Ric,
I don't have a lawn care business, but as an "observer" of the current economy I can see how the recent slump in home building, and as you point out the increase in forclosures, has a direct relationship to your revenue. Have you considered/do you currently contact Real Estate companies(like your local Century 21, Cry Leike, etc.) or even banks/mortgage companies(to cover foreclosed properties) to inquire about the sellers of properties that they are the listing agent for(or mortgage owners to cover forelosed properties) about contracting with a company like yours for maintaining the appearance of the lawn to help sell these homes??? I know I often see a home for sale that has very neglected landscaping and can't help wondering why anyone would consider that an advantage to selling the property. Most likely you(and other lawn care businesses) have thought about this and there is a reason why you don't pursue that line of business. Just curious as that would be my reaction to losing a customer to foreclosure(although I'm certain a "client realationship" is easier to develop with a "homeowner").
No I have never contacted any Real Estate Company's, Banks or Mortgage Company's. I've never had to they are always calling me about wanting me or finding someone in the area to do there homes but the problem with those types of company's is that never pay you for the work you do or if they do it's a month or more in getting to you. I really don't want anything to do with them. In reality if I'm cutting a lawn that's next door to a foreclosure the person who's lawn I'm cutting will pay extra to cut the foreclosure a couple of times a month, that happens to to me frequently.
I agree with you I see a homes for sale or not for sale and are empty with neglected landscaping and lawns two feet high and wonder why anyone would consider that an advantage to buying the property. These homes have been stripped to the bare bone, I was looking at one foreclosure where the people actually took down the screen room porch, they removed every light switch and plugin, they removed all the Bathtubes, toilets, sinks all the vanity's, fans and light fixtures, all of the Kitchen appliances, counter tops, cupboards and the air conditioners, they even took the peep hole fixture out of the front door now how would you like to buy something like that. :laughing: It's really shameful to see these types of thing happen.
Looks like the Bank will pick up another that will have to be mowed.
