Best Way to Rent Flat in Detroit?

Question

Was wondering if anyone had a good agent connection. I've had bad experienced with agents since buying my property, I've been able to rent in my neighborhood pretty easily on my own, the problem is that I live out of state so it's a trip into town each time there's turnover. I have bad luck with agents, I've hired about 2 or 3 in my 2 years owning the house none of whom have ever successfully rented it. One was the top rated girl in the immediate area and took 3 months before I fired her and travelled into town to rent them all myself in the span of a week.

I am now trying to fill one unit, can anyone point me in the direction of someone who wont drag their feet on this?

Drew Sygit · Answer

@Paul S.: I don't disagree with your points. Wouldn't advise anyone not to pursue rental registration though.

Paul S. · Answer

He was an anomaly.  Tens of thousands of properties, thousands of landlords over the past decades... I'll take my chances.  When they can get the police to show up within 30 min, when they can clean up the thousands of houses the land bank lets sit blighted, when they can assess properties for taxes correctly, when they can fix the water dept so they don't have to gouge properties in Detroit - I'll comply.  The powers that be over the past 60 years have created a lawless waste land - I'm conducting business within the environment they created.  You give a little, I'll give a little.  Just because Dan Gilbert made a tiny bubble that somewhat resembles a functioning society doesn't mean the city is back.

Drew Sygit · Answer

Paul, they've already thrown at least one owner in jail, so not sure why you would state they can't enforce their tickets?

Paul S. · Answer

Registering with BSEED is ridiculous... their tickets are meaningless and they have no ability to enforce their outlandish demands.

Drew Sygit · Answer

Josh, as others have already written, agents aren't going to do much for 50% of one month of rent. So, your options are:

1) Offering agents a higher commission for finding a tenant2) Hiring a PM. 3) Hiring your own handyman/showing person. 4) Keep flying in

Challenge Questions for You to Think About:

1) How much is it costing you to fly in vs. hiring a PM?2) How are you screening the applicants you find yourself? 3) Have you registered your rental with the BSEED and started the inspection process? They write $750 tickets if you don't!4) How have you or would you, evict a nonpaying tenant?

Travis Biziorek · Answer

I may be able to refer you to someone. How are you currently managing the properties now? You mentioned you fly in for turnovers, but what about maintenance/tenant issues that crop up between those times?

Paul S. · Answer

Agent aren't the first go to in tenant finding in Detroit... most are too lazy to work for the little fee.  You are better off self renting or looking for a management company that might take it on for you.