All Forum Posts by: Abby Weinstock

There are federal regulations regarding what work is allowed for children under the age of 14. Babysitting is allowed only "on a casual basis." See this link: 

https://www.youthrules.gov/know-the-limits/under14.htm

Some of the Airbnbs we have stayed at (and we have stayed at a bunch) provide a welcome packet of information - filled with such information as local tourist attractions, nearby restaurants, a map, list of places to go shopping, etc. You might consider that, and you could also include nearby laundry facilities. There is also a great app called SudShare where you can have your laundry washed, dried, folded and returned to you the next day. The cost is only $1.00/lb. Pickup and delivery is free. You could include information about that in your welcome packet too in case someone would like to give that a try versus having to commit time to a laundromat.

You may also find this blog post helpful: 

https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/baltimore-real-estate-market-neighborhoods-2020/

There was a similar thread about this on BiggerPockets, but the situation was in CA. Perhaps there is useful information in here, though? 

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/274816-california--tenant-dies-horader

I would add a few points to consider in selecting a hard money lender:

1. Does the HML have references that he can provide? Reputable lenders should never resist providing this information. The borrower should also search the public domain for any reviews of the prospective lender. If the lender holds himself out to be BBB accredited, then the borrower should also check the lender's BBB rating.

2. How long does it take to get a term sheet? If a borrower is looking for short-term financing, the time it takes for each step of the process is going to be important. Some lenders may take days to issue a term sheet.

3. Is there a pre-payment penalty? The borrower may be optimistic about paying off the loan before it matures, but unaware that the lender charges a hefty prepayment penalty. It is therefore important that the borrower do his due diligence and ask the question.

4. Does the lender require an appraisal? Does the lender require a third party appraisal (for which the borrower pays a fee) or do their own underwriting?

5. Does a third party perform draw inspections? If a third party is responsible for draw inspections, the likelihood increases of it taking longer from the time the draw is requested to the time the draw is funded.

6. Does the lender have any requirements when it comes to the selection of a contractor?

If providing a letter regarding resources, many are listed on this site:

https://coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/

Just had this happen to us. Neighbor's (very large) tree fell onto our lawn during the course of a storm. At least here in Maryland, the problem was not theirs; it was ours--it goes by where the tree lands as Mike said. The cost to have it chopped up and removed was not that high (less than $500), so we just took care of it and did not report it to our insurance. You always have the option to inquire of the neighbor as to whether they would like to contribute (or cover!) the cost, but they are not obligated to do so.

For a Baltimore real estate law firm, you could also try GPS Law Group.

A non-shedding dog (there are a number of breeds that fall into this category) would at least eliminate the issue that you raised of pet hair being everywhere. 

We recently rented a vacation home that was pet-friendly, and we were required to provide a certificate from our vet attesting to the good health of our pet (I believe to ensure that he was fully vaccinated). Might be something to consider.

I am in Baltimore, and like someone said about Philly above, it is also a block-by-block city. Also, "Baltimore" has a very far reach--meaning that the area that encompasses Baltimore includes both Baltimore City and Baltimore County and there are different investment prospects in each. When someone offers you an opportunity to invest in "Baltimore," they could be talking about either the city proper or the suburbs.