If you’ve recently retired, you’re probably enjoying your new-found freedom.
No full-time job, no daily commute, and all the other benefits of retirement.
At the same time, you may still want (or need ) to earn some extra income, but not be locked into a 9 to 5 schedule. Plus, you’d like to help others too.
So here’s an idea for you that meets those requirements – starting your own home watch business. You’ve probably heard about home watch services but may not know exactly what they are. Here’s some background information for you:
The senior population is well over 50 million in the U.S. and over 6 million in Canada – Today 1 in 6 Americans and Canadians are over 65. Many of these seniors can afford second homes, which is why the number of second/vacation homes has grown so fast in recent years. As the number of second homes has increased, so has the need for someone to look after them, as well as the “primary” home when the owners are out of town.
Due to this growth, home watch services have become a multi-billion dollar business, with steady growth forecast far into the future as more and more new seniors purchase second homes. Plus, it’s an essential, recession-proof service that’s needed in every community regardless of whether the economy is booming or not.
This growth has created an opportunity for those who can help provide regular home checks and peace of mind for homeowners who are away from their homes. Home watch services are needed in all areas, not just in vacation spots or the sunbelt. That’s because when a “snowbird” leaves to spend the winter in a warmer climate, someone has to look after their primary home to prevent any problems. Then when they return in the spring, another home watch service regularly checks their vacation home.
So how much can a home watch service make?
The average national charge for a routine home check is $34, with most homeowners choosing weekly home checks. A typical home check takes 20 to 30 minutes, so with 2 visits per hour, the hourly rate is $68.
Say you just wanted to work 20 hours per week – how much money could you make? Using the national average of $68 an hour, you could make $1,360 per week, or over $5,400 per month, for part-time work.
Best of all, a home watch business can be started with very little money. If you have a reliable vehicle and a smartphone, you’re almost there. You’ll need to get a business license, and brochures and business cards, which are very affordable online at places like Vistaprint.com.
Another plus is that a home watch business can be started with no expensive training, no franchise fees, just common sense, a can-do attitude and above all – honesty.
The rewards of providing house watch services in your town are great – not just in dollars and cents – but in the satisfaction of providing peace of mind for your clients who rely on you for regular home checks.
To learn more about starting your own home watch business, visit: myhomewatchbusiness.com