I would not do anything until you have a meeting with a POA for the elderly gentleman. If the property needs to be cleared of junk prior to putting it on the market I would give a list of these companies to the POA. Never handle this yourself. You don't want to be accused of taking advantage of an elderly person or removing an item/items that are not legally yours to dispose. I would also have it in writing what the POA is going to do and when the listing is completed make note that all personal property has been removed by POA. The POA will also be able to tell you if this "property" has been marked as income due the nursing home. There are a lot of unanswered questions and some nursing homes have given a person "residency" at the home contingent on the income being used to fund the person's living arrangement with the nursing home/assisted living. Document.......Document........Document

Katrina is dead on, I've heard many horror stories of well intentioned agents getting blasted for cleaning junk out of homes without a clear understanding from the owner as to what they considered junk. Find the family, there is someone with POA and that is where you need to go for permission. Get a clear, written summary of how the clean out will go, ensure that relatives get inside and take what they want and be certain everyone knows everything - and put it in writing and have it signed by all involved parties.

I do a ton of Fannie foreclosure appraisal work, I know local clean out crews and agents that can refer good ones if you need a name.

Hank

Greetings Carol,
Is the old man alone? If there are relatives I would call them to task on the "junk". The last thing you need is somone claiming that you "stole" anything.

Old people have a way of thinking they are kazillioinaires whether they are or not, and all anyone else wants is to do is get their hands on the valuables. In the world of lawsuits, probate, powers of attorney, living wills and living trusts I would proceed with caution. This is a situation where asking for forgiveness before permission could land you in litigation.

I would get authorization to trash out his place...CYA...and then there are hundreds of property preservation teams who can assist. Know that the amount of stuff will dictate the expense. Is there enough stuff to fill a 40-yard dumpster? Are you going to pay for this from your potential commission or is the old man going to pay for the trashout? Had you thought about the money part...it could run you from $250 - $2500+ depending on the work load (trash load).

Contact me and I can give you a list of vendors to solicit for the job. These are companies that trashout REO properties for a living.

Good Luck and think E&O as you proceed!

Do you have 1-800 GOT JUNK in you area?