I live in Atlanta and I am going to be taking a 6-12 month contract in another state. I have a nice 3 bedroom home 2.5 bathroom home about 12 miles from downtown (in the suburbs) but it is not in an attraction area nor is it set up like a vacation home. I don't want my home to just sit idel for that long period of time and I don't want to sell it because I will be coming back to town once a month and at the end of the contract, I will be moving back in it. I am worried about renting it out for fear of someone tearing it up but I may have to do this. What shoudl I do with it? Should I try to rent it out weekly as a vacation home? Any other suggestions?
2006-12-03 05:07:47 · 8 answers · asked by chocolatebabycakes 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If money is not a problem with you, hire a caretaker for your home while you are gone. Somebody to check on it, clean it and make it ready for you to come home to. Install an alarm system before you go. Post the warnings. Stop all newspapers and mail. Get timers for the lamps. Tell the neighbors you will be gone. Good Luck!
2006-12-03 05:20:28 · answer #1 · answered by Barbara 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I'd turn it over to a property management firm and let them rent it out. The'll check out prospective tenants and handle all the scut work.
A good property manager can also tell you if there's any market as a vacation home. But if you're not close-in to any attractions that's probably not the case. And they can tell you if it's even legal to do that. Many jurisdictions might consider that a "hotel" and bar temporary rentals in an area zoned as residential.
A good property manager is worth their weight in gold. I acquired several homes during my military career and rented them out when I moved on to a new assignment. When I retired, I had a nice investment portfolio of rental properties, a small positive cash flow and a fat tax write-off. The proceeds from those put me in the place I'm in now -- 3,000 sq ft with 50% equity in my home -- and a nice new car in the driveway. ;)
Good luck!
2006-12-03 13:20:34 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a reliabe a friend that could either stay a few nights a week.... or that can stop by and check on it for you? at least run the pipes, check that all the appliances are in working order... and the fire alarms have working batteries... Not to mention, keeping and shady neighbors at bay. Maybe you could trade the cost of rent, for a safe reliable friend to move in. as long as they paid for all the utilities. I have seen what people can do to houses when there just renting.. and its REDICULOUS!!!!! I've also worked cleaning cabins as a young girl.. and let me tell you.. thats just as gross.. my advice is find someone to look in on the place...from time to time.. even if you had to pay them.. its cheaper than your house getting ruined by a fire or burgelars seeing and easy target!
-b
2006-12-03 13:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by smileygirl_4_ever 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its tough to allow renters in to something you plan to live in later because renters are careless and have no regard when it comes to landlords. but in your case you might want to consider it it might be your best option. although family and business sometimes dont mix you might want to consider a close friend or family member responsible enough to pay rent on time and keep the property in good condition. you also dont sound to happy about where the home is so maybe selling it is a option. because you wont be living in it and you already have another placce to stay for the next 6-12 months you can afford to keep it on the market for as long as it takes for you to get a great offer. iam pretty sure you can get one in 6-12 months. iam a realtor in california feel free to email me anytime i dont mind giving away free advice
2006-12-03 13:17:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a realator and tell them you want to rent your home for the time your gone and they will get somebody for you. The relator also screens the people so you don't have to worry about that. Go talk to one and they can answer all you questions.
2006-12-03 14:02:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rent it out, leave it vacant or find a responsible house sitter.
2006-12-03 13:17:45 · answer #6 · answered by Gone Golfing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, love, i totally agree with Barbara. good luck
2006-12-06 13:38:01 · answer #7 · answered by DIONN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a good real estate agent in that area that can help you out. Please email me with your contact information at mjensen@diversifiedlender.com
2006-12-04 10:35:04 · answer #8 · answered by Matt J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋