This has been a yawn week. That doesn't mean there isn't anything going on. It just hasn't been newsworthy. Or, if it has been somewhat newsworthy, I have written it before.
For example. Mr. Smith is still renegotiating. My attorney asked about him calling my bluff. I am not bluffing. He is paying or going. I am clear on this and not feeling any more angst. Though, I have gotten to the point where I feel sorry for him. I would like to feel sorry for him while he is living somewhere else. All seriousness folks, this guy and his family could use a few prayers if you are feeling generous. I have been asking Him for guidance and direction for this family. I can only imagine the stress in that house and how it must be affecting all of them. It can't be peaceful.
My tenant who just won't leave. Still won't leave. The sheriff should be there next week. I hope.
My tenant I have been working with, I am still working with. We are dancing around deadlines. The usual. I have all my reinforcements in place, waiting for me to make the next call.
You know, yawn stuff.
I used to find the mundane issues I am seeing this week as annoying as the big-ticket items I am currently dealing with. Things like, "My rent will be late" (I gathered). "Your grass needs to be cut." (yep). "I sent you an invoice" (it has been forwarded to my bookkeeper). Now I find them to be a relief from the more intense and more bizarre.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sitting Pretty
Whatever happened to Wayward? Well, she is still there. Living comfortably in MY home. She is babysitting the copper plumbing and the air conditioning unit. I have a variety of people checking on her every week.
Someday, somehow, some way, Wayward will find another landlord to mooch from. Actually from what I understand we are currently waiting on the sheriff's office to do their job. This particular assignment was given to them on July 8. You see, the sheriff's department has two teams of folks who go out to the homes of people like Wayward. They bring a couple of inmates and a few trash bags and empty out the place.
So far, Wayward hasn't had the pleasure of meeting the sheriff's deadbeat patrol. They are currently two week's backlogged with friends of Wayward. And, I hear Wayward's turn to meet these nice folks might happen in my life time. I have called around to see if I can hire my own posse to take care of this, but no. It has to be someone from the Sheriff's office. They have to use their own Hefty bags. I am sure there are less legal ways to pursuade her to leave. But, that really isn't my style.
There is a woman who calls me every Monday to see if this house is vacant. She hasn't seen the inside but she wants first dibs. Now, if I could only get Wayward to cooperate.
Someday, somehow, some way, Wayward will find another landlord to mooch from. Actually from what I understand we are currently waiting on the sheriff's office to do their job. This particular assignment was given to them on July 8. You see, the sheriff's department has two teams of folks who go out to the homes of people like Wayward. They bring a couple of inmates and a few trash bags and empty out the place.
So far, Wayward hasn't had the pleasure of meeting the sheriff's deadbeat patrol. They are currently two week's backlogged with friends of Wayward. And, I hear Wayward's turn to meet these nice folks might happen in my life time. I have called around to see if I can hire my own posse to take care of this, but no. It has to be someone from the Sheriff's office. They have to use their own Hefty bags. I am sure there are less legal ways to pursuade her to leave. But, that really isn't my style.
There is a woman who calls me every Monday to see if this house is vacant. She hasn't seen the inside but she wants first dibs. Now, if I could only get Wayward to cooperate.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Games People Play
There are so many varieties to the game Mr. Smith is playing. What pains me the most is that Mr. Smith thinks I don't know what he is doing. I realize I am up against the smartest man in the world and matching wits against Mr. Smith taxes my meager intellect. But, here I am. Sadly, Mr. Smith isn't the only one who does this. He is the most blatant. And, I really do believe he thinks I am simple-minded.
The game dynamics are always the same. No matter who I am up against. These people didn't invent this game. Neither did I. The play book has been around for ages. To make my life easier, I picked up my own leather-bound copy at a second-hand bookstore. Here is the way the game works.
1. I call, They promise. Nothing happens.
2. I call. They don't take my calls/e-mails/smoke signals.
3. I follow up following the with the rules of our contract. Generally this involves a process server. This gets their attention. They call with excuses as to why this situation happened to begin with. It isn't their fault. They ask for special concessions. They promise reasonable things. I agree.
4. When it is time to deliver on their promise. They renegotiate because something came up. It isn't their fault. According to the play book, my role is to recognize they are trying to do right. So, I am supposed to go along with this new plan.
5. It is now time to deliver on their new promise. See #4.
6. More time goes by, they don't hear from me (because according to the play book I am fat, dumb and happy with the status quo. After all, they have outsmarted me. Or, at the very least, they think they have bought time). Sometimes they will even throw me another bone. Like a check, partial payment or a sweet letter telling me how wonderful I am and they will do what they promised at some later obscure date.
But, there is still that pesky contract. And, contracts are there for when things go wrong--never when they go right. So, I am not calling them. I am calling the professionals who handle these types of things. And, I no longer work with the game-players. They get to leave. They get their wages garnished. They will pay.
There are variations to this cat and mouse game. Such as ignoring the lawyer's letter and contacting me directly, like nothing is wrong. Sending me notes, telling me they are surprised I never received thier payments (they apparently have forgotten we have already gone through steps 1 through 6). There are even tactics like forgetting to sign or date the check. Sometimes I do play along, but generally it is only to suit my purposes.
I recognize the way the game is played. I can generally catch it in the early stages--not that I can do anything about it until we hit the non-payment stage. But, at least I have a bit of head's up so I can dust off my play book.
The game dynamics are always the same. No matter who I am up against. These people didn't invent this game. Neither did I. The play book has been around for ages. To make my life easier, I picked up my own leather-bound copy at a second-hand bookstore. Here is the way the game works.
1. I call, They promise. Nothing happens.
2. I call. They don't take my calls/e-mails/smoke signals.
3. I follow up following the with the rules of our contract. Generally this involves a process server. This gets their attention. They call with excuses as to why this situation happened to begin with. It isn't their fault. They ask for special concessions. They promise reasonable things. I agree.
4. When it is time to deliver on their promise. They renegotiate because something came up. It isn't their fault. According to the play book, my role is to recognize they are trying to do right. So, I am supposed to go along with this new plan.
5. It is now time to deliver on their new promise. See #4.
6. More time goes by, they don't hear from me (because according to the play book I am fat, dumb and happy with the status quo. After all, they have outsmarted me. Or, at the very least, they think they have bought time). Sometimes they will even throw me another bone. Like a check, partial payment or a sweet letter telling me how wonderful I am and they will do what they promised at some later obscure date.
But, there is still that pesky contract. And, contracts are there for when things go wrong--never when they go right. So, I am not calling them. I am calling the professionals who handle these types of things. And, I no longer work with the game-players. They get to leave. They get their wages garnished. They will pay.
There are variations to this cat and mouse game. Such as ignoring the lawyer's letter and contacting me directly, like nothing is wrong. Sending me notes, telling me they are surprised I never received thier payments (they apparently have forgotten we have already gone through steps 1 through 6). There are even tactics like forgetting to sign or date the check. Sometimes I do play along, but generally it is only to suit my purposes.
I recognize the way the game is played. I can generally catch it in the early stages--not that I can do anything about it until we hit the non-payment stage. But, at least I have a bit of head's up so I can dust off my play book.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
There Are Good Things Too
Although I write about the bizarre, weird and annoying, there really are good things that happen with my accidental business. The good experiences aren't always interesting and often it is too personal to write about. But, here are some examples of the good stuff.
1. I have met an incredible number of terrific people along the way. I have one former tenant who has been keeping in touch since he left my home more than two years earlier. He has been known to run odd jobs for me. And, sometimes he will just e-mail me to say hello. Sometimes he just sends me a note just to discuss baseball.
2. I have heard some pretty powerful personal success stories. Take Terry for example. She called me once to tell me she opened her first checking account. Everything up until that point in her 42 years had been paid by cash. And, it had never occurred to her to open a checking account until I had mentioned it a year earlier. The first person she called to tell about this milestone was me, her landlord. When Terry later bought her house from me she said, "I never thought I could own a home, now I know I can do anything."
3. I have learned a lot about human nature. Good and bad. I have had a crash course. I prefer the good, but the bad stories (and there are a few) help make me a better business woman, better landlord and overall better person. I am continuing to learn and grow from the lives of others. And, I certainly see things very differently than I did even a year earlier. My moral compass knows where to point.
4. I have learned the South doesn't deserve a good portion of their stereotypes. I have yet to meet an inbred, single-tooth yokel. What I have met are some fascinating folks, with fascinating lives. People in the South are proud, outspoken and (for the most part) know right from wrong. They are instinctive and will do business with a handshake if they believe in you. Growing up in the city, I find all of this is strange to me. But, I have been given many opportunities from those who have believed in me. And, hopefully I haven't let them down.
5. I have gotten uplifting encouragement from unusual places. I have had people offer to pray for me, I have been sent bible verses. I even had one tenant read my fortune with tarot cards! The kindness from the folks I have met is absolutely amazing. Last week, in the midst of some craziness. I heard from one of my tenants. She wrote me to say thank you and offered a few other personal words that just blew me away. What did I do? I answered an e-mail, giving her advice she sought out from me--a virtual stranger. I would have given this same advice to anyone else who had asked. But, she took the time to write and thank me.
I am floored by the genuine sincerity of the people I have met in the past few years--not just in Birmingham, but all over. I have been sent first communion invitations and baby pictures. My rewards may not be financial (at the moment). But I have been given some pretty wonderful gifts.
1. I have met an incredible number of terrific people along the way. I have one former tenant who has been keeping in touch since he left my home more than two years earlier. He has been known to run odd jobs for me. And, sometimes he will just e-mail me to say hello. Sometimes he just sends me a note just to discuss baseball.
2. I have heard some pretty powerful personal success stories. Take Terry for example. She called me once to tell me she opened her first checking account. Everything up until that point in her 42 years had been paid by cash. And, it had never occurred to her to open a checking account until I had mentioned it a year earlier. The first person she called to tell about this milestone was me, her landlord. When Terry later bought her house from me she said, "I never thought I could own a home, now I know I can do anything."
3. I have learned a lot about human nature. Good and bad. I have had a crash course. I prefer the good, but the bad stories (and there are a few) help make me a better business woman, better landlord and overall better person. I am continuing to learn and grow from the lives of others. And, I certainly see things very differently than I did even a year earlier. My moral compass knows where to point.
4. I have learned the South doesn't deserve a good portion of their stereotypes. I have yet to meet an inbred, single-tooth yokel. What I have met are some fascinating folks, with fascinating lives. People in the South are proud, outspoken and (for the most part) know right from wrong. They are instinctive and will do business with a handshake if they believe in you. Growing up in the city, I find all of this is strange to me. But, I have been given many opportunities from those who have believed in me. And, hopefully I haven't let them down.
5. I have gotten uplifting encouragement from unusual places. I have had people offer to pray for me, I have been sent bible verses. I even had one tenant read my fortune with tarot cards! The kindness from the folks I have met is absolutely amazing. Last week, in the midst of some craziness. I heard from one of my tenants. She wrote me to say thank you and offered a few other personal words that just blew me away. What did I do? I answered an e-mail, giving her advice she sought out from me--a virtual stranger. I would have given this same advice to anyone else who had asked. But, she took the time to write and thank me.
I am floored by the genuine sincerity of the people I have met in the past few years--not just in Birmingham, but all over. I have been sent first communion invitations and baby pictures. My rewards may not be financial (at the moment). But I have been given some pretty wonderful gifts.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
D.F.W.L.Y., Attorneys at Law
D.F.W.L.Y., Attorneys at Law, doesn't bother with putting the names of partners in their title. Instead, they just tell it like it is: D.F.W.L.Y., stands for Don't Fool With Lawyers Y'all. They are an exceptional firm, located in a stately building in Central Birmingham. And, one of these lawyers handles my evictions.
To give you and idea of what I pay, D.F.W.L.Y. has annual billable hours equivalent to a small oil-rich Middle Eastern country's gross domestic product.
A few months ago, my bookkeeper and I were talking over the phone. I was mindlessly opening bills, reporting them to her. All of the sudden the sound of a strangled cat left my throat.
"Are you there?" She asks.
I whimper.
Realization hits her. Emphatically, she accuses, "You opened D.F.W.L.Y. didn't you."
I whimper again.
Exasperated, she starts in, "You have no business reading that bill! Were you wearing asbestos gloves? Did you at least have on eye protection?" The questions are rhetorical, because she and I both know she owns the flack jacket. Panic sets in, "Listen to me, and listen good. You put that bill back in the envelope and step away. Do you hear me? Walk away."
Ok, that wasn't exactly how it went. I whimpered a bit more than I let on here. I may have shed a tear or two. And, at her suggestion, my bookkeeper does get the bills with the envelope intact these days. I can say to her out of the clear blue, "How much was it?" and she will know I am talking about D.F.W.L.Y.
So, why do I use them? I happen to like my attorney and her delightful paralegal quite a bit. They are both good at what they do. That kind of competency is painfully pricey. But, financing my attorney's son's college fund isn't the only reason I stay. I have called around to other firms to see what I could find.
I spoke with one lawyer who summed it up. After telling him who I use he said, "Even I can't afford D.F.W.L.Y.!" Then, when I explained what I needed from him, he was quiet a moment and then said, "Wow. You have a lot going on. The reputation of the lawyer you are using is a good one. You better stick with her."
To give you and idea of what I pay, D.F.W.L.Y. has annual billable hours equivalent to a small oil-rich Middle Eastern country's gross domestic product.
A few months ago, my bookkeeper and I were talking over the phone. I was mindlessly opening bills, reporting them to her. All of the sudden the sound of a strangled cat left my throat.
"Are you there?" She asks.
I whimper.
Realization hits her. Emphatically, she accuses, "You opened D.F.W.L.Y. didn't you."
I whimper again.
Exasperated, she starts in, "You have no business reading that bill! Were you wearing asbestos gloves? Did you at least have on eye protection?" The questions are rhetorical, because she and I both know she owns the flack jacket. Panic sets in, "Listen to me, and listen good. You put that bill back in the envelope and step away. Do you hear me? Walk away."
Ok, that wasn't exactly how it went. I whimpered a bit more than I let on here. I may have shed a tear or two. And, at her suggestion, my bookkeeper does get the bills with the envelope intact these days. I can say to her out of the clear blue, "How much was it?" and she will know I am talking about D.F.W.L.Y.
So, why do I use them? I happen to like my attorney and her delightful paralegal quite a bit. They are both good at what they do. That kind of competency is painfully pricey. But, financing my attorney's son's college fund isn't the only reason I stay. I have called around to other firms to see what I could find.
I spoke with one lawyer who summed it up. After telling him who I use he said, "Even I can't afford D.F.W.L.Y.!" Then, when I explained what I needed from him, he was quiet a moment and then said, "Wow. You have a lot going on. The reputation of the lawyer you are using is a good one. You better stick with her."
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Right Stuff
So, I get this call from Mr. Wright today. He loved my vacant home. He thought it would be the perfect place for he and his family and would I please consider lowering the rent $100?
He then went on to tell me how great the house looked and how he couldn't wait to move in. In his next breath, he informed me the house was "absolutely filthy." Would they be responsible for cleaning it? And, more importantly, would I be willing to deduct money from the deposits for them to cover all his trouble? After a bit of probing, he told me "absolutely filthy" meant one wall still hadn't been painted (Former Tenant #2 told me she hadn't finished it yet) and the laundry room had dirt on it where the washer and dryer were living until yesterday. I confirmed this was his idea of "absolutely filthy" and told him NO, I would not deduct hundreds off the deposit.
Mr. Wright then verified that he loved the neighborhood. But, expressed concern about safety, because he has two daughters and the neighborhood doesn't "feel" safe. The example he provide was about a home at the beginning of the subdivision (about a half mile away) that looked seedy. I suggested, I, as a parent, could appreciate his concerns and encouraged him to check out the crime statistics for the area just to make sure this would be a safe place to live.
At this point, I suggested this might not be the perfect place for Mr. and Mrs. Wright, and I would certainly understand if they opted not to put an application in. After all, they didn't seem all that impressed.
Mr. Wright assured me they really did "just love" the house. But, would I be willing to consider giving him a break on the rent for him doing some unnamed odd jobs, which he assures me he is more than qualified to do. He listed about six things at this home that he could do to make it more appealing.
Appealing to whom? The next potential renter? Because Mr. Wright is definitely Mr. Wrong.
He then went on to tell me how great the house looked and how he couldn't wait to move in. In his next breath, he informed me the house was "absolutely filthy." Would they be responsible for cleaning it? And, more importantly, would I be willing to deduct money from the deposits for them to cover all his trouble? After a bit of probing, he told me "absolutely filthy" meant one wall still hadn't been painted (Former Tenant #2 told me she hadn't finished it yet) and the laundry room had dirt on it where the washer and dryer were living until yesterday. I confirmed this was his idea of "absolutely filthy" and told him NO, I would not deduct hundreds off the deposit.
Mr. Wright then verified that he loved the neighborhood. But, expressed concern about safety, because he has two daughters and the neighborhood doesn't "feel" safe. The example he provide was about a home at the beginning of the subdivision (about a half mile away) that looked seedy. I suggested, I, as a parent, could appreciate his concerns and encouraged him to check out the crime statistics for the area just to make sure this would be a safe place to live.
At this point, I suggested this might not be the perfect place for Mr. and Mrs. Wright, and I would certainly understand if they opted not to put an application in. After all, they didn't seem all that impressed.
Mr. Wright assured me they really did "just love" the house. But, would I be willing to consider giving him a break on the rent for him doing some unnamed odd jobs, which he assures me he is more than qualified to do. He listed about six things at this home that he could do to make it more appealing.
Appealing to whom? The next potential renter? Because Mr. Wright is definitely Mr. Wrong.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I Just Can't Shut Up
Poor Mr. D. He just brings out the bossy big sister in me. He is such a nice guy. And, I am sure he is one wildly-competent attorney too. But, none of that matters, because I can't seem to stop telling him what to do.
I have gotten to the point where I am afraid to call him, for fear my mouth will open, give marching orders and he--like the good Southern man that he is--will politely listen. He will then hang up and make a note to bill me for another hour for having to endure me for ten minutes.
He is currently working to find two past deadbeats who owe me money. So, ignoring all of the skip-tracing technology at his fingertips, as well as all of the database search services he has available to him, I suggest him maybe he ought to call the churches of these deadbeats and ask for a current phone number of their biggest deadbeat congregation member. I can even provide him with these churches, because most everyone I speak to in Alabama is very proud of their church affiliation--and they tell me.
I do realize how stupid my suggestion sounds. Mr. D. realizes it too. But, his mother raised him right. Instead, he says, "That's a great idea. I'll get right on that." With that, he hangs up and upps his billable hours.
I have gotten to the point where I am afraid to call him, for fear my mouth will open, give marching orders and he--like the good Southern man that he is--will politely listen. He will then hang up and make a note to bill me for another hour for having to endure me for ten minutes.
He is currently working to find two past deadbeats who owe me money. So, ignoring all of the skip-tracing technology at his fingertips, as well as all of the database search services he has available to him, I suggest him maybe he ought to call the churches of these deadbeats and ask for a current phone number of their biggest deadbeat congregation member. I can even provide him with these churches, because most everyone I speak to in Alabama is very proud of their church affiliation--and they tell me.
I do realize how stupid my suggestion sounds. Mr. D. realizes it too. But, his mother raised him right. Instead, he says, "That's a great idea. I'll get right on that." With that, he hangs up and upps his billable hours.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
He Must Go
Mr. Smith brings out the ugly in me. Today was my third conversation with him in a week. And, the third time I lost my temper talking to him. Yelling isn't dignified, but for some reason, I turn into a raving lunatic every time he calls me.
What it really boils down to is I expect him to do what he says. Which is amusing because he never does what he says. And, I know this. I am like Charlie Brown, waiting for Lucy to hold the football still.
Much to my delight, I called the lawyer and started the inevitable process. I should have done this months ago. Mr. Smith can go annoy someone else for a while.
What it really boils down to is I expect him to do what he says. Which is amusing because he never does what he says. And, I know this. I am like Charlie Brown, waiting for Lucy to hold the football still.
Much to my delight, I called the lawyer and started the inevitable process. I should have done this months ago. Mr. Smith can go annoy someone else for a while.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Master of the House
So, you want someone to rent your house? Tenants pick the landlord just like they pick the house. They want a landlord who is going to provide a clean, functioning home. As a landlord, you have rights and responsibilities. I actually consider myself a foremost expert on this topic. And, heaven knows I have made my share of mistakes. Here is what I have learned the hard way.
1. You, the landlord and owner of your home, are in charge. This is the essence of being an effective landlord. They are beholden to you. Don't forget this and, more importantly, don't let them forget this. You owe them a place to stay. They aren't doing you the favor. Your tenants don't have to like you, but they have to respect your role.
2. Treat the people who rent from you with dignity. Most people don't rent for tbe best of reasons. They may have come on hard times through divorce, death, a bad hand dealt by life or their own sheer stupidity. The fact of the matter is, most renters aren't doing it by choice. They, like everyone else, are working for their betterment.
3. Pay your bills. You have a contract with the bank. It is your obligation to pay your mortgage. I have sadly talked to four different families this weekend alone who are having to move because their landlords are in foreclosure. One of these tenants told me she will expect to see evidence the landlord is paying the mortgage before she agrees to sign a lease. Don't be a deadbeat, it makes all of us look bad.
4. A rental home is a business. Keep it that way. Do not invite your tenants over. Do not visit them socially. Things down the road might get ugly. And, it is easier to sort out the ugliness when there is little emotional attachment. If things don't get ugly and they move out, you can then invite them over for the summer barbecue.
5. If you give them a break, only do it to suite your purposes. And, if you give them a break, do it only once. Giving someone a break because you feel sorry for them will shift the dynamic of your relationship. You are in charge. Always.
6. Fix what is broken. Do it immediately. And, fix it correctly.
7. It is your responsibility to your community, neighbors and property values to find quality tenants.
8. When you find good tenants keep them happy. You want them to sign another lease; they want grass in the back yard. Do you want to spend two months with a vacant house? Good tenants are worth it.
9. Not everything a tenant wants should be done. I had a tenant who asked if they could rip out the carpet and install hardwood floors. No. If the renovation didn't go right, or they started but didn't finish the job, I was responsible in the long run. And, I certainly didn't want to pay for hardwoods in a blue-collar lower end home. Conversely, if I have fabulous tenants who want to stay four more years, would I consider hardwoods in that same house? You bet.
10. Abide by the four corners rule. If it is between the four corners of a piece of paper, it is legitimate. So, get it in writing. For example, if you say you will consider a rent reduction in exchange for them handling pool maintenance, write down exactly what you want them to do.
11. Bad tenants aren't worth the trouble. If they don't have the money for rent, invite them to leave. Don't mess with this. Get rid of them immediately. And, don't take their calls once you decide to do this. This isn't like a normal headache. This is like a knitting needle poking you in the eyeball. Move on and don't look back. I have learned is I always get better tenants each time I turn over a home.
12. Keep your word. Always.
1. You, the landlord and owner of your home, are in charge. This is the essence of being an effective landlord. They are beholden to you. Don't forget this and, more importantly, don't let them forget this. You owe them a place to stay. They aren't doing you the favor. Your tenants don't have to like you, but they have to respect your role.
2. Treat the people who rent from you with dignity. Most people don't rent for tbe best of reasons. They may have come on hard times through divorce, death, a bad hand dealt by life or their own sheer stupidity. The fact of the matter is, most renters aren't doing it by choice. They, like everyone else, are working for their betterment.
3. Pay your bills. You have a contract with the bank. It is your obligation to pay your mortgage. I have sadly talked to four different families this weekend alone who are having to move because their landlords are in foreclosure. One of these tenants told me she will expect to see evidence the landlord is paying the mortgage before she agrees to sign a lease. Don't be a deadbeat, it makes all of us look bad.
4. A rental home is a business. Keep it that way. Do not invite your tenants over. Do not visit them socially. Things down the road might get ugly. And, it is easier to sort out the ugliness when there is little emotional attachment. If things don't get ugly and they move out, you can then invite them over for the summer barbecue.
5. If you give them a break, only do it to suite your purposes. And, if you give them a break, do it only once. Giving someone a break because you feel sorry for them will shift the dynamic of your relationship. You are in charge. Always.
6. Fix what is broken. Do it immediately. And, fix it correctly.
7. It is your responsibility to your community, neighbors and property values to find quality tenants.
8. When you find good tenants keep them happy. You want them to sign another lease; they want grass in the back yard. Do you want to spend two months with a vacant house? Good tenants are worth it.
9. Not everything a tenant wants should be done. I had a tenant who asked if they could rip out the carpet and install hardwood floors. No. If the renovation didn't go right, or they started but didn't finish the job, I was responsible in the long run. And, I certainly didn't want to pay for hardwoods in a blue-collar lower end home. Conversely, if I have fabulous tenants who want to stay four more years, would I consider hardwoods in that same house? You bet.
10. Abide by the four corners rule. If it is between the four corners of a piece of paper, it is legitimate. So, get it in writing. For example, if you say you will consider a rent reduction in exchange for them handling pool maintenance, write down exactly what you want them to do.
11. Bad tenants aren't worth the trouble. If they don't have the money for rent, invite them to leave. Don't mess with this. Get rid of them immediately. And, don't take their calls once you decide to do this. This isn't like a normal headache. This is like a knitting needle poking you in the eyeball. Move on and don't look back. I have learned is I always get better tenants each time I turn over a home.
12. Keep your word. Always.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Don't Give Me a Reason To Write About You
I write a lot about the bad tenants I run into. But, the majority of the folks I rent to are actually good tenants. Or, they start out as good tenants, and then they give me minor heart failure and fodder for my blog. At any rate, good tenants don’t make for drama. They are primarily ignored except for once a month when I am holding their rent check thinking, Oh yea… that person does rent the house on Elm Street…
So, if you are looking to rent a home, here are a few pointers as to how to make your landlord happy. A happy landlord is more willing to cut you a break now and then and not raise your rent when your lease is up. A happy landlord is more willing to fix a broken widget—even if you are the one who broke it and they know it.
1. Pay on time. This will absolve a multitude of sins in the landlord’s eyes. You can keep your grass longer and maybe sneak a roommate in without the landlord paying too close attention if they are getting the rent on time. A place to live is pretty much a basic need. If for some reason you can't pay on time. Tell your landlord prior to the rent due date. Give a quick, and legitimate reason why (such as rent is due on Thursday, and you get paid on Friday) and then suck it up and pay the late fees. You caused the rent to be late, pay what you owe.
2. You cannot withhold rent because you are mad at your landlord. Whatever you are upset about probably doesn't cost a month's rent. And, in most states, judges frown on this type of thing. If you want to look legitimate go through the same process as everyone else.
3. Fix your own problems. If a towel bar falls off, put it back. There is no reason to call the landlord for the minor things. If you broke it just fix it. Leave the big-ticket items for us. You handle the loose door knob.
4. Unless the house has caught fire, call the landlord during business hours. Every potential non-landlord I have run into, talks about the same cliche'd dreaded call at 2 a.m. because the toilet overflowed. This is what stops them from investing. The middle of the night plumbing SOS has never happened to me. It has never happened to any landlord I have ever met. That said, we would appreciate if you would wait to tell us about the leaky faucet until at least 8 a.m. There really isn't much we can do before that anyway.
5. Clean up your own mess when you move out. We didn't ask you to bring all that stuff with you. Cart it out when you go. And, know if we are called for a future housing reference, we will gladly tell your potential landlords about this.
6. You are responsible for your pets and guests.
7. Get along with the neighbors. Here's a secret. I have probably met your neighbors. And, they will call.
8. Don't assume. You want a ceiling fan in your bedroom. Ask first. Most likely it won't be a problem. But, we don't take it well when we are handed a receipt for something in our home we may or may not have wanted. Or, we might have had a less expensive solution for the same outcome.
9. If your lease is for twelve months, don't decide to buy a home after six months. You have a contract. You are responsible for that contract. It isn't that expensive for a landlord to enforce it. Collections attorneys work on a contingency basis. We will get our money.
10. Stay in touch. If we have a way to contact you, we are happy. We sometimes need to pass along vital information. Give us a way to do it. So, if your e-mail stopped working, if you suddenly don't have a cell phone and your home phone doesn't have an answering machine, we won't go to a lot of effort to help you when you have a problem if we have had to jump through hoops to find you.
So, you see, quiet tenants aren’t necessarily good tenants. The key is abiding by the lease agreement and communication when something needs to be fixed. Landlords understand things happen. We are human. We are more willing to work with you if you give us a reason to do so.
So, if you are looking to rent a home, here are a few pointers as to how to make your landlord happy. A happy landlord is more willing to cut you a break now and then and not raise your rent when your lease is up. A happy landlord is more willing to fix a broken widget—even if you are the one who broke it and they know it.
1. Pay on time. This will absolve a multitude of sins in the landlord’s eyes. You can keep your grass longer and maybe sneak a roommate in without the landlord paying too close attention if they are getting the rent on time. A place to live is pretty much a basic need. If for some reason you can't pay on time. Tell your landlord prior to the rent due date. Give a quick, and legitimate reason why (such as rent is due on Thursday, and you get paid on Friday) and then suck it up and pay the late fees. You caused the rent to be late, pay what you owe.
2. You cannot withhold rent because you are mad at your landlord. Whatever you are upset about probably doesn't cost a month's rent. And, in most states, judges frown on this type of thing. If you want to look legitimate go through the same process as everyone else.
3. Fix your own problems. If a towel bar falls off, put it back. There is no reason to call the landlord for the minor things. If you broke it just fix it. Leave the big-ticket items for us. You handle the loose door knob.
4. Unless the house has caught fire, call the landlord during business hours. Every potential non-landlord I have run into, talks about the same cliche'd dreaded call at 2 a.m. because the toilet overflowed. This is what stops them from investing. The middle of the night plumbing SOS has never happened to me. It has never happened to any landlord I have ever met. That said, we would appreciate if you would wait to tell us about the leaky faucet until at least 8 a.m. There really isn't much we can do before that anyway.
5. Clean up your own mess when you move out. We didn't ask you to bring all that stuff with you. Cart it out when you go. And, know if we are called for a future housing reference, we will gladly tell your potential landlords about this.
6. You are responsible for your pets and guests.
7. Get along with the neighbors. Here's a secret. I have probably met your neighbors. And, they will call.
8. Don't assume. You want a ceiling fan in your bedroom. Ask first. Most likely it won't be a problem. But, we don't take it well when we are handed a receipt for something in our home we may or may not have wanted. Or, we might have had a less expensive solution for the same outcome.
9. If your lease is for twelve months, don't decide to buy a home after six months. You have a contract. You are responsible for that contract. It isn't that expensive for a landlord to enforce it. Collections attorneys work on a contingency basis. We will get our money.
10. Stay in touch. If we have a way to contact you, we are happy. We sometimes need to pass along vital information. Give us a way to do it. So, if your e-mail stopped working, if you suddenly don't have a cell phone and your home phone doesn't have an answering machine, we won't go to a lot of effort to help you when you have a problem if we have had to jump through hoops to find you.
So, you see, quiet tenants aren’t necessarily good tenants. The key is abiding by the lease agreement and communication when something needs to be fixed. Landlords understand things happen. We are human. We are more willing to work with you if you give us a reason to do so.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Do You Have What it Takes?
It seems finding quality tenants is a universal problem. And, I do mean universal. I am sure there is a frustrated landlord somewhere on Planet Zapwax who is just groaning as they show their house to another set of deadbeats, wondering if great renters can really be found. They can. I promise.
I am currently working in my other job, helping two different families find tenants for their home. In both cases, the families are calling with tons of questions, wanting to extol on my wisdom. And, in one one of these cases, I am the one screening the calls from would-be tenants.
So, today's column is about being a good prospective tenant. Please note, being a good tenant is a whole different yet-to-be-written column. This just covers getting the lease. After all, you may not even want the house. But, I guarantee, if you follow these simple tips, the landlord might just call you back and ask you to rent their home. And, for the record, I have called potential tenants back and asked what it would take for them to rent from me. I have never regretted this.
1. When you call about my home, leave your name and phone number. This shows some basics: like you have acceptable communication skills. I never return a call where the caller doesn't leave a name. I am the landlord. I am in charge. I won't get in a power struggle now over telephone etiquette just to have it escalate if something goes wrong once you move in.
2. When you call, remember your manners. I once told a man I spoke with for 30 seconds I would not rent to him. He roared, "that's discrimination! I'll sue you." I explained, "I don't know what religion you are, where you are from, what color your skin is. I don't know if you have a disability. But, I do know you are one of the rudest people I have ever met, and I won't subject myself to this once a month when the rent is due." Life is too short.
3. When viewing the home, arrive on time. Don't waste my time. Don't make excuses for being late. Don't expect the landlord won't notice. Your ability to comprehend deadlines now says a lot when the rent comes due. If someone else is showing the home instead of the landlord, they are probably doing it as a major favor. So, assume they have something better to be doing and don't keep them waiting.
4. How you treat your kids and your car is a good indicator of how you will treat my home.
5. How your kids act in my home, will tell me how they will treat my home. As a parent, my children know they are to wipe their feet before entering, stay with me unless given permission otherwise and they better have their best manners on at all times. They can--and do--act like crazed monkeys on their own time. Do your kids know this? Do you enforce this? If not, please don't think I will rent to you.
6. Dress for success. This isn't something you necessarily need to wear a coat and tie to do. Nice jeans are absolutely acceptable. Be clean, neat, hide your piercings and keep your tattoos covered.
7. The most information I will ever get from you will be in the time you turn in your application to the time I approve you for the lease. Yes, I want to know factual and relevant data, the names and ages of your kids, what kinds of cars you drive or what type of dog fluffy happens to be (and, if you say poodle on your application and six weeks later I see a pit bull that answers to fluffy, expect all hell will break loose because my lease covers this and it is grounds for eviction). Your life story is very important to me and speaks volumes you aren't aware you are communicating. A long-drawn out saga about how you lost your job six months ago, why you and your spouse are separating or how you need an extra room because sometimes you and your boyfriend have swing parties tells me what I have already guessed about you. You aren't for me. I am pleased if you tell me this, because it makes my job easier.
8. Part 1: Financial issues for you, are financial issues for me. And, I am going to run a credit check and a background check. So, disclose. I understand things happen. There are reasons people file bankruptcy. Homes are foreclosed upon because situations happen. And, I won't necessarily hold it against you. But, if I find out from your credit report and not from you, I will wonder what else you might have neglected to mention. Keep in mind, as a landlord, I understand you still need a place to live even though the bank has taken your home. So, if you can show me probable reasons to rent to you (such as income, references and additional credit history), I might be able to overlook a foreclosure.
9. Part 2: Financial issues for you, are financial issues for me. If you are late on your car payment, credit cards and other consumer debt and you don't have a good reason (and going on vacation isn't a good reason), I won't rent to you. How you manage your monthly expenses speaks volumes to me.
10. Ever been evicted? You won't be renting from me. Period. This is different from a foreclosure--which may or may not elict sympathy from me--because with an eviction, there is a landlord somewhere you have already burned. And, if you do it once, it is easier the second time.
11. Never mention needing the deposits broken down over a month or two. What you are asking is for us to start out on unequal footing. I am looking for quality tenants the way you are looking for a quality landlord. You aren't it.
12. If I can't read the application, I am not renting to you. I have arthritis in my fingers. I know when it is flaring up I have terrible handwriting. But, it is much better than my husband's chicken scratch. So, if I want something to look neat and legible, I go slower. You too can find a solution to filling out an application so I can read it.
13. If you manage to overlook a good chunk of the application, I will assume I can expect this type of flakiness once a month. Go bug someone else. I would rather keep my home vacant a week or two more than start down this road.
14. If you are turned down for the lease, I may not tell you why. It could be as simple as I rented the house to someone else just like you and they turned their application in first. It could be because I found out you are an ax murderer. My reasons are my own.
So, if you really want my home, show me what it takes.
I am currently working in my other job, helping two different families find tenants for their home. In both cases, the families are calling with tons of questions, wanting to extol on my wisdom. And, in one one of these cases, I am the one screening the calls from would-be tenants.
So, today's column is about being a good prospective tenant. Please note, being a good tenant is a whole different yet-to-be-written column. This just covers getting the lease. After all, you may not even want the house. But, I guarantee, if you follow these simple tips, the landlord might just call you back and ask you to rent their home. And, for the record, I have called potential tenants back and asked what it would take for them to rent from me. I have never regretted this.
1. When you call about my home, leave your name and phone number. This shows some basics: like you have acceptable communication skills. I never return a call where the caller doesn't leave a name. I am the landlord. I am in charge. I won't get in a power struggle now over telephone etiquette just to have it escalate if something goes wrong once you move in.
2. When you call, remember your manners. I once told a man I spoke with for 30 seconds I would not rent to him. He roared, "that's discrimination! I'll sue you." I explained, "I don't know what religion you are, where you are from, what color your skin is. I don't know if you have a disability. But, I do know you are one of the rudest people I have ever met, and I won't subject myself to this once a month when the rent is due." Life is too short.
3. When viewing the home, arrive on time. Don't waste my time. Don't make excuses for being late. Don't expect the landlord won't notice. Your ability to comprehend deadlines now says a lot when the rent comes due. If someone else is showing the home instead of the landlord, they are probably doing it as a major favor. So, assume they have something better to be doing and don't keep them waiting.
4. How you treat your kids and your car is a good indicator of how you will treat my home.
5. How your kids act in my home, will tell me how they will treat my home. As a parent, my children know they are to wipe their feet before entering, stay with me unless given permission otherwise and they better have their best manners on at all times. They can--and do--act like crazed monkeys on their own time. Do your kids know this? Do you enforce this? If not, please don't think I will rent to you.
6. Dress for success. This isn't something you necessarily need to wear a coat and tie to do. Nice jeans are absolutely acceptable. Be clean, neat, hide your piercings and keep your tattoos covered.
7. The most information I will ever get from you will be in the time you turn in your application to the time I approve you for the lease. Yes, I want to know factual and relevant data, the names and ages of your kids, what kinds of cars you drive or what type of dog fluffy happens to be (and, if you say poodle on your application and six weeks later I see a pit bull that answers to fluffy, expect all hell will break loose because my lease covers this and it is grounds for eviction). Your life story is very important to me and speaks volumes you aren't aware you are communicating. A long-drawn out saga about how you lost your job six months ago, why you and your spouse are separating or how you need an extra room because sometimes you and your boyfriend have swing parties tells me what I have already guessed about you. You aren't for me. I am pleased if you tell me this, because it makes my job easier.
8. Part 1: Financial issues for you, are financial issues for me. And, I am going to run a credit check and a background check. So, disclose. I understand things happen. There are reasons people file bankruptcy. Homes are foreclosed upon because situations happen. And, I won't necessarily hold it against you. But, if I find out from your credit report and not from you, I will wonder what else you might have neglected to mention. Keep in mind, as a landlord, I understand you still need a place to live even though the bank has taken your home. So, if you can show me probable reasons to rent to you (such as income, references and additional credit history), I might be able to overlook a foreclosure.
9. Part 2: Financial issues for you, are financial issues for me. If you are late on your car payment, credit cards and other consumer debt and you don't have a good reason (and going on vacation isn't a good reason), I won't rent to you. How you manage your monthly expenses speaks volumes to me.
10. Ever been evicted? You won't be renting from me. Period. This is different from a foreclosure--which may or may not elict sympathy from me--because with an eviction, there is a landlord somewhere you have already burned. And, if you do it once, it is easier the second time.
11. Never mention needing the deposits broken down over a month or two. What you are asking is for us to start out on unequal footing. I am looking for quality tenants the way you are looking for a quality landlord. You aren't it.
12. If I can't read the application, I am not renting to you. I have arthritis in my fingers. I know when it is flaring up I have terrible handwriting. But, it is much better than my husband's chicken scratch. So, if I want something to look neat and legible, I go slower. You too can find a solution to filling out an application so I can read it.
13. If you manage to overlook a good chunk of the application, I will assume I can expect this type of flakiness once a month. Go bug someone else. I would rather keep my home vacant a week or two more than start down this road.
14. If you are turned down for the lease, I may not tell you why. It could be as simple as I rented the house to someone else just like you and they turned their application in first. It could be because I found out you are an ax murderer. My reasons are my own.
So, if you really want my home, show me what it takes.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The Go-To Girl
In the past month the following has happened:
1. While I was in Alabama, I got a call about Trusted's house. After talking to Tiffany for a few minutes, I told her it would not be a good idea to rent it. Yes, Tiffany could afford the rent. But, Tiffany could not afford the rent, utilities and the overall upkeep costs that comes with a larger home. What Tiffany needed was a smaller, modest place until she finished college. As much as I would be happy to help her out, I wanted to see her succeed.
Twenty minutes later, Tiffany called me back to ask me for advice on money management. She lamented that she knows many women who look for the easy way, such as government hand-outs, instead of earning a living for her and her children. She was angry, because she was working and going to school and wanted to make her life better. She wanted a better neighborhood and all of the goodies that come with hard work or government handouts. As we talked she confided that what she was really looking for was someone else to resolve her situation.
In reality, her situation was fine. It would take time. She was studying to be a nurse. She had a decent paying job. She budgeted and saved. She was raising her daughters in a way she could be proud of, instead of caving and going on welfare--which was an option if she quit her job. She had choices. We all have choices. I told her this, and she agreed.
2. Jack, my agent, called me a few weeks ago looking for a good air conditioning repair service. As Jack grew up in Birmingham, has been in the real estate market for twenty years AND has a fifty year old home, I was surprised he didn't know anyone.
3. My attorney e-mailed Jack last week wondering if I had any homes for rent, as he knew a guy who knew a guy who needed a place to live. Sadly, it didn't work out. Because anyone Jon knows or knows a guy who knows a guy, is most likely quality.
4. Yesterday I got a call from Angela. Apparently, her best friend's cousin rents a home from me. Angela rents her own home from someone else. She called because she wanted advice from a landlord's perspective. And, what did I think? And, what should the landlord do in her situation?
I would like to say this is unusual, but I could fill up volumes with stories of this nature. I have been called by tenants looking for ways to clean up their credit report. I have been asked advice on everything from starting a business to domestic violence. I have even been sought about matters of the heart. And, I even got a call from one tenant who wanted to know if I knew how to get to Colombiana, AL, a small town of 1,000 thirty miles south of Birmingham. Not only did I know where it was, I knew how to get there.
All these from folks I really don't know and don't know me. I don't know why someone in Arizona is top of mind for questions of these nature. But, apparently for some, I am the go-to girl.
1. While I was in Alabama, I got a call about Trusted's house. After talking to Tiffany for a few minutes, I told her it would not be a good idea to rent it. Yes, Tiffany could afford the rent. But, Tiffany could not afford the rent, utilities and the overall upkeep costs that comes with a larger home. What Tiffany needed was a smaller, modest place until she finished college. As much as I would be happy to help her out, I wanted to see her succeed.
Twenty minutes later, Tiffany called me back to ask me for advice on money management. She lamented that she knows many women who look for the easy way, such as government hand-outs, instead of earning a living for her and her children. She was angry, because she was working and going to school and wanted to make her life better. She wanted a better neighborhood and all of the goodies that come with hard work or government handouts. As we talked she confided that what she was really looking for was someone else to resolve her situation.
In reality, her situation was fine. It would take time. She was studying to be a nurse. She had a decent paying job. She budgeted and saved. She was raising her daughters in a way she could be proud of, instead of caving and going on welfare--which was an option if she quit her job. She had choices. We all have choices. I told her this, and she agreed.
2. Jack, my agent, called me a few weeks ago looking for a good air conditioning repair service. As Jack grew up in Birmingham, has been in the real estate market for twenty years AND has a fifty year old home, I was surprised he didn't know anyone.
3. My attorney e-mailed Jack last week wondering if I had any homes for rent, as he knew a guy who knew a guy who needed a place to live. Sadly, it didn't work out. Because anyone Jon knows or knows a guy who knows a guy, is most likely quality.
4. Yesterday I got a call from Angela. Apparently, her best friend's cousin rents a home from me. Angela rents her own home from someone else. She called because she wanted advice from a landlord's perspective. And, what did I think? And, what should the landlord do in her situation?
I would like to say this is unusual, but I could fill up volumes with stories of this nature. I have been called by tenants looking for ways to clean up their credit report. I have been asked advice on everything from starting a business to domestic violence. I have even been sought about matters of the heart. And, I even got a call from one tenant who wanted to know if I knew how to get to Colombiana, AL, a small town of 1,000 thirty miles south of Birmingham. Not only did I know where it was, I knew how to get there.
All these from folks I really don't know and don't know me. I don't know why someone in Arizona is top of mind for questions of these nature. But, apparently for some, I am the go-to girl.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Mr. D is a Quick Study
During my last visit to Alabama, I met with a collections attorney. The first thing that struck me was how young he was. If I had passed him on the street, I would not have figured he had been out of law school for six years with his own practice, but instead was just getting his driving permit.
Mr. D. was very nice and he and I hit it off immediately. Of course he asked me the standard question, "why Alabama." And, I gave him the much longer version of my pat answer, "Why indeed." The longer version includes boring things like the cost of the house to rent ratio and some other inane things of that nature.
Somewhere in our chat, Mr. D. then started telling me about his 1950s home he is remodeling. He is quite proud of his house. He bought low, in a great area. He has upgraded and remodeled. And, he naively declares, he will live there until the day he dies.
I didn't politely hold my tongue. I didn't even titter. No, I belted out laughter like I was in the audience of a Bill Engvall show (and in my defense, this was the day after I had run into Teresa and my tact hadn't returned).
"You aren't married are you?" I asked his puzzled face.
"No, why?"
I just smiled knowingly. "You won't be living there until the day you die." I then went on to explain how this will not be the case, unless he manages to hit the jackpot and his adoring future wife really doesn't mind the home he picked--without her--he can pretty much expect to be changing residences sometime in the first few years after he gets married. And, he will never hear the end of it until he does.
He considers this for a moment. "Well, I will make sure to let her decorate it any way she wants, that should make up for it." I just smiled, watching his expression change as he finally realized what he had just said. No, this would not be the only home he ever owns.
"Well," he finally said, "I am paying my house off early, so I will have a large down payment for the place she picks."
Mr. D. was very nice and he and I hit it off immediately. Of course he asked me the standard question, "why Alabama." And, I gave him the much longer version of my pat answer, "Why indeed." The longer version includes boring things like the cost of the house to rent ratio and some other inane things of that nature.
Somewhere in our chat, Mr. D. then started telling me about his 1950s home he is remodeling. He is quite proud of his house. He bought low, in a great area. He has upgraded and remodeled. And, he naively declares, he will live there until the day he dies.
I didn't politely hold my tongue. I didn't even titter. No, I belted out laughter like I was in the audience of a Bill Engvall show (and in my defense, this was the day after I had run into Teresa and my tact hadn't returned).
"You aren't married are you?" I asked his puzzled face.
"No, why?"
I just smiled knowingly. "You won't be living there until the day you die." I then went on to explain how this will not be the case, unless he manages to hit the jackpot and his adoring future wife really doesn't mind the home he picked--without her--he can pretty much expect to be changing residences sometime in the first few years after he gets married. And, he will never hear the end of it until he does.
He considers this for a moment. "Well, I will make sure to let her decorate it any way she wants, that should make up for it." I just smiled, watching his expression change as he finally realized what he had just said. No, this would not be the only home he ever owns.
"Well," he finally said, "I am paying my house off early, so I will have a large down payment for the place she picks."
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Their Lucky Day
I caved. Actually, it was a "sound business decision" according to my dear husband. But, it really boiled down to this: half a loaf of bread is better than nothing. And, as far as I was concerned, I already have enough major priorities this month. They can wait until August.
So, I made a deal with the Smiths. It required me to waste a good portion of my monthly allocation of cell minutes and two hours of my life I will never get back hearing the long drawn out saga. That boiled down to: come Tuesday, there will be a check for half of what they owe me on my doorstep. If not, I will just kick them out anyway.
But, here's the secret: I wouldn't have moved forward with foreclosing any sooner than Tuesday anyway.
So, I made a deal with the Smiths. It required me to waste a good portion of my monthly allocation of cell minutes and two hours of my life I will never get back hearing the long drawn out saga. That boiled down to: come Tuesday, there will be a check for half of what they owe me on my doorstep. If not, I will just kick them out anyway.
But, here's the secret: I wouldn't have moved forward with foreclosing any sooner than Tuesday anyway.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Living in a Tent with a 60" High-Def TV Seems Pointless
I find tenants who become friendly with me might as well put up a billboard telling me they will eventually fail. They want me to get to know them, like them and be willing to overlook minor transgressions. Early on, I did.
And, I would say 99 percent of the time getting to know a tenant ends ugly. Even ones where they have the best of intentions, ultimately, playing the friendly card ends in me asking them to leave. There are exceptions to this. In fact, right now I am working with a woman who I would like to see break this pattern. But, I know better and I am prepared for the worst.
A couple of years ago I met the Smiths. Mr. Smith chatted away about how great they were, how he could sing and how they so wanted a chance to be in my program. He barraged me with extraneous information about his family, sent me pictures of his kids and talked me up every chance he got.
Though this kind of attention was sweet, I have to admit, I have always kind of regarded him as a pesky little brother who I wish wouldn't call me. I dreaded hearing from him because I knew it was for some sort of bad news wound around a long-running saga. In fact, I would have traded all the photos of his family for one check arriving without drama. I am sure he has the best of intentions. I am equally sure he has a short term memory deficit when it comes to executing those intentions. He was my handyman for a short time--which if you keep up with this, know how that ended.
I knew I would be going down the foreclosure road with them several months ago. Miraculously they pulled it out. But before pulling it out I got long drawn-out stories that really break down to this: circumstances in his life changed. Yada yada.
Yawn. Everyone's circumstances change.
He paid his mortgage for a reasonably longer period of time too but then fell behind. Finally, after working to get caught up they just stopped. I would feel worse for them if they didn't have a Neptune washer and dryer, a nicer electronic equipment than my husband's and their furniture wasn't top of the line. I am not ridiculing them for their possessions, but I don't see how stuff can be more important than a place to live.
Personally, I would rather hang my wet clothes up outside (and recently did for several weeks) than miss a mortgage payment. I would rather sit on the floor instead of a couch than give my children memories of loosing a home. Who knows, maybe they bought that stuff in a happier time. Maybe their things were gifts. Who am I to judge?
I knew the end was near when they started telling me they sent their payment in, but I never received it. When I would mention I didn't get it, they wouldn't seem the least bit phased. "Oh... my payment didn't make it and the money is in limbo? That's so sad..."
When I think of the sane people in my life, NOBODY I know would sit back and not wonder what happened to a large chunk of cash. They would be stopping payment and raising hell to find out where their money went. When it gets to this point, I know I can foreclose.
The foreclosure process is different than the rental eviction and takes longer. I have to wait longer to serve the deadbeats and there are other legal factors. But, it happens.
Tomorrow, thankfully, the Smiths will answer their door to my process server who will hand them their walking papers. This will start the legalities and I will probably have to wait several more weeks to get everything accomplished. But at least I won't have to hear any more yada yadas.
And, I would say 99 percent of the time getting to know a tenant ends ugly. Even ones where they have the best of intentions, ultimately, playing the friendly card ends in me asking them to leave. There are exceptions to this. In fact, right now I am working with a woman who I would like to see break this pattern. But, I know better and I am prepared for the worst.
A couple of years ago I met the Smiths. Mr. Smith chatted away about how great they were, how he could sing and how they so wanted a chance to be in my program. He barraged me with extraneous information about his family, sent me pictures of his kids and talked me up every chance he got.
Though this kind of attention was sweet, I have to admit, I have always kind of regarded him as a pesky little brother who I wish wouldn't call me. I dreaded hearing from him because I knew it was for some sort of bad news wound around a long-running saga. In fact, I would have traded all the photos of his family for one check arriving without drama. I am sure he has the best of intentions. I am equally sure he has a short term memory deficit when it comes to executing those intentions. He was my handyman for a short time--which if you keep up with this, know how that ended.
I knew I would be going down the foreclosure road with them several months ago. Miraculously they pulled it out. But before pulling it out I got long drawn-out stories that really break down to this: circumstances in his life changed. Yada yada.
Yawn. Everyone's circumstances change.
He paid his mortgage for a reasonably longer period of time too but then fell behind. Finally, after working to get caught up they just stopped. I would feel worse for them if they didn't have a Neptune washer and dryer, a nicer electronic equipment than my husband's and their furniture wasn't top of the line. I am not ridiculing them for their possessions, but I don't see how stuff can be more important than a place to live.
Personally, I would rather hang my wet clothes up outside (and recently did for several weeks) than miss a mortgage payment. I would rather sit on the floor instead of a couch than give my children memories of loosing a home. Who knows, maybe they bought that stuff in a happier time. Maybe their things were gifts. Who am I to judge?
I knew the end was near when they started telling me they sent their payment in, but I never received it. When I would mention I didn't get it, they wouldn't seem the least bit phased. "Oh... my payment didn't make it and the money is in limbo? That's so sad..."
When I think of the sane people in my life, NOBODY I know would sit back and not wonder what happened to a large chunk of cash. They would be stopping payment and raising hell to find out where their money went. When it gets to this point, I know I can foreclose.
The foreclosure process is different than the rental eviction and takes longer. I have to wait longer to serve the deadbeats and there are other legal factors. But, it happens.
Tomorrow, thankfully, the Smiths will answer their door to my process server who will hand them their walking papers. This will start the legalities and I will probably have to wait several more weeks to get everything accomplished. But at least I won't have to hear any more yada yadas.
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