Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Another Rave Review!

Here at Homes in Transition, our goal is happy homeowners and happy caretakers. Thank you Neil for your kudos!

Much thanks for all of your work.  Three cheers for Homes in Transition!

- Neil Iskow

Monday, December 5, 2016

Rave Reviews for Homes in Transition Caretaker Program

Dear Tom,


I just wanted to thank you and Homes in Transition.  Your business is for sellers and we being buyers and being the first to ask if the care taker could stay on until we could sell our current home and move Homes in Transition made us the first buyers to use this service.  Our mind was at ease knowing the house was being lived in by the same person who was there when we looked at it and put a contract on it.  Thanks again and maybe you just expanded your business model.


Sincerely C.S.

Monday, November 21, 2016

How HIT Helps REALTORS Sell Homes

I held an open house a few weeks ago (at a home occupied by a HIT Caregiver) and felt it showed very well...and we received great feedback from visitors during the open house. The Caretaker is very responsive and accommodating. Great Caretaker.

Thank you!

Marian 
Marian Camacho
Associate Broker, Cheryl Marlow & Associates

Friday, November 4, 2016

Q & A: I am moving out of my current house before it has sold. Any tips to keep it safe while vacant?

An Albuquerque homeowner asked, "I am moving out of my current house before it has sold. Any tips to keep it safe while vacant?"

Jon Schnook, President of the Greater Albuquerque Association or Realtors answered it this way, "Unfortunately, criminals can and do sometimes take advantage of vacant homes to damage property and/or steal copper wiring. However, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk of vandalism. One of the most important measures you can take is to inform your neighbors (and neighborhood watch) of your move so that they keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. It is also crucial to maintain the property, including yard work and fixing broken windows, etc., to keep the appearance of the property being occupied. Moving out of state? Thankfully, there are a number of companies out there who will be able to watch out for your house while it is still on the market." 

Homes In Transition was founded in 2009 for exactly this purpose - Keeping properties safe and ready to show while they are on the market for sale.

Q&A Source: www.GAAR.com

Friday, October 21, 2016

The Importance of Staging

There is no doubt that tasteful furnishings always improves the marketing of a vacant listing. If your Sellers won’t consider a NO COST professional program like Homes In Transition to help breathe life into their vacant listing, at least direct them to a quality staging service that can provide quality basics for a modest price.  Aside from the HEAVY air freshener and lack of outside maintenance, this "staging” only gives the prospective Buyer the sense that the home is of low quality, it’s being poorly maintained and has hidden issues.






Friday, September 23, 2016

Caretaker Testimonial

Good afternoon,

Thank you very much. It was a privilege being part of your program. Have a beautiful day!:)

Ben & Sarah

Friday, September 9, 2016

Caretaker Testimonial

I certainly appreciate your hard work, and your standing up for us. Homes in Transition has been a wonderful company to work with and I would recommend you highly. Christy and I had been very busy the last couple of days and have figured out what will be best for our family. Thank you again for your help. Your company has provided a great service.

Pete Roukema

Friday, August 26, 2016

Caretaker Testimonial

Dear Homes In Transition,

We wanted to “thank you” for giving us this opportunity to be part of your company. Without you our family might have been homeless. For a couple of months we have lived in a beautiful home and our children have been able to swim in a pool.

Thank you again for your kindness and charity towards our family.

With Sincere Thanks,

Kerry & Heide B.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Caretaker Testimonial

I just wanted to thank you and Homes in Transition.  Your business is for sellers and we being buyers and being the first to ask if the care taker could stay on until we could sell our current home and move Homes in Transition made us the first buyers to use this service.  Our mind was at ease knowing the house was being lived in by the same person who was there when we looked at it and put a contract on it.  Thanks again and maybe you just expanded your business model.


Sincerely,
C.S.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Caretaker Testimonial

Good morning!  My husband and I were both so impressed with the service that Homes in Transition offers to people in the Albuquerque area that we researched similar services in Lexington, KY to recommend to friends and business associates.

Would there be an opportunity for HIT to open a location in this market?  If so, we might be interested in being involved in the start up.

Thanks,

Traci

Thursday, July 14, 2016

CARETAKER TESTIMONIAL

I have so appreciated you and Homes in Transition. Now in my second house through HIT, I can attest to your service and to the degree in which you care about both the Homeowners and the Caretakers. You have a unique vision in fitting the perfect house and furnishings together. I thank you for all that you have done. I am honored to be a caretaker.”

- Jan D., Caretaker of $489,000 and $1,115,000 houses

Friday, July 1, 2016

CARETAKERS BENEFIT FROM HOMES IN TRANSITION

A Testimonial from a Homes in Transition Caretaker:

The HIT program is incredible!  My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to live and take care of a home that under normal circumstances would not have been an option.  We moved to Albuquerque from out-of-state.  The benefit of being able to rent in such a unique way has allowed not only financial flexibility for my family, but the exploration and connection to a geographic area of Albuquerque that led to countless friendships.

You guys are professional and personable.  We have personally seen you guys handle emergencies.  You are available 24 hours a day.  I love that.

We constantly talk up HIT to our friends and family.  Our goal is to be able to connect at least two families to the HIT program either as Caretakers or as Homeowners.

- Caretaker asked to remain anonymous

Friday, June 17, 2016

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE HOUSE SELLS?

When your house sells you will be given a minimum of 30 day notice at which time you will be given the opportunity to stay in the program or go about your way. If you choose to stay in the program, you’ll move to the top of the priority list for any suitable house available in the program that again fits your needs as well as ours.  Should you stay, your Deposits, and prepaid fees, less any unpaid charges will roll over to the next property. If you leave the program, your deposit less any outstanding charges will be returned to your last known address via certified mail within 30 days.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

IS SMOKING ALLOWED?

NO!

If our Caretaker Inspector discovers smoking in the house, you will be subject to immediate removal from our program for violating the terms of the Agreement. You are ultimately responsible for the prevention of all smoking inside the home, that means friends, relatives, persons accomplishing repairs… anyone at all — no smoking.

Friday, May 20, 2016

KIDS, PETS AND OTHER EXPENSES?

A Property Owner can place certain limitations on their house so long as it does not violate state and federal fair housing laws.  Pets are allowed in our program on a house by house basis and subject to the Pet Permit process. We realize the hardship in living without ones pet but having no pets will give you a far greater opportunity to take advantage of the HIT program. Pets placed into the program require a Pet Permit at an additional onetime cost.

Children are always welcome!

Friday, May 6, 2016

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO BE IN A HOUSE?

On average our Caretakers are in a house about 6-7 months. However, the duration could be one month or as long as a year or more. There are many factors that determine the duration, such as: an unconventional floor plan, odd colors, location, age, price, etc… can sometimes add to the duration of the homes availability. The one thing that will definitely shorten a Caretakers occupancy is the failure (on the part of the Caretaker) to provide the necessary care and show ability of the property along with the required attitude of accommodation! A Caretaker is contractually obligated to maintain our standards and tarnishing HIT’s excellent reputation is simply not tolerated.

Friday, April 22, 2016

WHAT KIND OF “MINOR MAINTENANCE” WILL BE REQUIRED AS A CARETAKER?

A HIT Caretaker is required to perform the minor maintenance of the property which will include the regular servicing of the HVAC systems, repairing dripping faucets, clogged drains, toilets when the water keeps running, replacing light bulbs, washing the windows as needed, batteries in smoke detectors, lawn mowing, pruning, minor sprinkler repair and the like. We expect our Caretakers to care for the home as they would their own home — which is why prior home ownership is a highly sought attribute. Major system failures or repairs of electrical systems, plumbing behind the walls and appliances are generally not the responsibility of Caretakers.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A HIT CARETAKER?


  • During your occupancy, you will be expected to tastefully (at our direction) furnish the home.
  • Provide for the care and maintenance of the property both inside and out. The property will be on the market for sale, during which time you will be required to maintain the property in a clean and orderly manner or what we call a “show ready” condition both inside and out.
  • OK, here is the easy part — no great looking property is complete without the gracious attitude of accommodation which must always be on display towards the company staff and those wishing to visit and view the property.
  • You will be required to pay the usual recurring monthly utilities and associated services such as trash collection during occupancy.
  • You will be required to carry at a minimum, a basic renters insurance policy. and of course once the property sells, you must be willing and able to move with as little as 14 days notice.
Questions? Contact us today!

Monday, March 21, 2016

WHY DO I NEED TO PROVIDE PICTURES OF MY FURNISHINGS?

Homes In Transition is like a dating service for your furniture. It is our goal to provide you a house that matches the style and quantity of your tasteful furniture. One of the Caretaker’s goals is to enhance the show ability of each property. This is accomplished through the “staging” of the property utilizing your furnishings and guidance by our IRIS Certified Interior Staging and Redesign Specialist and trained staff. Providing pictures helps us determine the best house in our inventory that will fit your needs.

Friday, March 11, 2016

WHAT IF HIT CAN’T FIND US A HOUSE?

Obviously we want to place every Caretaker that qualifies!  However, due to circumstances beyond our control, sometimes we are unable to place qualified Caretaker Applicants. Usually because of the houses we do have, they do not fit the Caretaker’s wishes.  While we often have an alternative property available that may not fit your exact needs, we will work with you for as long as it takes or as long as you can wait.

Friday, February 26, 2016

WHAT IF I DON’T QUALIFY?

The best way to ensure your qualification is to use the Pre-Qualification checklist to determine if you will pass or not.  If your credit score is well below 550 or have other factors that will create a negative report please Contact Us and we will be happy to discuss those issues with you before you take the time to apply.

We encourage you to review your Credit and Background records prior to submitting an application, credit reports are free to consumers one time per year. Details about free credit reports are available from the US Government at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm

Monday, February 15, 2016

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS?


  • Must possess an attitude of accommodation toward those viewing your house or providing direction during your occupancy — while demonstrating an appreciation for the opportunity.
  • Must have a job, proof of income or funds to pay Caretaker fees and other expenses.
  • No criminal record for at least the past 5 years.
  • Must have clean rental history.
  • Must have credit score of 550 or better with no outstanding collections.
  • No previous evictions or rental collection issues.
  • Must be a NON SMOKER.
  • Must be willing to relocate in the event of a quick sale and closing of your HIT house – usual notice to move is 30 days or more!
  • Must complete and submit an application to our office with a check in the amount of $45.00 per adult over the age of 18.
  • Must provide pictures of furnishings to be used to furnish the assigned house or pictures of those furnishings intended to be rented.

Click Here to Learn More about Homes in Transition's Caretaker Program

Friday, January 29, 2016

HOW DO I BECOME A HIT CARETAKER?


  •  Visit the Caretaker’s Page on our website and supply us with your email address and your name.  We will respond with complete information including a Pre-Qualification Checklist, how to get your online application and what we will need from you and where to send it.
  • Applicant must meet or exceed the Minimum Qualifications. If you are not sure, please review the partial Application Refund Policy.
  • Submit your Application and be ready to pay for your Background Check.
  • Provide detailed pictures of your tasteful furniture.
  • Once we have your Application, background check complete and pictures of your furniture our Caretaker Coordinator we will contact you to answer any questions and get to know you and your needs a little bit better.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE IN A HIT HOUSE?

Before you get started there is an Application Fee that is payable to process your application and perform a background check. Upon signing your Agreements to be a HIT Caretaker you will pay the balance of your first month’s rent.  You will also pay a Security Deposit and a portion of your last month’s rent which varies by property. If you have pets, or select one of our optional programs, additional fees will apply. All told, you can enjoy all the benefits of our program for less than it will cost to get started in a small rental house. And unlike a small rental house, most all of our fees are refundable!

A detailed list of costs to be a part of the HIT program can be obtained by requesting your Pre-Application Information by visiting the Caretaker Page and providing us with your name and email address.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

WHAT IS A CARETAKER PROPERTY?

A Caretaker Property is a vacant house that is on the market for sale. We check out each house before we offer it to our Caretakers to assure its inhabitable but it is offered in “As Is” condition. Caretaker Properties come in a variety of sizes, locations and have a wide variety of amenities.