All Forum Posts by: Angie Russell

We hope you join us for a great night of networking and creating great relationships! 

Anette and Angie

 Interesting. I will let you know if we get something like that. 

 I am in Florida and have never heard of needing a money judgement. In the last two years we have screened so well we haven't had to use it much in the last year and a half. Past tenants did pay while in collections in order to secure other housing. It sucks becuase they only paid because the next landlord wouldn't rent to them because it was on their credit but they paid eventually (better late than never). 

 Really?!?!?! I thought I was so clever doing this. LOL. What did they say? 

Hi @Mahmudul Shoikot. I think a lot of our (landlords/property managers/owners) problems are that more private owners don't send to collections. So when we pull credit, we don't know that they didn't pay rent. Yes, you can always call and do a rental check but that's b.s. because people lie and have their friends give reference on their behalf. 

It is your property you can handle it as you see fit (within the law). The most important thing is you should have systems in place and follow them and handle everyone the same with exceptions (as you see fit). 

If she will do a payment plan, I suggest that. But it shouldn't be anything silly like drawing it out for years or only paying $50 a month. The moment she misses a payment, you send to collections. I opt for payment plan first because a collection agency will take most of your payment as a fee.

I normally send to collections in this manner:

If you skip or are evicted, you are automatically sent.

If you owe past rents or damages, I will try and reach you for 30 days. If I haven't heard from you then I send to collections

For people with people working under them. An incentive ALWAYS helps. So if you have someone you can call and email consistently to follow up, I would offer them a bonus (10%) if they collect anything within 60 days. Most people call once then don't bother to try again.

Good luck!

@Michael Marquis Great list!! I am just starting my journey but I have met with a lot of my (friendly) competitors that have given me a lot of advice. Most think that agent referrals are one of their biggest sources for referrals. One thing that I never hear or see them do is e-blast realtors. We just bought a list of all realtors in my county and will e-blast them our referral campaign. I get tons of blasts from realtors showcasing properties but I have never seen one from a pm company. 

I have gotten a good handful of leads from fb groups. I have learned when I respond to posts I always start by saying "South Florida property manager here" so they know the experience I am bringing. I do about 15 networking events a month. This is mainly investors but I do a lot or realtor events as well (I am a realtor). 

Good luck!

I am glad @Greg Scott was able to give you as much insight as he was able to. I don't have experience in this form but I thank you for considering. I have been working with kids in foster care for about 8 years now. I adopted one teen and opened my home to teenagers who aged out of the system (extended foster care). Thank you for considering. I hope it works out for everyone.

 @Michael Smythe Great insight.

@Aliyyah Carter To add to what Michael stated, sometimes it is easy to manage. But in all honesty, I cringe at some of the things I see self managing landlords do. It is so easy to break the law without even realizing it. There is nothing wrong with self managing but I strongly encourage you to find a way to educate yourself. I would start with seriously reviewing the state statute then your local city laws. I am a PM in South Florida. I welcome all self managing landlords to contact me to ask questions so maybe reach out to one in your area. I think it's such a shame that pm's get such a bad wrap (I know there are some bad ones out there). I think people who say it's just so easy, is simply lucky. PM's are known to be under paid and constantly putting out fires. We are not usually called upon unless there is a problem to solve. Best of luck!

@Erin Church I agree. Starting off as a jack of all trades is a great way to start. @Alex Armson I suggest you try working for a contractor first. Another option is to do maintenance for apartment communities. They are trained and expected to know a little bit about everything. Good luck.

Tyler, I agree, Corey said what I would have liked to have said. I have worked with foster kids for years and I would try and help if possible. I assure you that Child Protective Services has rules/laws to abide by. I can't imagine they will place kids in an unsafe environment (that includes occupancy standards). Unfortunately, unless it's literally only for a few days until they are transported elsewhere, there is never a guarantee how long a placement will be. I would still consider placing them as occupants though if they are going to be there a while.