see 8 Agents/Brokers today, only one complete strikeout (didn't even want a card, oh well). Three said they would definetly recommend me and use me and one needs alot of work done to her own property and has 4 acres to mow. I am getting a friend who is a landscaper to bid on everything I don't do ASAP. Already called him. Today was GREAT!!! Especially for someone just starting out.

Thanks for all the help!!

Darrin

[Phil Nilsson]

Darrin ... ask the Real Estate folks about installing the for sale posts - put up, take downs ... get paid for that plus get to see what properties are going to change ownership ... early bird ...

[Darrin A.]

I used to do that for my moms company when they were using 4x4 arm signs that needed to be put in a hole. Everyone around here uses metal push in type so the agents usually cary one or two in their cars. Great idea though. Thanks
Darrin

[boazcat]

For the big realtor companies, do you contact individual agents, or someone high up the ladder?

[HemiSize]

Seems like every time I talk to an realtor they always are trying to shaft me on the prices. I droped my rate to $25 per hour for the labor and I just got under bid by some unlicensed SOB.

[Darrin A.]

For the big realtor companies, do you contact individual agents, or someone high up the ladder?

One agency which has 2 offices, I grew up next door to the owner. 2 others I spoke with the owners. The other agencies, I just asked to see the office manager.

[pat65]

Good day Gentlemen! I'm Pat's wife Jennifer and I am a Realtor. I'm also helping Pat start his Lawncare business. I jumped on this site to answer some of my questions I had regarding billing software and noticed the "real estate" question. Allow me to post my "opinion" ...

I am in the top 5 of my area and work for the #1 company in our State so I do have a little perspective here. My opinion is to call the 2-3 names on those signs you see advertised EVERYWHERE. You all know what I'm talking about when you think Real Estate there are a few names you'll have stick out in your head. Call those people and very quickly state your business and throw it to them that you know understand that the jobs you do will often times be "once" for them and "last minute" but assure them that a little notice is needed to schedule change and see what that gets you.

We also meet once a month for 2 hours, its mandatory so there's 90-100 of us and have companies such as builders, movers, painters, insurance companies etc. grab our attention for 10 minutes. The best response is usually that. They sometimes do things like staple their bus. card to something gimmicky like a packet of flower garden seeds and drop them off in a basket or deliver them to our mailboxes or our desks. It does get our attention!!

RE: Sign installation. In our company we have 2 sign installer companies. We use them/ abuse them to death and there are alot of companies that do landscaping always inquiring about sign installation but its on such a tight schedule....put 'em up take em down that unless your willing to do it full time there really isn't a need for an outsider. These guys run all over 3 counties countless miles etc so I don't think that's gonna get you far. Unless you work for a local little company that has no outreach like ours then don't waste your time!

Back to my point. A simple professional phone call. A Hello I'm so and so and I realize that your occasionally put into a situation of needing lawncare and sometimes even a mild landscaping job here and there or rip a bush out or a tree etc. and I want to offer my services to you should the need come up. bla bla bla. Myself, I have paid for a few tree's to be taken down and a landscaping spruce up before and it was usually done by someone local Co. and willing to do it for a competitive price. Bottom line is it is coming out of OUR pockets and that's why some of the "OTHER" realtors, not myself, they come off as cheap. They don't know how to handle life any other way. I can count 5 in every company I've dealt with but there everywhere and in every company!! I have on an occasion put in a sizeable bonus to landscapers,painters etc that do a good job in a timely manner. So the work is out there but stay away from the Managers, they are approached for EVERYTHING throughout the day and they won't even remember meeting you if you approach a larger company like mine. They are too busy putting out half A**** realtors fires and don't have time to deal with the solicitations of people like you, they're just pulled in to many directions thats all. You might write them a note asking for 10 minutes of everyones time at a general meeting and I don't think that would hurt.

So I hope that helps! Personally I think approaching a large builder and asking that they refer you to their new homeowners might be a better, more often type of job that you would rather have for your trouble. Yeah, some Realtors suck, I'm not one of them so no more Realtor bashing! Just kiding Ha ha ha Good luck!

JENNIFER