All Forum Posts by: Brian Corbett

Don't pigeon hole yourself on one particular method. Some people say the MLS is not the way to go because everything is market value. While this is partly true, deals can still be found on the MLS and if the numbers work for you then who cares where the deal was found. @Steve Bracero is right about your Realtor.  He can set up a listing cart for you to send you everything that is on the market and hits the market that fits your criteria.  I get emails daily from "myself" for everything that is a foreclosure and/or MF in my market.  It has led to two deals personally and 3 more for clients this year.  

I agree with @Nathan Gesner by raising the deposit you are likely to lose those potential bad apples.  Also, be careful of "steering" if you are talking people out of certain units. 

I agree with waiting instead of letting $15/month potentially cost you a second vacancy in a down time of the year for that market.  When/if a tenant moves, then you can advertise the new vacancy at the increased rate.  The other tenants will notice and probably be more attentive to ontime payments so they don't get hit with the increase.  Sometimes it is a good thing to be a "good guy" in the eyes of tenants, especially with a new purchase.  You certainly don't want an increase in damages or repairs along with vacancies starting out. 

@Andrew K. is correct on both referrals.  

Doesn't necessarily mean she is acting unethical in my opinion.  If that is what her client instructs her to do then she has to abide.  Remember, the seller is the listing agents client and not you the buyer.   I am certainly not claiming this as factual, but a decent possibility given the scenario provided. 

If the seller told her to put a deadline by Friday at 3pm then she has an obligation to disclose the sellers terms for accepting multiple offers.   You could always add a deadline for response to your offer.  

@Adam Schneider yes, I plan on attending.  Could you email me the details so I can add it to my calendar?

NCGS 42 will clearly define the deposit accounting, proper holding, and use of the deposit post tenancy.  Even if the landlord is/was not a licensed individual they are still bound to abide by the rules according to landlord-tenant law, including where the deposit is held and how it is documented.  

If the lease did not list a deposit owed by the tenant, then they had no legal right to demand one 2 years into the lease in my opinion.  @Adam Schneider is correct in that small claims would be the fastest way to file a dispute.  

If you think or assume that the tenant has abandoned the properyt, MAKE SURE that you document the property with photographs or walk through video before changing locks.  This could help protect you in the event that the tenant re-appears and claims there were valuables inside.  Check with your local sherriffs office to find out if they will assist in a walk through for reporting purposes. 

Normally, in this scenario when communication has been sufficient and consistent, we would send a certified notice to vacate within the parameters of the existing lease.  If that time period (30 days, 60 days, etc.) passes and they have not communicated or vacated the premises then you will need to file eviction papers to legally gain possession of the property.