All Forum Posts by: Henry T.

In Seattle no house pays under 5k/yr. I originally paid $250/yr, now its $10,000/yr and rising. Yeah, ouch! Hire someone that will do the footwork to file an appeal. I've heard theyre worth it. I filed my own appeals but only successful 1/3 of the time. Assessor tells me many people file every year. Its your right to appeal, you should do so if you have the time. Be professional. Have good data and comps.  Funny, they never mention property taxes when talking about housing affordability. Go figure.

I'm glad that works for you. We have to pre-screen at the very least. If you're situ was Seattle, a good portion of them would be vagrants.

Sorry to hear. Zillow is a mess. I have a house where the information bubble (assessment, stats, value) is a house two blocks away, even shows a street view picture. Just happened out of the blue a couple years ago. Nobody at zillow responds to anything. Zillow is a mess. My neighbor down the street works for them. Must pay well, she door dashes breakfast, lunch, dinner like clockwork. I always wonder what the heck a zillow employee does. They won't fix my issue nor respond. I gave up.

May I ask a couple questions first?

Is this in Seattle?

Does this renter have kids that are in school?

If no to both, and he hasn't paid, call the police.

 Whatdya mean, all of our wealth and high pressed shirts? I live in a tent by the river with a nice little otter,  and don't even own a shirt. Gee!  This is a matter of taking responsibility for yourself and stupid decisions. If there was an expectation of reimbursement then there should have been a discussion before moving in about money owed in the event of (whatever)??  I love how everybody has their hand out when things don't go their way. Real class.  Buck up, find alternatives, research before you leap, be smart.  Off to such a great start(not), I'd have 2nd thoughts about this tenant.

You need to read and understand the laws that are specific to your state. Read eviction process and requirements for granting. I would focus on abandonment. If you've sent notices, allowed the required time, no response, no activity, no water, no rent, garbage left, no sign of anyone.?. Go in and take possession, change the locks, but make sure you know the law first. Start reading some municipal code. I'm in Seattle and have no clue what they allow down there. It should be on line, look it up.

I cant imagine where you'd find better than conventional unless you have a crazy friend with a lot of money.   Like Samuel says, Move into the fixer and start making money with the good unit, now.   Zero interest days were an anomaly that I don't think you'll see again. 

If the price is right, buy it, fix the problems, then start making money.  Check this little guy I pulled out of some insulation. Probably stunk to high heaven. I guess the previous owners didn't notice or care.

To answer your question in short, court.

Good for you Mark! Holding lowlifes accountable will help the next landlord.  I do the same, even when I know I can't get blood from a turnip, it goes on his record.  In Seattle in can be 50/50, all the judges are elected and lean heavy left, but you can have success on occasion. Congrats!