A new line of work may be available for contractors: fixing damage left by former owners in foreclosure cases. With the foreclosure rate climbing in much of the country, real estate agents estimate about half of foreclosed properties have “substantial” damage, so there’s plenty of work out there. The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article about noteworthy damage cases (including a case involving motor oil, paint on the carpet, stripped out appliances and some handy use of a crowbar by the former homeowner) and how those who buy foreclosed properties are handling the problem.

Credit: WSJ article