Owning on the BI, living on the Mainland

[csgray]

Blake,
Look for signs of termites, we looked at several new houses that had been sitting empty since they were finished that had termites eating up the kitchen cabinets and trim. If the cabinets are particle board look for signs of swelling and breakdown, also with preformed counter tops. Make sure all doors and windows still operate properly and make sure the pump for the catchment and water filtration system haven't been stolen. If there is carpet check low airflow areas like closets for mold and mildew. Check decks and stairs for rot. Make sure all the gutters haven't been clogged with debris, if they have been backing up they can rot out the walls and eaves. Look in the attic and make sure rats haven't moved in. Beware of the dreaded albizia trees recolonizing areas which were cleared but haven't been mowed.
Didn't mean to perpetuate a hijacking but I did want to answer Blake's question. I do think that the best caretakers are always the ones referred to you by mutual acquaintances.
Carol

[hpp4me]

My post got hijacked, so I'll post again:

Okay, I have been convinced that caretakers cannot be trusted and the vacation rental idea is not good.

Here's a different strategy: Has anyone heard of a property management company that will take on the service of just checking in on a property now and then and taking care of occasional pruning; also, respond to any alarms and do any emergency repairs?

[Kelena]

I have a vacation rental. I have a trusted caretaker. You can always find someone to provide the level of service you require.

[Blakeyboy1]

Sorry hpp4me. I have surrendered my weapons and relinquished control (and learned my lesson). And Carol thanks for the information. Rob you may now cuff me. I will go peacefully.

-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[EightFingers]

Opportunity knocks! Sounds like a possible business venture to me! If I was on-island right now this sounds like the perfect thing for me. I used to have a mowing/landscaping business and I can do all sorts of carpentry and repairs (no plumbing or electrical, tho'!).

[hpp4me]

I would be your first customer! It is a good business...a monthly fee for driving by once a week or so and arranging for landscape maintenance. Additional payment for answering any alarm, and doing any emergency repairs. I have to believe that someone there is already doing this, perhaps a property mgt. company.

[Bob Orts]

Great business opportunity for sure. Imagine being able to let mainland owners know if squatters are on your property or if someone is dumping. You could charge to install and maintain no trespassing signs or be the local contact incase of an emergency or alarm activation. There's a whole host of possible services. Add to this that the last person doing property checks refuses to come to Puna anymore since his near carjacking. If you do this, just make sure you are not driving a white pickup!

[rusty h]

i have a friend (ex teacher) who built a wonderful home in Kau. he still lives in Alaska and travels to Hawaii once in a while. His ideal was to have a caretaker live on his property fulltime and so far it has worked out well for both.

my other buddy (ex teacher) has three side by side lots in Eden Roc. two simple cabins and visits each winter for two months or so. no caretaker, last time he came he had about 2 dozen pot plants spread out throughout his land. turned out to be his neighbor doing it.
after a heated "debate" and then a friendly smoke, i think his neighbor got the message. when i checked on his place all seemed well this time around.

my ideal would be to have a fulltime "live on the property person/couple".

peace

[Cali Hi]

I have a property manager in Kau, she gets paid a percent of the rent when the house is rented. (long term rental, not vacation rental, the house is not furnished) I don't see any reason you wouldn't be able to pay a property manager to stop by your place on a regular schedule just to check on it and get any repairs etc done. I would think it would be an easier job than having to collect the rent and deal with a tenant.