Fires in Central Oregon are a way of life around here. If it is summer, it is hot and we have lightening. The results are fires – just no way around it. Often times we find out about a fire and need to check on houses in the area. Most importantly we want to update our out of town owners as to the status of their homes. If it is in the fire line – perhaps remove special items if possible. If affected by the fire we might want to line up some disaster recovery services such as blowers to air out the smoke smell. We spent a good bit of time in Sisters this summer checking on houses in the line of the fire. Thankfully everything was safe and secure – of course a little too stinky. But our home owners were happy to hear that their homes had escaped the flames. If you own a home in Central Oregon – I hope you have Home Fridays taking care of it. Better safe then sorry….

Lowell Lamberton and Brian Shawver just wrote an article for the Cascade Business News where they used Home Fridays as an example.  Check it out http://tinyurl.com/p97ppl

We are finding more and more owners are interested in renting their vacation homes out.  Not a bad idea to help cover the expenses and still allow time to enjoy your home.  With available services such as www.vrbo.com and www.homeaway.com it is really easy for an owner to manage the process themselves.  When managing yourself you can screen the potential guests and have the ability to negotiate prices and respond more quickly to the changes in the competition.  And the biggest bonus is you will make more money if you rent it yourself. 

So where does Home Fridays fit into the process.  Every out of town owner should have a local contact for their home.  We prep the house for renters and check on the house afterwards.  Get it cleaned and make sure no damage has been done.  We also check up on the renters to see if they have everything they need and respond if any problems arise.  It is always nice to have the guests know that ‘someone is watching’ even though the keys or negotiations may have occurred with someone out of the area. 

Just this past weekend we had a smoke alarm go off in the middle of the night.  The guests called, we identified the problem and got everything smoothed out for the rest of their stay.  Just another ‘on call’ night at Home Fridays.  All the while the home owners had a relaxing vacation (in Hawaii), and sound nights sleep.  Exactly what Home Fridays stands for – relax, we have it covered.

CNN Money just came out with a new article on how now is a time to buy a second home.  What a great idea!  There are so many great homes on the market here in the Bend area and it is a fantastic place to own a second home.   And of course with every second home you need a little ‘Home Fridays’ to take care of things…    Check out the article http://finance.yahoo.com/focus-retirement/article/106613/Home-Sweet-Retireme

In my business I hear so many stories about jobs gone bad.  I think the value of good contractor can not be overstated. 

It is key to get a good bid.  Check out the references and see if they have a history of ‘bid creep’.  That is when you start out with a number you like, but then as the job goes along more $$$ keep being thrown in.  Now it is one thing if you change your mind and request new things as the job goes.  But if the price of materials, unknown items and all the things the contractor forget just ‘creep’ in – well that just doesn’t work well for me.   I want my owners to know what it will cost and be able to budget at the max amount.  So be sure to check the contractors history.

Accessiblilty is key – can I call the contractor?  Do they return my calls in a timely manner.  This all is reflective of great customer service.  I want to reach you when it is conveinent for my schedule. 

References and knowledge of the area are another critical component.  I hear about floor guys clearing roofs of snow or contractors drying out houses that don’t know what they are doing.  It just isn’t worth it to be the ‘first’ time they have done that kind of work.  Unless you are an expert on the area (and have time to be there in person every day) make sure your contractor knows what he is doing. 

Do they stick to the timeline and budget – I can’t stand a 3 week job that turns to 6 weeks.  It is one thing if the weather gets in the way of an outdoor job.  But if your job is small and they just can’t make time.  Well that just isn’t an excuse.

Do they clean up after themselves.  I do not think that you should have to have a cleaning crew in to clean up after a job.  If the furniture isn’t returned to it’s correct location or the garbage is left at the house from opening up parts.  All contractors should clean up after themselves. 

I have found contractors that I love and take good care of my clients.  And I in turn am happy to refer them out.  If the contractor understands good customer service – then we all win.  Happy clients, bills paid – great experience.