All Forum Posts by: Kyle J.

In my opinion, I don't think anyone knows the answer to this question and at best would be speculating. They've actually discussed this same topic recently on the Norris Group Real Estate radio show. Even the real estate agents and brokers say they don't know.

From my standpoint, it'd be nice to have more inventory come on the market. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I also will allow people to move in early if the property is vacant. It doesn't hurt me at all. In fact, I think it's better than leaving a property vacant and more susceptible to break-ins/thieves.

I totally agree. I've found that the MAJORITY of contractors in any trade will not even return phone calls. If they do, some of those still won't want to come out.

The ones that answer their phone, or respond promptly to a message, and then keep their promise to come out and are on time always earn my business. Even if they are a little more expensive. I figure a little more paid for a RELIABLE contractor is money well spent compared to a UNRELIABLE contractor who will cost me in time, delays, and possibly having to push back other scheduled work.

I have no tolerance for flakes or for people who waste my time. If a contractor flakes on an appointment with me, there will not be a second opportunity to set up an appointment.

The way I look at it, if their customer service is that bad BEFORE they get the job, you can bet it'll be even worse AFTER they've already got the job

I know of no requirement to run a print ad. According to the IRS, a property is considered "placed in service" when it is ready and available for rent, regardless of whether or not it is actually rented at that time.

So, based on that, even if you run an ad prior to doing your "major repairs", if it's not ready and you're still living there it is not available for rent.

First, you need to have an idea of what the house is actually worth. 36K may, or may not, be a good deal for the house. But keep in mind that just because someone bought a house for $20K and put $30K into it, it's not necessarily worth $50K.

The house could still need more work, or it could be over-improved for the area. Or it could be a great deal. Not enough info to tell.

You need to look at the comps in the area and see what similar homes have sold for. A realtor should be able to help you find comps if you can't find any.

Lastly, since you plan on turning it into a rental, you'll want to know what rents are going for in that neighborhood to know if you'll be getting a good return on your investment. Look at rental websites, talk to a local property manager, and/or drive through the neighborhood and look for "For Rent" signs and then call and see how much they're asking. If you do all that, you should be able to get a pretty good idea of what this house would rent for.

The newspaper in Sacramento just ran an article today announcing that the City of Sacramento is looking into doing this also. Personally, I think it's a plan with a lot of problems/issues surrounding it.

I have a bunch of digital cameras (i.e. point and shoot, digital SLR, etc) for various uses, but I'll use any of them for taking photos of a house. I don't think it makes that much of a difference, so I generally just use the smallest, easiest point and shoot camera I have (Sony Cybershot or Panasonic Lumix).

I second what Travis Sperr said. Find a different lender, since the actual limit is 10 (per Fannie Mae guidelines). However, a lot of banks (especially the large ones) have overlays that only allow up to 4 financed properties.

What type of business are you in, or what are you trying to accomplish with your message?

Personally, when I call someone, I am annoyed by a really long message.

What is your preferred method of payment?