All Forum Posts by: Ron H.

It's been a few years but I sold my house in Cary, NC using a flat fee realtor - while I lived out of state. I paid a little extra for the realtor to handle setting up viewing appointments (listing realtor would just call me and leave a message that a buyer was coming out) and a lock box. This way the showing of the house appeared to seem more like a regular realtor listing. Calls for offers would go direct to me. I paid the then going rate to the buyers agent (2.6% ?). I believe the house sold just as fast as if I used a full service agent. Price included MLS with changes included, Showcased realtor.com listing, lock box, large number of pictures, sign, and the appointment service. They also took the pictures for the listing but I ended up using only pictures that I took (everything in bloom for outside). For an extra fee they would also handle negotiations but I saw no need for that service.

Would definitely do it again.  The only issue I had was the buyers agent bugging me continuously keeping me informed of the process - since individuals know nothing !!! I was always more informed than she was since my info came from calling the seller’s closing attorney, as there was an issue with the buyers mortgage company that delayed settlement a week.

Depending on where you live, if a tenant does not pay water the owner is ultimately responsible for the bill and liens can be placed on your house for this reason.  To prevent this I pay the water bill and require the tenant to pay me a fixed monthly water prepayment amount set to be a little higher than the historical water bills with a clause that this amount can be adjusted up or down depending on actual water usage.  At the end of the lease period the overage/underpayment is settled up.  If due amount is within I few dollars I just automatically forgive this.

it is not recommended and considered more dangerous to cross tape windows.

First house rented using the form, first person that looked at the house took it (rent too cheap?)  I was surprised in the low percentage that filled out the form after being sent it.  Not sure if this was because they were just lookers or were scared of clicking on a link sent to them by an unknown person.  Also surprised that half that did fill out the form clearly didn't meet the requirements listed in the advertisement for the house.  i.e.  Smoker, pets, low income.

Will definitely be using the form again.  A lot easier weeding through lookers and people that clearly don't qualify instead of calling each one.

I've created a form and have started sending out the link.  Does everyone send out the form via the Google send link form or do you send separate emails.  I had been cutting and pasting  the same URL to the form in each email but then I noticed that when I go to google forms and hit the SEND button the URL created is different each time.  Can I just cut and paste the same link in every email or do I have to go to the Google Send button and generate a new (unique?) URL for every individual email?

I just started sending out the forms tonight.  One response already which was a reject.  Saved me a phone call.

Thanks.  Great idea!

I add to the lease an allowance for electricity.  If in any month the bill goes over all roommates pay the overage.  It is amazing how when I bill each residend even $1.27 for an overage how the electric bill goes down the next month.  I also send out warnings in a month when the electricity is higher than expected for a particular month even when not close to allowance limit.

 I have usually found the best student rentals when unit is advertised in May for a year lease starting in late August before the fall term.  These students tend to come with parents who are concerned about where their child is living.  It also allows me to get a guaranteer on the lease even if the student has sufficient income.  The quality of the average applicant is usually the lowest the week school starts.

I have gotten some good renters in the middle of a term from recent graduates just starting out.  Unfortunately they move out when getting married or moving in with their girlfriends.

Renting a number of years by the room in a college town.  Separate leases and deposits.  I always get a consigner (parent) if at all possible, unless student is fully independent and living on their own.  Never had trouble with payments other than forgetfulness.  Late fees do help cash flow (give them one time pass if only a couple of days and they say they mailed late).  I provide furniture for the common areas only. I also provide light maid cleaning a couple times a month for common areas.  Rules are strict and the service is more a way to keep very close eyes on tenants and cut off problems before they happen.  House has always been very well maintained, minimal damages.  Probably because I am strick with them.  I have had to deal with stolen food issues and use of others utensils.  Come across firm and don't back down.

Converting one house to a rent by the house next month.  I strongly suspect that when renting by the house that damages will go up significantly.