All Forum Posts by: Natasha Jansen

@Andrew Rosenberg I’d hardly say that a generation of renters will feel entitled. Sure, maybe some do feel like it’s the government’s duty to help them but I would at least hope that the majority of people being helped by the moratorium would simply feel grateful. However, this assumption is based solely on how I imagine I would feel if I was in that position.

While I do support the moratorium, the proposed plan for 1031 exchanges is a different story. Having not only properties but businesses as well that would be greatly effected by losing the ability to do 1031s, this is something we are planning for if it does indeed come into effect.

@Greg Scott as a landlord, I have no issue with the eviction moratorium for a number of reasons:

1. It covers inability to pay rent but not other breaches of contract. Thus there may still be opportunities to evict really crummy tenants.

2. Tenants must show inability to pay rent is covid related. Therefore, people cannot take advantage of the moratorium for no reason.

3. The moratorium includes other caveats like maintaining communication. So if a tenant outright ignores you and doesn’t may rent, moratorium or not, they can be evicted.

4. Biden proposes billions in rental assistance. So even if people have a reduced or loss of pay, with government assistance, they still may be able to pay rent.

5. Some homeowners may be eligible for loan payment deferrals and a moratorium on foreclosure thus protecting them even when tenants cannot pay rent.

Disclosure: this is based on my research. Others may want to confirm details noted above with their lawyers and lenders.

@Chris Mason thanks so much!

*To those with Florida MF investment properties 1-4 units*

I have found my first investment property of 2021 (woo!) and I've submitted for pre-approval from a local lender that was recommended. I've never purchased a small MF here in Florida but it was to my understanding I would qualify for a residential mortgage (rates similar to those of a SFH) but because the property wouldn't be owner-occupied, I'd have to make a larger down payment (25%). Fine. HOWEVER, the rate I was given was 4.5% with 30% down. This is more aligned with commercial mortgage rates I would get for large MF homes. After having trouble finding large MF properties, I pivoted to look for small MF and thought I could take advantage of the low residential rates right now but it seems that's not the case...very disappointing...

I’m curious to know if other people have the same experience, or if you also think the rate is high. Referrals for other lenders is greatly appreciated.

@Ismael Reyes yes definitely! Count me in.

@Brian Garrett yes for sure. The vacant land happened to come with a commercial property purchased. Looking to do a 12 unit building - 2BR/2BA. My market is saturated with 1/1 rentals but there’s a shortage of larger units as of right now so I’m thinking this will be able to fill a market need and hopefully vacancy will remain low. I’m sure being a new build will help. Will definitely keep you posted!

@Brian Garrett I’m in Central Florida and it’s been the same for me here! I’ve been actively looking for the last 9 months and nada! Recently decided to put some of my money to work developing a multi-family complex on land that we’ve owned here for a while. The area has seen a ton of development lately so the timing is great. Totally different from my normal REIs though! This will be my first development. Wish me luck!

I’ve recently learned about investing in tax liens and it seems like an interesting way to diversify my portfolio. I’ve since done some research into “how to”, “what to expect” etc. but I’m hoping to hear about your real life experiences with this type of investment if it’s something you currently do or have done in the past. Thank you in advance!

@Serena Kim I've also had STR and some other cons I've experienced are:

- changes in government policies/laws that may change how you do business with STRs

- if you own condo units or homes with an HOA, possible changes in by-laws (I've seen HOA boards go from allowing STR to disallowing them) which may leave you SOL especially if it's a property recently purchased

@Chris Smith Like others have said, it really depends on your particular STR and your market. I'm close to the Orlando area so when people vacation here, it's mostly family vacations. Thus, media/game rooms are valuable to have but depending on the size of the unit, an extra bedroom is also.

In general, some other things that I’ve done is have outdoor games (think cornhole, giant jenga, connect 4). People love that in warmer climates where they like to spend their time outside. I ALWAYS have a pull out couch instead of a traditional one to allow for more people and if the unit has enough space, I also add a blow up mattress to allow sleeping in areas that otherwise wouldn’t be able to place a bed.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions! I've done quite a lot of STR.