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Home sweet Notre Dame football weekends

October 22, 2011|By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Colleen on Twitter | By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Colleen on Twitter

SOUTH BEND – The highly-anticipated football weekend is here and if you were anywhere near campus on Friday you know it's crowded.

And some people are cashing-in on all the out-of-town visitors.

It’s a simple way to make some quick cash, by helping out some serious Notre Dame fans. You always see people selling parking on their lawn on game day, but renting out a home takes money making to the next level.

Renters say skip the hotel, a home is the only way to go.

"Walking into a house is a lot better than walking into a hotel," said Mike McCormick, a house renter.

Peachtree Lane in South Bend has a home which transforms into a bed and breakfast in the football season.

"I thought I’d give it a try," said homeowner Lisa Hayes.

Hayes lives in her home on Peachtree Lane, except on home Notre Dame football weekends – that's when people like Ted Dolan and his buddies rent out her home.

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"In terms of comfort, having a family, eating better, and logistics to campus, this was perfect," Dolan said.

"It provides the same atmosphere as if you were at home, very relaxing, accommodating, better than a hotel," McCormick said.

While some homeowners might not be comfortable with strangers sleeping in their home, Hayes said it's worth it on every level.

"Over the years when my children were in high school, that little bit of extra income helped with braces, sports applications for colleges, it's great," she said.

She charges about $130-$150 a night per room in her 4-bedroom home.

"We are paying less per person," Dolan said.

So in this case, everyone ends up happy.

"Over the years I’ve had wonderful, wonderful Notre Dame families staying with me, we've become wonderful friends, they rent from me every year," Hayes said.

Dolan has been coming back for football games since he graduated in 1983. But Hayes’ hospitality has him coming back to rent her home for about four games a year since 2003.

And Dolan’s friends are also addicted to the Irish energy.

"Trumpets under the dome, the band step off, touring the campus, those things are amazing, it keeps me coming back," said Chad Telgenhof.

And it keeps the seasonal bed and breakfast in business.

"We're pro house rental," Dolan said.

“It’s been a wonderful experience," Hayes said.

Hayes said if you are going to rent out your home, advertise with a legitimate company, one people can trust.

She said you don't need a permit, and the IRS allows you to rent out your home for 14 overnight stays without having to report it to them.

Check with your homeowners insurance as well to make sure they cover rentals.

Lisa hasn't experienced any scams so far, but she has a big network of clients she's built over time.

If it's your first time renting a home or renting out your home to strangers, it’s best to be cautious.

Lisa stays with friends and family in the South Bend area when she’s renting out her home.

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