"It is such an inconvenience and it is risky renting it out to people you don't know…On the other hand, boy, it would be nice to pay for my daughter's college tuition."
Jessica Parks of the Philadelphia Inquirer looks at the possible $20-60,000 windfalls for homeowners near Merion should they be able to rent out their homes during the 2013 U.S. Open.
So far, business is slow but it's early!
Bob Thomas, a Main Line real estate agent and golf enthusiast, said he sent out one round of flyers a year ago. The rest of his would-be rentees came through word of mouth. His website, 2013golfrentals.com, has 92 listings organized by walking distance to the gate.
Thomas said he's had numerous inquiries from prospective renters, but no signings yet. He's confident the deals will ramp up in the next few months, as spectators begin to make travel arrangements.
"People are still holding on to their money, paying off holiday bills," he said. "Corporations are still working out their budgets for the year."
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 11:35 AM
Reader Comments (12)
Bob, hate to break it to you but people struggling to pay holiday bills are not candidates for your service.
I worked for Nortel during the 1997 Ryder Cup, and they rented a house just outside the main gate. They flew in their top customers and feted them around the clock.
And I'm sure they returned the house in better condition than they found it.
Won't be there for the RC, chico, but I am coming your way this July! ;-)