All Forum Posts by: Kyle J.

I don't have any problem renting to someone with a prior bankruptcy. Only evictions and/or a criminal record will prevent you from being one of my tenants.

If a bank tells you that "no one can", that's just flat out incorrect. The reality is, THEY can't because of their bank's own rules (overlays). But it can be done.

Why attempt to serve her at a PO Box instead of where she lives?

Based on the title of your post, I thought you were wholesaling your mother-in-law. LOL

I have several rental houses and have always given them a new coat of paint (neutral color) during the initial make-ready. So I know the paint is in good condition.

Given that, I would not allow most of my tenants to paint because I do not know their ability or may not approve of the color choice. But mainly I don't let them do it because it doesn't need it.

However, I do have one house where I did allow the tenants to paint one of the rooms (master bedroom) because - like your tenants - they were quality long term tenants and I wanted them to be happy there. I had to approve their color choice, but I did not worry so much about the quality of their work because it was only one bedroom they were painting and I know it would be super easy to change back even if they completely screwed it up.

The painting was done at their own expense, and I personally would not agree to split the cost unless the unit NEEDED painting. If it was just being painted to appease the personal tastes of the tenant, then they should pay for it.

Also, if you're really concerned about her color choice and/or painting ability, you could always give her a conditional approval. For example, agree that she can paint, but state that you have the option of having her repaint it back to the original color when she moves out (or be responsible for the cost of repainting from her security deposit if she chooses not to repaint). If you do something like this, just be sure to put it in writing so there are no questions/arguments down the road when it comes time for her to move out.

No problem.

You actually do not have to do the refi through the lender that currently holds your loan. I did only out of convenience. However, it is not a requirement.

All I did to get the ball rolling was to call Chase and tell them that I wanted to do a refi through the HARP program. It actually was fairly easy.

Ryan M. I did one earlier this year through the HARP 2.0 program. Yes, some of the previous restrictions have been removed. And no, being upside down is not required. (I wasn't.)

The loan I did this on was held by Chase, and I refinanced through them as well.

Here's the basic eligibility requirements:

- Your mortgage must have been sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before June 1, 2009.

- You must be current on the mortgage and have no late payments in the last six months. A late payment is defined as one that's more than 30 days overdue.

- You must not have more than one late payment in the past 12 months.

- This must be your first refinance through HARP. If you have refinanced under an earlier version of HARP, then you do not qualify.

How to check if Fannie Mae has your loan:
http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/

How to check if Freddie Mac has your loan:
https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/

I collect application fees and run credit/background checks on everyone who will potentially be living in the house that is over the age of 18.

If you lived closer to your rental, you could solve this for under $20. All you need is some rat bait (to kill the existing rats) and wire mesh (to seal up any holes where they may be getting in).

This is how I've always done it and it's worked every time.

Unfortunately, since your rental is out of state, you're kind of at the mercy of whatever someone charges you to do it.

I agree, a BP app would be great.

I found the @ feature to mention someone doesn't work on my iPhone or iPad.