All Forum Posts by: Curtis Mears

@Christopher Lane some of it may be educating her. If you have money in the market, you have lost money in 1 month (December). you also have very little control over markets. real estate allows you to diversify your savings and can be more stable than the market if done right.

@Stephen Witkowski in reality, you do not need an agent. I have bought several houses with an agent and without. I will say I do not think I saved money by not using an agent. I paid about the same with an agent as without. if you are unfamiliar with the process, it may be good to use someone who is. I would not have wanted to buy my first house without an agent, but by house number 7or 8, I feel comfortable to not use an agent. now when it comes time to sell, not using an agent can save you money. or I might get real estate license when liquidating properties. but that is down the road.

@Stacey Cook I used to allow them to use fireplaces, but realized this was a bad idea. now, I include in the lease a statement that fireplaces are not too be used and they have not been checked so should be deemed unsafe. the gas fireplaces always seem to develop leaks. wood burning will have sparks.

@Alyssa ODell I do not collect an application fee. they pay directly to the website doing the background check so they realize there are no refunds. but, I process apps in the order i receive them and do not have them do background check until previous apps are processed.

@Dane C Allen it sounds like the tenant has already moved out allowing you to find a new tenant. I would handle this the same as if a tenant wanted to move out early and break the lease. I would communicate with the tenant making sure they will not be back. also let them know they are responsible for the lease until a new tenant signs, but you will try to find someone to take over the lease. then, work to get a new tenant. use the same qualifications you normally would. once the new tenant signs, the old tenant is off the hook and new tenant is in for a year. you have zero vacancy and a new tenant.

Always tell tenants that you will start the eviction process the first day you legally can. 

I have a similar tenant that always pays late, but within the 5 day grace period required by law. I have had a few tenants pay late, and I always charge the late fee (except in 1 instance where they were robbed and had to replace check book).  Set the rules and stick to them. You can always cancel the eviction when they actually pay, but you can not go back and retroactively start the eviction procees when they do not pay.

A second point, when someone tells me their dog is perfect, I usually know the dog has no training what so ever. Like the time the dog peed on the floor as I was meeting him for the first time. Needless to say, the tenant admitted they had to replace the carpet in the last property and would plan to replace mine also. 

I charge a 1 time nonrefundable fee of $450 per pet limit 2 pet max. I also must meet the animal and walk away with all fingers and toes. As it is furnished, I would consider upping the security deposit to cover any damage (only if I have questions about the renter though).

@Dallas Kidd I installed floating vinyl tile over padding, not realizing the flooring should not go over padding. sadly, did not realize until after I put it in 4 houses. as of now, only 1 house needs replaced, but I am sure others to follow.

@N/A N/A your lease should say no set offs. they may not withhold rent because of mice. I would start eviction at the proper time as dictated by your state law. as for the mice, I would handle this as a separate issue. you may want to inspect your tenant claims first. If I see signs of mice, get an exterminator. as a landlord we need to take care of these issues. tenants responsibility is to pay rent and maintain the property.