All Forum Posts by: Matt Pastier

It’s tough to say without knowing your local market. Have you looked at your local competition? If not that’s where I’d start. Look at comparable units around your property. You can look on Zillow, Craigslist, etc. Are any at the price you’re thinking about asking? If so, do they have stainless appliances? You also mentioned that it’s C class. Is it war zone or just a less desirable area? Good tenants capable of paying higher rent aren’t going to want to live in a bad area (and nice appliances won’t change that).

I wouldn’t be worried about whether or not you’re being perceived as rude when you’re simply trying to collect money that’s due to you. You’re not going to please everyone. Just be professional in the way you run your business. Also, if someone is late I would take action immediately. Giving them extra time to pay is only teaching them that they can be late paying you. Make it clear that if they are late they will get a late fee and enforce it.

Hi John, I’m interested in learning more. Could you please send details to [email protected]? Thanks!

@Anthony Hurlburt @Rob D. @Linda S. @Rachel H. @Michael Noto @Ned J.

Thanks for the help! Lesson learned. I haven't received any more emails from them at this point. 

Welcome Garrett! Good luck!

Thanks for the answers. I didn’t know if I was required to provide details or not. I’ll ignore it.

Hey everyone, I finished renovating my first SFH rental and have approved my new tenants. I set minimum qualification standards and waited for the tenants that exceeded them. It took time, but I’m really glad I did and they’re doing to be a great fit. I then had to decline the others. One in particular had good credit, the income, but has a record of breaking leases early. In addition, his last landlord told me that the place was trashed - animal feces, liquid stains on the carpets, etc. I sent an email to them stating that I was declining the application for two reasons: o The rental was given to an individual(s) who was more qualified based on our screening standards. o You did not meet our minimum screening standards for references and occupancy history. The applicant is now asking for more details on the second bullet because they think the last landlord is trying to cause trouble since they broke the lease early. I really don’t want to get in the middle of this. What would you do? Should I give them details or keep it brief? Thanks for any advice here!

I don't think you're being too picky. I would wait for more applicants. It sounds like they barely meet the income requirement and now have a recent history of not paying bills. I'd rather pay the mortgage another month and get better quality applicants than to risk multiple months of rent not being paid because of a bad tenant.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an attorney for real estate in Youngstown, OH or within Mahoning County in Ohio? I just need help with basics right now like my lease. Thanks for any referrals.

Out of those 3 I prioritize a good school district first. In my area a good school district typically means a lower crime rate as well, but a lower crime rate doesn't necessarily mean a better school district. Have you figured out what type of property you are hoping to buy? If not I'd try to narrow that down first.