All Forum Posts by: Travis West

Sorry Wendy Doris. Texas Travis I one led me to believe that either (M2M or long-term) was easier than the other. I guess I was voicing my own ignorance. - Renter signs a lease M2M. - Renter doesn't hook up power. - Renter moves in and opens all windows and doors to make things cool. - Renter is late and only pays partial Crappy renter! I was jus t hoping it would be easier to get rid of them. Haven't seen the contract yet though. Travis

I just looked at a nice 3/1.5 house that a motivated landlord wants to sell. Currently, it's occupied by a tenant who has only been there for two months. She has been late with the rent and hasn't even paid to have the power turned on. My "ever so helpful" Realtor tells me that the eviction process for someone who is on a month-to-month lease is just as tough as someone on a long term lease. Is this true? Can anyone offer knowledgeable advice on this situation? Thanks. Travis West

Hey Brandon Turner I think you meant for him to set up keyword alerts for Austin? Since Houston really isn't in the are he mentioned (150+ miles away).

@Damaris_Sutton.

Thanks for the great tip! We knew there was a better alternative but did not know what it was.

Travis

welcome Jeff. I see you've already jumped in and are active on the forum.

Welcome and enjoy!

Travis West

Daniel,

If you are looking to provide a buyer or tenant "some kind of proof that the mold has been taken care of" you're going to (IMHO) have to hire an outside consultant or contractor. Let them put their reputation on the line as that is what their insurance is for.

Yes. You could certainly provide some kind of written proof that you completed the work (done by yourself and signed by you) but that is only as good as your word ... And that could also carry some long-term liabilities with it.

My perspective comes as a licensed mold assessor in the state of Texas, and as an expert witness who has testified in lawsuits between parties after the disclosure, repairs, and sale were completed poorly.

If your issue of concern is small then I'd say (at the LEAST) you should hire a consultant to recommend how to solve it, and then have them test the air (a clearance test) after any work is completed.

If it is a larger issue you may need the consultant AND a remediation contractor. Then the consultant would still need to do the clearance testing after any remediation was completed.

Some localities (or states) require a state-issued document as proof that the work was completed and that the home is safe. Some other localities do not. That document would become part of the sales documents. The downside is that regardless of your location or local regulations, you must do it right to avoid putting your business at risk.

I have seen some enterprising attorneys make a "mountain out of a molehill" where mold is involved.

Good luck. Let us know how it works out or if you have other questions/concerns.

Travis West

@Eric Stone ... You mentioned a Houston BP Meetup in Midtown this week.

I have checked the announcement pages and do not see any reference to it.

Care to offer anyone information or point me to the post on BP that talks about. It?

Thx.

Travis West

Welcome to BP Taylor. I'm sure you will find many open, helpful and welcoming people here.

The forums are a great place to answer your questions and the blog articles are also interesting and entertaining.

You've come to the right place.

Travis West

Hi Keith. Welcome to Bigger Pockets! You will find a bunch of active investors in the Conroe, Woodlands, Magnolia and Montgomery areas. Many of them are right here on Bigger Pockets.

There are also several meet ups held on the North side that you might enjoy. It is a great way to meet with and get to know other local investors.

Read lots at BP and accept those colleague requests. It will accelerate your learning.

Travis West

Robert.

Marek Brothers can likely help you. they work on lots of commercial build-outs across the Houston area. They serve as a general contractor but have their own framing, drywall, ceiling, and HVAC folks. Well, they may go out for the HVAC stuff, but they can certainly give you some good guidance.

Travis