Shaun Anaya did it illegally, but legitimate caretaker services do exist
Posted at: 01/12/2012 7:12 PM
By: Mike Daniels, 4 On Your Side
In November a KOB Four On Your Side investigation revealed a suspected rental scam involving caretakers placed in homes.
Just weeks after our report, Shaun Anaya, the owner of Olive Tree Property Management was arrested in connection with the scam.
After our reports we did more digging and found out legitimate caretaker companies exist in Albuquerque.
Homes in Transition have been doing it since 2009.
Albert Baca is one of their caretakers.
He said his family is in between homes and they’ve been caretakers of a northeast Albuquerque home for the past four months.
"This ended up being a perfect solution for us," says Baca.
The Baca's pay $140 dollars a week to Homes in Transition for the five-bedroom, four bath home.
If they were paying a mortgage for it they'd be faced with a $2,200 payment each month.
Until the house sells, the Baca’s are responsible for keeping the house clean and show ready.
They must maintain the yard and every other facet of the house.
"We couldn't be happier with the situation we're going to be here as long as possible,” Baca said.
Tom Schmidt is the CEO and President of Homes in Transition.
The local Albuquerque Better Business Bureau has given Homes in Transition an A+ rating.
Right now they have 60 caretakers in Albuquerque. Schmidt said 70 homeowners have sold their homes through the Homes in Transition caretaker program.
"It's unfortunate that Shaun Anaya has gone out into the community and represented himself as doing something good. We've worked really hard to develop a good reputation,” said Schmidt.
Caretakers are given at least 14 days to move out, but most of the time the closing on the house takes much longer.
Homes in Transition rent the properties directly from the homeowners.
They then sub-lease the property to the caretaker.
"Our realtors are happy, our homeowners are happy,” Schmidt said. “And our caretakers are happy.”
 |
Tweet |
|
