All Forum Posts by: Lisa Troxel

@Brandon Turner

Over here in Idaho, I have brought up this subject with the Fair Housing Council reps at the annual meetings (yes, I have brought it up more than once). My insurance company has a restricted breed list that I don't want to violate because my insurance is very reasonable compared to other companies. Pit Bulls are a very popular breed over here also  (just check out the humane shelters- that's all they have). I have been told to say "Yes, I would totally accept your dog as long as my insurance company agrees." Then, I am to go to my insurance company and after they say no; I am to go to the Fair Housing Council and sic them on my insurance company. So says the Fair Housing powers that be in Idaho at this year's meeting. Try it, I have been assured that as long as I am trying to uphold the law, they will have my back. (No, I haven't needed to try this out yet)

How's the baby doing?

After using Craigslist and getting disappointing results, I listed my unit up on Zillow and it was rented quickly. 

@Alex Chin In Coeur d'Alene, the short term (under 30 days) is currently in violation of city ordinance but not enforced. There are about 280 properties on VRBO -  in violation. The City is changing the ordinance to require a responsible person in town at the time of rentals.  I think this is a really good idea- makes the owners and potential investors clearly understand the ground rules. The smaller towns (i.e. Hayden on Hayden Lake) have nothing on their books that address the issue. 

Is Seattle too expensive?

 I just bought a small house that I want to use as a short term furnished rental- one month +. My husband is not sold on my business plan- he wants to just do a regular rental. Problem is that the house is small but expensive since it is brand new and LEED construction. I also bought it to learn about this type of rental because I have another property in another City far, far away (400 miles) that I want to convert to a short term furnished rental. Trying to learn all I can.

Contact a property manager and find out the difference in rent for the smaller downtown unit or the bigger burb house. Also, ask the PM about vacany rates in the two different areas. Try to balance the numbers with the location, location, location. Personally, I only invest in where I would want to live and the fact that you are house hacking (therefore living there), I think that might be a good guide for you also.

Fair housing laws might not apply to her since it is her own home.  For example, she has a right to advertise for female tenants which as a landlord you can not do. 

That would be great. Everything should be slowing down by then and I can breath. :-)

I have a hard money lender here in CDA whom (or is it who?) you can talk to. I totally agree about the potential explosion. It's beautiful, lots to do and the weather just keeps getting better. Best parts- not very many bugs and low humidity.  Can you run your business from here?

Hi Landon, 

Welcome to BP and North Idaho! Am I correct in assuming that you have moved here? This is a great place to live and invest. Let me know if you want to talk real estate over coffee.