topic Re: Interesting scenerio in Community Chat

Interesting scenerio

Abrowneyegirl — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:27:30 GMT

We live in a desirable neighborhood of 'newer' homes. When houses go on the market they sell quick and for full price or above.

Our neighbor sold their home in a few days 2 months ago. Fast forward to this week...

We have learned that the new owners are not able to move in for 12-20 months. She works in Europe and Asia, he works in Asia. They live in Asia.

The Realtor is going to 'manage' the house for a fee. Taking care of hiring lawn care, snow removal services, etc.

The new owners (who we never met) have asked it we would "watch over the house" look for and remove flyers, water the plants in the planters, confirm the lawn and garden is kept in good order by the hired company, etc.

They are willing to pay us several hundred dollars a month to do this. The Realtor will pay us directly in cash or check.

We have exchanged emails with the new owners who seem lovely, and they are going to visit this fall.

The Realtor is a well known Realtor in the area and she is one sharp cookie. She also lives close and will help keep an eye on things.

Would you consider such an arrangement?

Re: Interesting scenerio

Group 5 minus 1 — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:29:07 GMT

Re: Interesting scenerio

sunshine45 — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:32:12 GMT

several extra hundred dollars a month?......yes, i would not hesitate.

i also think this is a wonderful opportunity to become friendly with your neighbors even before they arrive.

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queendiva — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:32:29 GMT

With the proper written contract? In a heartbeat!

Re: Interesting scenerio

KingstonsMom — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:34:17 GMT

@queendiva wrote:
With the proper written contract? In a heartbeat!

I agree, I would want a release of liability.

Re: Interesting scenerio

Perkup — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:35:47 GMT

The house next door to me had been vacant for over two years for virtually the same reasons. Also a very desirable neighborhood. I was asked to help keep the place in decent shape by removing flyers, watering outside planatings, etc. They paid a lawn service to mow and rake, etc.

I did it happily (as much for myself as for them) and would not accept any payment. The new owners just moved in two weeks ago, and brought me a beautiful plant as a thank you. It was in my own best interest to keep the house looking good, and I could not have accepted money for doing this. But it's up to you.

Re: Interesting scenerio

MarkeieMark — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:36:05 GMT

Absolutely not.

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Laura14 — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:36:36 GMT

Several hundred dollars a month to keep an eye out? Okay, um, is the realtor legit?

I'd be more inclined if it was $50 or so but several hundred dollars to just do a walk through every now and again? Why would the landscape people not want a few extra bucks for the watering and potted plant upkeep too since they are already there with equipment handy? Are these legal plants?

I'm not sure I'd take checks from an overseas couple. Let the realtor take that risk and tell her/him you want cash up front and will hand over a receipt every time just in case something comes back on that couple, the realtor, and tangentially, you.

Re: Interesting scenerio

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:40:04 GMT

@KingstonsMom wrote:
@queendiva wrote:
With the proper written contract? In a heartbeat!
I agree, I would want a release of liability.

Exactly.

Re: Interesting scenerio

2blonde — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:40:23 GMT

Wow, your new neighbors must be quite wealthy. It sounds like a good way for you to make some extra income while getting to know them in advance. Besides, I imagine you will want to keep the neighborhood looking nice, and empty homes can look less than presentable. Of course, if you are unable or unwilling to accept the offer, I imagine there would be another neighbor that wouldn't mind doing it.

Re: Interesting scenerio

Abrowneyegirl — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:42:10 GMT

@KingstonsMom wrote:
@queendiva wrote:
With the proper written contract? In a heartbeat!
I agree, I would want a release of liability.

Interesting perspective, but liabilty of what?

The house has insurance, there is a security system in place and active.

The plants and flowers on the porch are going to die this winter, so no fear there.

It is in our best interest that the yard, landscaping, etc are all well maintained as they are our neighbor and we do not want to live next to a bramble patch. Although the HOA would fine them for not maintaining the grounds, but still who wants that?

Re: Interesting scenerio

Krimpette — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:42:41 GMT

Yes, I'd be happy to do so....especially since you already seem to have a high opinion of them.

Re: Interesting scenerio

Laura14 — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:46:12 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
@KingstonsMom wrote:
@queendiva wrote:
With the proper written contract? In a heartbeat!
I agree, I would want a release of liability.
Interesting perspective, but liabilty of what?
The house has insurance, there is a security system in place and active.

The plants and flowers on the porch are going to die this winter, so no fear there.

It is in our best interest that the yard, landscaping, etc are all well maintained as they are our neighbor and we do not want to live next to a bramble patch. Although the HOA would fine them for not maintaining the grounds, but still who wants that?

@Abrowneyegirl Because you are exchanging money and significant money at that, you don't want them blaming for NOT doing something they say you were paid to do or a situation arising from something they said you did or caused by your being on their property. Spell it all out. An honest person would have zero problem doing that.

Release and hold harmless should be your lead in.

Re: Interesting scenerio

kitcat51 — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:57:18 GMT

Yes why not, it benefits both of you. The house across the street from me was in foreclosure for almost 2 years became an overgrown rundown eyesore that was broken into & the complete kitchen ripped out during the night. I can't tell you how many calls I made trying to get the home secured & nothing was done. Kids entered the open home & had a party that further damaged the house & broke booze bottles all over the 1 acre property. I'd help out a neighbor who cared about their property & the neighborhood for free.

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sidsmom — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:27:10 GMT

We live in a litigious society.

Sooo many things could go wrong with this arrangement.

- If a flyer wasn't removed quickly & the house was burglerized,

would you be held liable?

- What happens if you're on vacation?

- Or if your own family had an emergency causing YOUto be away for an extended time?

- What if the Realtor decides the quality of work you are doing doesn't warrant payment?

- Or if the Realtor 'forgets' to pay for several months?

Leave this to the Realtor.

It's in THEIR best interest to keep this property up to date.

That should include the day-to-day upkeep as well.

The cash sounds good, but a yr-1/2 from now, when you're slogging

through rain/snow/heat to take care of someone else's house,

the B Factor will be strong.

"Judge Judy" has made a career out of stuff like this.

Re: Interesting scenerio

noodleann — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:18:50 GMT

I don't believe they're willing to pay "several hundred dollars" for flowerbox watering and flyer removal. It's the "watch over the house" you'd be paid for. Sounds like they're probably expecting a constant surveillance. Taking on this responsibility would mean that anything that happens would be on you in the dynamics of the arrangement, regardless of what a written agreement stipulated, and stand to sour your future relationship with the couple.

This will sound cynical, but it may be also a way to soften you up in case they plan massive, disruptive changes to the property when they finally move in--or before they get there. You might also be expected to oversee work, the way you're agreeing to check on the work done by the Realtor's yard care service.

The Realtor being willing to pay you "in cash" for rendering a service doesn't speak very highly of the Realtor, assuming this is an end-run around reporting taxable income. If she'd do this, I'd wonder if this whole proposal is on the level.

Re: Interesting scenerio

AngusandBuddhasMom — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:25:51 GMT

@noodleann wrote:
I don't believe they're willing to pay "several hundred dollars" for flowerbox watering and flyer removal. It's the "watch over the house" you'd be paid for. Sounds like they're probably expecting a constant surveillance. Taking on this responsibility would mean that anything that happens would be on you in the dynamics of the arrangement, regardless of what a written agreement stipulated, and stand to sour your future relationship with the couple.

This will sound cynical, but it may be also a way to soften you up in case they plan massive, disruptive changes to the property when they finally move in--or before they get there. You might also be expected to oversee work, the way you're agreeing to check on the work done by the Realtor's yard care service.

The Realtor being willing to pay you "in cash" for rendering a service doesn't speak very highly of the Realtor, assuming this is an end-run around reporting taxable income. If she'd do this, I'd wonder if this whole proposal is on the level.

I was thinking that as well unless it is coming from a petty cash account. But still contract and possible 1090 form since you are acting as the agent for the Realtor. There is something missing from this scenario, jmo

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CelticCrafter — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:37:33 GMT

No...

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QueenDanceALot — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:00:08 GMT

Sounds like an easy several hundred dollars a month, but I wouldn't even think of doing it without consulting a lawyer first.

Protect yourself, first and foremost.

"NIce" people have a way of turning out to be "Not So Nice" people.

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SilleeMee — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:46:03 GMT

No, I wouldn't do it. Only way I would do it is if I WERE in the business of property management.