All Forum Posts by: Jim S.

The towns I rent in are under 10K population. It depends on what part of the month I list it in. First part of the month it takes 3-4 weeks. Towards the end of the month it takes 1-2 weeks. 10 calls in a couple days would be a lot. It all depends on your market. What works in bigger cities won't necessarily work for me. If I did open houses, very few people would show up, if any.

Easy. I tell them I have to verify the utilities are in thier name before I sign a lease.

If you can't prove who did it I don't know how you can make one of them pay for it. Unless it was found in their toilet or part of the sewer pipe that they are the only ones hooked up to.

Go in the unit and verify yourself that the renter doesn't have the registers blocked with boxes, furnature or something.

First, do you want to sell or be a landlord?  How long has tenant been there? Is he a good tenant? Do you want him there? What is the condition of the stove?

A  6-8 month to 1 year lease for first year, whatever to get through the winter hard times to rent. Then m2m that terminates on a specific date, a year later. That way I can make any changes I want. I continually update my leases throughout the year, on the computer. When it's time to sign a new one make sure the dates and rent prices are correct and hit print.

I pay the water/sewer because it will come back to me anyway. I include it in the rent as best I can and grin and bear it.

The $50/month does NOT cover the damage a pet can do in 8 months. Screen, screen, screen. Maybe start out a no pet policy and see what kind of people you have interested??? Good luck.

When I buy I request the seller notify the tenants that I (he gives my name) will be the new owner on this date. So when I call they are expecting me.

I have a 20 minute drive to do a show so I want them to show up, as you do. I put my screening requirements in my add and let them sort themselves out. I talk to them on the phone to set up a show, more screening. I ask them what time works good for them and tell them if I can make it or not. Last turn over everyone showed up. Knock on wood.