Handyman Update:
Number One: He hasn't gotten back to me. But word on the street is there was some sort of family crisis.
Number Two: Have no clue what he is doing. I am refusing to worry about it until the weekend.
Vacant House:
I have someone interested in seeing it this weekend. I am also putting an ad in the paper tomorrow afternoon.
Partner Update:
Our low-key partner was bought out by our high maintenance partner today. It was a bittersweet moment. I think this wasn't a fast enough return for Low Key Partner.
High Maintenance Partner is very happy. And, it was a good move for us and High Maintenance Partner. It has sparked more enthusiasm for him and with that has been a few e-mails asking for more information (that is a swell euphemism for work for me). What he is asking for isn't unreasonable, just time consuming.
Other Stuff:
Interest in our programs is picking up. I am hoping this is a reflection of the housing market in general.
My attorney called me back last night in between his daughters' basketball games. He had information for me. I suppose it could have waited until today to call, but I was touched he put the effort into calling me last night. His youngest was with him and she was shouting "Hi" into her father's phone. I had to laugh. My kids do that.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Business Trip Planning
Next week I am going to Alabama to meet with several people. The goals are many, but primarily to look for ways to grow the company. I am smart enough to know that I am not smart enough to do this on my own. Therefore, I need to talk to those who might be able to shed some light in this area. I have several meetings set up with a variety of business-growing types.
Today I compiled a to-do list of all the activities I needed to do prior to leaving on Sunday. In there, I had such items as "update business plan" and "review prospectus." I did manage to knock off 8 of the 24 items on my list, including making contact with one other person I wanted to talk to while I was there.
And, I printed out maps to all the places I am scheduled to go next week, as well as maps to the local library, Kinkos, Costco and Starbucks. Sound silly? Not really when I might need Internet access at a moment's notice, inexpensive gasoline, a place to update my business plan and a refreshed iced tea and a berry scone.
Perhaps tomorrow I will get my White Paper together.
Today I compiled a to-do list of all the activities I needed to do prior to leaving on Sunday. In there, I had such items as "update business plan" and "review prospectus." I did manage to knock off 8 of the 24 items on my list, including making contact with one other person I wanted to talk to while I was there.
And, I printed out maps to all the places I am scheduled to go next week, as well as maps to the local library, Kinkos, Costco and Starbucks. Sound silly? Not really when I might need Internet access at a moment's notice, inexpensive gasoline, a place to update my business plan and a refreshed iced tea and a berry scone.
Perhaps tomorrow I will get my White Paper together.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Update on the vacant house
My painters were in and out today. The house is officially painted. Except for the bathroom. Which, apparently the handyman hasn't finished (even though he told me he had). From what I understand, it was a paint party--kind of like barn raising, but in this case, you had Southern men of multiple generations, slathering on a rich coat of Navajo white (eggshell finish) over the neon lime green.
The handyman has not been seen since last week. I would take this as a very bad sign if I wasn't in week five of this pr
oject. I know I have one more week of him no matter what. From what I understand the house looks decent, minus the bathroom which isn't finished and the hardwoods which are sanded but not stained.
The handyman has not been seen since last week. I would take this as a very bad sign if I wasn't in week five of this pr
oject. I know I have one more week of him no matter what. From what I understand the house looks decent, minus the bathroom which isn't finished and the hardwoods which are sanded but not stained.This is apparently what the bathroom looks like since the Handyman has gotten hold of the room. It looks pretty good actually. Just needs one consistent color on the walls and a towel bar.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Vacant House
A few months ago, my tenant was in trouble and told me she was moving out. She then gave me a laundry list of everything wrong with the house. This was the first I had heard of some of these things. Even better, once she moved out there were additional items she neglected to mention.
She told me the hot water heater didn't work, the bathtub was badly stained and there were holes in the vinyl flooring.
She did not tell me her son's car was permanently affixed to the front yard, there was a slight leak in the bathtub that had turned larger, the doorbell didn't work, the furnace needed help, the back yard could easily be mistaken for a portion of the Brazilian rain forest and her dogs had done a number on the hardwood floors and--no matter what I did--I would need to seal the floors to stop the stench of pet urine before I did anything else. Oh wait! She painted the entire interior neon lime green.
The hot water heater was easy. The power company is giving them away to anyone who wants to convert from gas to electric. The handyman I hired made it through the primer before disappearing off the face of the Earth. Doing nothing else but leaving me scratching my head.
Handyman number 2 (who was originally number 1 if you have been following this blog) stepped up and was to have finished...wait for it... last week. He still is not done. Apparently he has made significant progress though and now has the hot water heater installed, the flooring almost done, the bathtub re-epoxied and the leak fixed.
My lawn guy came by today and graciously gave me the good customer rate. He didn't mention if his machete needs honing after this one. I was afraid to ask. My property manager went by to check and announced there is a shed in the back yard he had never seen before. The grass had been too high.
I got an e-mail from my former tenant saying she hoped this wouldn't affect our friendship. And, she finally had the car removed. It won't. I like her. A lot.
I have my property manager looking for Handyman number 3 to finish this job. I am letting Handyman 2 go when he is done with his stuff. Because, today, in a moment of unprofessionalism, he vaguely threatened my property manger.
So, there is still the painting, doorbell, etc. I need someone eager and willing to work--and willing and eager to work with my property manager for that matter. Because, my ultimate goal is to rent it back out.
She told me the hot water heater didn't work, the bathtub was badly stained and there were holes in the vinyl flooring.
She did not tell me her son's car was permanently affixed to the front yard, there was a slight leak in the bathtub that had turned larger, the doorbell didn't work, the furnace needed help, the back yard could easily be mistaken for a portion of the Brazilian rain forest and her dogs had done a number on the hardwood floors and--no matter what I did--I would need to seal the floors to stop the stench of pet urine before I did anything else. Oh wait! She painted the entire interior neon lime green.
The hot water heater was easy. The power company is giving them away to anyone who wants to convert from gas to electric. The handyman I hired made it through the primer before disappearing off the face of the Earth. Doing nothing else but leaving me scratching my head.
Handyman number 2 (who was originally number 1 if you have been following this blog) stepped up and was to have finished...wait for it... last week. He still is not done. Apparently he has made significant progress though and now has the hot water heater installed, the flooring almost done, the bathtub re-epoxied and the leak fixed.
My lawn guy came by today and graciously gave me the good customer rate. He didn't mention if his machete needs honing after this one. I was afraid to ask. My property manager went by to check and announced there is a shed in the back yard he had never seen before. The grass had been too high.
I got an e-mail from my former tenant saying she hoped this wouldn't affect our friendship. And, she finally had the car removed. It won't. I like her. A lot.
I have my property manager looking for Handyman number 3 to finish this job. I am letting Handyman 2 go when he is done with his stuff. Because, today, in a moment of unprofessionalism, he vaguely threatened my property manger.
So, there is still the painting, doorbell, etc. I need someone eager and willing to work--and willing and eager to work with my property manager for that matter. Because, my ultimate goal is to rent it back out.
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Bookkeeper. The Car. The Appraiser
My bookkeeper tells me today that she hears from me more when I am not busy, so she figured I must be swamped. I called her to find out if she needed anything from me. She snorted (probably held back her first comment) and then said she was fine and for me to have a nice day. It is tax season, so I need her to focus on my zillions of reports.
The vacant house has a car sitting in the driveway. The vacant house alone is grounds for another post. Anyway, I can't seem to get the former owner to remove his car. It has been suggested I call a few chop shops and say come get it for parts. Something to consider.
We were/are refinancing the vacant home. Except the appraiser decided to sneak her head back in for one final look. Unbeknown to me, the current handyman had apparently demolished more than he had repaired. So, the appraiser said no loan until everything is put back together. The handyman has no phone. The handyman isn't returning e-mail--but did send me this picture.
The vacant house has a car sitting in the driveway. The vacant house alone is grounds for another post. Anyway, I can't seem to get the former owner to remove his car. It has been suggested I call a few chop shops and say come get it for parts. Something to consider.
We were/are refinancing the vacant home. Except the appraiser decided to sneak her head back in for one final look. Unbeknown to me, the current handyman had apparently demolished more than he had repaired. So, the appraiser said no loan until everything is put back together. The handyman has no phone. The handyman isn't returning e-mail--but did send me this picture. 
Friday, January 04, 2008
A Year in Review
There is so much that happened, I doubt I could condense 2007 into one entry. It was a stressful year.
If 2006 was infancy, 2007 was toddlerhood--with my company struggling to find independence, testing boundaries and reverting back to safety nets and when necessary. I definitely needed naps. Lots of them. And, there might have been a couple of temper tantrums.
Here's a quick recap:
1. My fabulous real estate agent turned out to have a bit of anger management and personality issues. She also could not grasp my big-picture. I could have lived with that had she been a bit less bitchy to me. I canned her after she bit my head off for not calling her back quickly enough. Somewhere in there she forgot I was the client. After I fired her, I found out she had been unkind to a few tenants, did a few things on my behalf that are questionably legal and has a bad reputation among Birmingham agents. When this came down, she told me my company wouldn't survive without her. When asked about her, I just say she chose to focus her business in a different direction.
2. I found a different agent who sees the big picture vision and is a delight to work with. But, he doesn't do property management and made this very clear. So, I have taken on property management responsibilities.
3. I have needed serious help this year and found a few folks who have stepped up to help. I am very grateful to them. One collects the rent, another handles some handyman work (once every six weeks) and both will drive by properties when necessary to make sure the places look ok. There are a couple others I have been fortunate enough to call upon when I need an errand or two.
4. We bought two houses, and foreclosed on two existing mortgages. We had a worst-case scenario happen--one we weren't prepared for. I had three vacant homes at one time--all managed long distance.
5. I let too much slide, figuring it was easier to let time fix it instead of taking care of the issue when it came up. In a few cases, time helped. In a few more cases it didn't.
6. I started flying out every three months to take care of business. We have permission from my husband's company to move--but our house has to sell. So far, it hasn't.
Looking back, it seems like there was much more drama than this, but now I can't remember anything else. Our company is now ready for preschool.
If 2006 was infancy, 2007 was toddlerhood--with my company struggling to find independence, testing boundaries and reverting back to safety nets and when necessary. I definitely needed naps. Lots of them. And, there might have been a couple of temper tantrums.
Here's a quick recap:
1. My fabulous real estate agent turned out to have a bit of anger management and personality issues. She also could not grasp my big-picture. I could have lived with that had she been a bit less bitchy to me. I canned her after she bit my head off for not calling her back quickly enough. Somewhere in there she forgot I was the client. After I fired her, I found out she had been unkind to a few tenants, did a few things on my behalf that are questionably legal and has a bad reputation among Birmingham agents. When this came down, she told me my company wouldn't survive without her. When asked about her, I just say she chose to focus her business in a different direction.
2. I found a different agent who sees the big picture vision and is a delight to work with. But, he doesn't do property management and made this very clear. So, I have taken on property management responsibilities.
3. I have needed serious help this year and found a few folks who have stepped up to help. I am very grateful to them. One collects the rent, another handles some handyman work (once every six weeks) and both will drive by properties when necessary to make sure the places look ok. There are a couple others I have been fortunate enough to call upon when I need an errand or two.
4. We bought two houses, and foreclosed on two existing mortgages. We had a worst-case scenario happen--one we weren't prepared for. I had three vacant homes at one time--all managed long distance.
5. I let too much slide, figuring it was easier to let time fix it instead of taking care of the issue when it came up. In a few cases, time helped. In a few more cases it didn't.
6. I started flying out every three months to take care of business. We have permission from my husband's company to move--but our house has to sell. So far, it hasn't.
Looking back, it seems like there was much more drama than this, but now I can't remember anything else. Our company is now ready for preschool.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The Care and Feeding of Handymen
Good
Fast
Cheap
When working with vendors, in this case, repairmen, I find that I set my standards pretty low. I will take two of the three. If I can get good and fast, or fast and cheap, it is a bonus. There might be handymen out there who can delivery all three: good, fast AND cheap, but they are in such hot demand, they will eventually raise their price, thus offering two out of three.
Because I am so far away, I ask a lot of questions when I talk to these contractors. The one that seems to floor them every time is, "how much does it cost and what do I get for my money." This often causes a lot of stammering on the other end, with the poor guy feeling the need to justify his price. It isn't that I am offended by their pricing. It is just that I want to know what I am paying for.
I have also found there seems to be some sort of genetic make necessary to be an effective handyman. Yes, knowing how to slap on a coat of paint is quite useful. But that is not what I mean. Anyone can learn how to install a ceiling fan. There are certain qualities you will see in just about every handyman:
1) They talk a LOT. In fact, the more cell minutes they can use up on your phone call, the longer they have been in business. I think I would drop dead from astonishment if a handyman called me and said, "The job is done, have a nice day." Click.
2) They underestimate and over promise. It isn't personal. And, this has nothing to do with good, fast and cheap. If you think it should take a day to paint a room, and your handyman tells you it will take a week, expect ten days and thank your lucky stars if they actually can do it within two weeks. Also, be sure to budget a bit extra for that $300 job. But, in all fairness, have you ever budgeted $300 for a $300 job, went to Home Depot and returned with just $300 worth of supplies? Nope, it doesn't happen.
3) They are only somewhat reliable for a maximum of six weeks. I have yet to have a handyman last more than six weeks at a stretch. Don't count on the same person you hired being reliable seven weeks later. It just doesn't happen. There is a fishing hole/vacation/drinking bender calling their name. It doesn't mean they are slackers. They are just ready to move on.
4) They know everything. Well, they do. That is why you hired them. And, their time is worth something, so pay them according. Otherwise get out there and install that tile flooring yourself--and make it look just as good.
With all that I do in two different states, I have yet to meet a handyman I didn't like. And, I have met many. But, know what you are getting into when you go there. They require a bit more maintenance than your average vendor. Frustration only leads to more problems, so give them their space and give them a job that should take no longer than four weeks.
Fast
Cheap
When working with vendors, in this case, repairmen, I find that I set my standards pretty low. I will take two of the three. If I can get good and fast, or fast and cheap, it is a bonus. There might be handymen out there who can delivery all three: good, fast AND cheap, but they are in such hot demand, they will eventually raise their price, thus offering two out of three.
Because I am so far away, I ask a lot of questions when I talk to these contractors. The one that seems to floor them every time is, "how much does it cost and what do I get for my money." This often causes a lot of stammering on the other end, with the poor guy feeling the need to justify his price. It isn't that I am offended by their pricing. It is just that I want to know what I am paying for.
I have also found there seems to be some sort of genetic make necessary to be an effective handyman. Yes, knowing how to slap on a coat of paint is quite useful. But that is not what I mean. Anyone can learn how to install a ceiling fan. There are certain qualities you will see in just about every handyman:
1) They talk a LOT. In fact, the more cell minutes they can use up on your phone call, the longer they have been in business. I think I would drop dead from astonishment if a handyman called me and said, "The job is done, have a nice day." Click.
2) They underestimate and over promise. It isn't personal. And, this has nothing to do with good, fast and cheap. If you think it should take a day to paint a room, and your handyman tells you it will take a week, expect ten days and thank your lucky stars if they actually can do it within two weeks. Also, be sure to budget a bit extra for that $300 job. But, in all fairness, have you ever budgeted $300 for a $300 job, went to Home Depot and returned with just $300 worth of supplies? Nope, it doesn't happen.
3) They are only somewhat reliable for a maximum of six weeks. I have yet to have a handyman last more than six weeks at a stretch. Don't count on the same person you hired being reliable seven weeks later. It just doesn't happen. There is a fishing hole/vacation/drinking bender calling their name. It doesn't mean they are slackers. They are just ready to move on.
4) They know everything. Well, they do. That is why you hired them. And, their time is worth something, so pay them according. Otherwise get out there and install that tile flooring yourself--and make it look just as good.
With all that I do in two different states, I have yet to meet a handyman I didn't like. And, I have met many. But, know what you are getting into when you go there. They require a bit more maintenance than your average vendor. Frustration only leads to more problems, so give them their space and give them a job that should take no longer than four weeks.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Back Again
It seems it has been more than a year since my last blog. But, I am back and have lots to say. I hope maybe someday I can either:
1. look back at this and shake my head in pity
2. help someone else who thinks being their own boss would be the least bit fun
3. give my kids ammunition when they are old enough to comprehend this.
I certainly don't expect to update a busy year in one post. So, relax. But I will start at today and work backwards.
I currently have a vacant house. The tenant left me a mess. Not trashed, but let's just say her taste in home decor didn't really click with mine. And, she had three large dogs. And, her standards of pet discipline and mine weren't the same. I am left with neon lime green walls and pet urine stains on the hardwoods. And, there were several other goodies that need to be taken care of--like a new hot water heater.
My lesson from this is a vacant house isn't the end of the world. It isn't fun either. On Dec. 1, I had three vacant homes. Armageddon didn't happen then either. There are worse things. Like not having anyone reliable to help you out.
1. look back at this and shake my head in pity
2. help someone else who thinks being their own boss would be the least bit fun
3. give my kids ammunition when they are old enough to comprehend this.
I certainly don't expect to update a busy year in one post. So, relax. But I will start at today and work backwards.
I currently have a vacant house. The tenant left me a mess. Not trashed, but let's just say her taste in home decor didn't really click with mine. And, she had three large dogs. And, her standards of pet discipline and mine weren't the same. I am left with neon lime green walls and pet urine stains on the hardwoods. And, there were several other goodies that need to be taken care of--like a new hot water heater.
My lesson from this is a vacant house isn't the end of the world. It isn't fun either. On Dec. 1, I had three vacant homes. Armageddon didn't happen then either. There are worse things. Like not having anyone reliable to help you out.
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