CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Democratic National Convention is still about six months away, but housing for out-of-town guests is already in high demand. While many people plan to leave town and rent their home, some homeowners are looking to stay and treat guests to a southern welcome.
"I call it the DNC B&B plus," said Mary Deery.
Deery is excited about the DNC coming to Charlotte.
“I don't want to clear out, I want to be here, " she said.
And she’s willing to welcome guests into her south Charlotte home. Her kids are gone so she had three extra rooms, which she's planning to redecorate anyways, and now sees this as motivation and a little financial boost to do so. Plus, she wants to make the visit easy for guests.
"Pick them up at the airport or drop them off, take them to the light rail or express bus that's pretty close to get downtown so they can avoid that mess, serve breakfast here,” she said.
"I think it's a great idea, “said Tom Bartholomy with the Better Business Bureau. He says they've received tons of calls over housing and sees it as a win-win as long as homeowners take precautions.
"First thing we would suggest to you is go through a rental agency because it's worth it. You're going to spend some money but you're going to avoid the scams, avoid doing the background checks," added Bartholomy.
He says they've already gotten calls on a fraud where so-called renters accidently send a check for more than what they agreed on and ask for the homeowner to wire the difference back.
"They don't find out until four or five days later that the cashier’s check they received, they deposited was fraudulent, was counterfeit," said Bartholomy.
Deery says she's already gotten a few neighbors involved so they're hoping to have a delegation or staff looking for six or seven rooms in the same area, so they'll feel safe about who they welcome into their homes.
"Only one friend who says she thinks I'm crazy, but everyone else pretty much has said they think it's a very good idea," says Deery.
In addition to housing needs, the DNC Committee says they've set up a page for volunteers to register and create a profile if they're willing to volunteer before and during the DNC.
If you’re interested go to www.charlottein2012.com.
