All Forum Posts by: Chris London

@Jim Peckey with respect, even though you have the couple names omitted, they have trusted you with their personal and confidential information. I would encourage you not to post this level of detail on a public website. I'd suggest either deleting it or making the information considerably broader.

In my experience, you will pay a lot less to have a handyman make repairs, however, it was likely a handyman that MacGuyvered the original fence to begin with. Fence companies generally do much better work but I found they are not inexpensive. I think once you price out the iron/metal fences vs wood picket fences you will quickly decide which way you want to go.

@Chris Avery can you share some additional details about your situation? What do they say when you can/e-mail asking about funds? 

Property Management companies typically have their firm license under the state's real estate commission. Here is Indiana's https://www.in.gov/pla/real.htm

@Travis Cannon Greensboro NC is an excellent area for investing so you've already got that part figured out. With UNCG and Guilford Cty publics schools as well as the hospital, Volvo trucks, Winston Salem, High Point, and the world-class furniture stores in your area as primary sources of industry there is no shortage of a strong economy, affordable housing, and a high rental rates compared to piti payments.

Since your on a site like BP at 20 years old have you thought about going into Real Estate (or some aspect of it) after college to hone your skills and learn to find deals quickly? Best of luck to you.

@Brian Ellis you mentioned: property maintenance, winterizing, common repairs, cleaning, etc.

You might talk to the local PM company and offer these maintenance services and become a vendor. Great way to get a foot in the door. You can also talk to them about becoming a PM assistant or office admin. Work on your license at the same time and eventually work up to getting your BIC and firm license.

@Max Rieves 80% refers to the amount of ground that is covered. So 80% of the ground is covered by a vapor barrier and 20% is just the dirt. I've had different people tell me different amounts from 80 to 90 to 100% covered to encapsulation (which usually goes up the wall also).

You can buy vapor barrier in rolls at Home Depot and just roll it out yourself.

I don't know anything in regards to thickness however, sorry.

-CL

I use the local Allstate branch in Cary. 'The Lucas Agency'

I find that by bundling all of my insurance with them I get a good rate. Make sure you're getting a landlord package that covers the dwelling structure and liability.

*I have no association with this organization other than getting my insurance here :)

@Max Rieves I'm just north of you in Raleigh and it's not just the mold (which is a big deal) but the moisture also attracts termites. While my crawlspace stays pretty dry with just 80% vapor barrier, my neighbors was always damp until he encapsulated it. A dehumidifier is a cost-effective way to go but keep in mind, a dehumidifier won't' remediate the mold that is already there. If you didn't get a pest inspection to check for termites you might look into that. I pay the $125 annual fee to have them come back and inspect every year.

I'm not an expert but maybe start by 1) termite inspection 2) remediate the mold 3)80% vapor barrier 4) Keep an eye on it 5) add a dehumidifier if necessary 6) consider encapsulation.

@Ben Sears we do a nice move-in box for new tenants when we meet to walk the property and handover keys. I find it takes the initial tension off since most people want to see their landlord as often as they want to see their proctologist.

The box includes a roll of TP, a local coupon book, a mini flashlight and a mini screwdriver which comes in handy since our maintenance addendum requires tenants to tighten simple screws like that of a doorknob that can come loose.

One thing for renter or landlord to be aware of in this type of situation is, what happens if the lease ends early for any reason, let's say for discussion sake the house is haunted :)

If you are the renter and have paid 6-12 months upfront, good luck getting your money back. If you are the landlord and you want to let the person out of the lease but have spent the money you now have a conundrum.

This occasionally happens in the PM business and we hold the money and pay the owners the correct amount each month. I most often see it when we have students or diplomats from overseas that do not have SSN's and offer to pay upfront to secure a property.

Best of luck to your friend in search of a new home, I hope she finds exactly what she is looking for.