I am not making this up--though I wish I was.
There were search dogs at my rental home this past weekend.
The folks who did the actual searching are pretty non-committal about their findings, though they were there for 5 hours--which strikes me as a bit more committal than not.
I am also told they aren't done with their search and are planning to come back again.
On a possibly unrelated note, I am ready for a vacation. Or at least baseball season.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Leasing 101
I am sure you might have guessed I have a few opinions about first impressions. I don't expect anyone to show up to rent a home with a suit and tie. But I expect a few general common sense guidelines that I would guess anyone raised half-right could figure out. Essentially, it boils down to: in the landlord-tenant game, let the other party know they can count on you.
Because I have been working full time in the Phoenix real estate gig for the past few months, I have seen my fair share of folks looking for a place to live. The ones who come to me, asking me to represent them, don't seem to understand--the property manager will ask my opinion of my clients when she sells them to the landlord. So, if I find that I might have trouble saying nice things about them, I don't take them on as my clients.
A few things I have seen of late:
If you haven't paid your mortgage for a year and the bank is auctioning your home this Friday, don't expect a landlord/property management company to be all that impressed with your planning abilities. Nor your sense of entitlement. I understand homes go into foreclosure and we are in interesting finanical times. I don't lack compassion for your overall situation. However, if you purposely STAY IN YOUR HOME WITHOUT MAKING A PAYMENT FOR 12 MONTHS, you are stealing. Bow out with some dignity. We all comprehend the state of the economy is different than what it used to be. But we don't all get your inability to move on or the lack of foresight to find a place to live moments before the bank shows up.
If you have $100,000 in credit card debt, and a good credit score, you are still a financial risk. Bankruptcy laws may have changed, but you still can walk away from this. Landlords know it. Landlords will still see you as a risk. If you think you can hide this from me, the person representing you, or the person who runs your credit, we will still find out. And neither of us will be happy to be blind-sided with this tid-bit when selling you to a landlord.
If you need a place to live, please do not call me insinuating I am only giving you rental listings above your drop-dead rental budget. Guess what! There are NO 2,000 square foot homes built in the past five years where you want to live renting for $800 a month. I am not paid extra because I am showing you the $900, 1,400 square foot homes. Honest.
If you are a Landlord and you want your home rented. May I suggest cleaning it up. If you you want someone with standards to live in your home, show them the kind of standards they need to have. If there are broken items in your home that might affect a potential tenant's quality of life, fix them. Does the future car of your dreams have missing breaks, steering wheel and flat tires? Why do you think a future tenant wants to live with broken windows, holes in the walls and dirty carpet?
Also, if you are a landlord and homes are renting for $300 less than what you are asking for the same sized home in the same neighborhood, it stands to reason you just look like a clown. A renter doesn't care that your home has one more linen closet than the one across the street. I swear. They don't. It doesn't make up for a $300 price increase either. I promise.
And last but not least, we talk. In the years I have been handling real estate, I have met several of the Valley's property managers. I am not about to risk my reputation with a property manager on a tenant who doesn't tell the truth. Nor am I going to refer a landlord to a property management company if they aren't willing to provide a quality home.
Because I have been working full time in the Phoenix real estate gig for the past few months, I have seen my fair share of folks looking for a place to live. The ones who come to me, asking me to represent them, don't seem to understand--the property manager will ask my opinion of my clients when she sells them to the landlord. So, if I find that I might have trouble saying nice things about them, I don't take them on as my clients.
A few things I have seen of late:
If you haven't paid your mortgage for a year and the bank is auctioning your home this Friday, don't expect a landlord/property management company to be all that impressed with your planning abilities. Nor your sense of entitlement. I understand homes go into foreclosure and we are in interesting finanical times. I don't lack compassion for your overall situation. However, if you purposely STAY IN YOUR HOME WITHOUT MAKING A PAYMENT FOR 12 MONTHS, you are stealing. Bow out with some dignity. We all comprehend the state of the economy is different than what it used to be. But we don't all get your inability to move on or the lack of foresight to find a place to live moments before the bank shows up.
If you have $100,000 in credit card debt, and a good credit score, you are still a financial risk. Bankruptcy laws may have changed, but you still can walk away from this. Landlords know it. Landlords will still see you as a risk. If you think you can hide this from me, the person representing you, or the person who runs your credit, we will still find out. And neither of us will be happy to be blind-sided with this tid-bit when selling you to a landlord.
If you need a place to live, please do not call me insinuating I am only giving you rental listings above your drop-dead rental budget. Guess what! There are NO 2,000 square foot homes built in the past five years where you want to live renting for $800 a month. I am not paid extra because I am showing you the $900, 1,400 square foot homes. Honest.
If you are a Landlord and you want your home rented. May I suggest cleaning it up. If you you want someone with standards to live in your home, show them the kind of standards they need to have. If there are broken items in your home that might affect a potential tenant's quality of life, fix them. Does the future car of your dreams have missing breaks, steering wheel and flat tires? Why do you think a future tenant wants to live with broken windows, holes in the walls and dirty carpet?
Also, if you are a landlord and homes are renting for $300 less than what you are asking for the same sized home in the same neighborhood, it stands to reason you just look like a clown. A renter doesn't care that your home has one more linen closet than the one across the street. I swear. They don't. It doesn't make up for a $300 price increase either. I promise.
And last but not least, we talk. In the years I have been handling real estate, I have met several of the Valley's property managers. I am not about to risk my reputation with a property manager on a tenant who doesn't tell the truth. Nor am I going to refer a landlord to a property management company if they aren't willing to provide a quality home.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Random Bama
Ms. Kathy sent me a high priority text at 5 A.M. the other day. The loose brick front steps that I discovered when I snuck up on her during my visit have been fixed--last week.
Frankly, I am glad she is speaking to me after my idiotic moment. It almost makes up for my phone ringing at 5 a.m. Almost.
________________________________
No word from Jack on our house for sale. I am so busy with other things that I have forgotten to stress about it. Until now.
________________________________
For the past several months the HVAC company I haven't used in almost a year has been calling me telling me it is time for a service on one of my homes. They tell me I paid for a service agreement--which I know darn well I did not. Or at least not on purpose.
Every time they call, I ask them to fax me this alleged agreement so I can see for myself. Every time they promise me they will send it and it has yet to come. I want it so I can ask for my money back. Because if I find out I paid for one, but I sure didn't authorize it.
_________________________________
Ms. Angela is unemployed and has lots of free time on her hands. I was caught off guard when she called me Friday to chat.
Also, I have gotten too many "forward this to everyone you know so you can annoy them and your wish will come true by 10:07 a.m. January 12, 2015 and if you don't your friends won't know how totally awesome you are because you didn't annoy them by forwarding this e-mail to you..." e-mails.
Sorry I didn't forward them to you. I am just not feeling totally awesome today.
_________________________________
Mr. Partner sent a sweet note, thanking me for all I do.
What is really cool is that it was unsolicited and this time it did not come as a result of Marty Sunshine's sudden confession that he found me in the throes of a nervous breakdown at the base of the stairs because I cracked under the stress. Things are looking up!
Frankly, I am glad she is speaking to me after my idiotic moment. It almost makes up for my phone ringing at 5 a.m. Almost.
________________________________
No word from Jack on our house for sale. I am so busy with other things that I have forgotten to stress about it. Until now.
________________________________
For the past several months the HVAC company I haven't used in almost a year has been calling me telling me it is time for a service on one of my homes. They tell me I paid for a service agreement--which I know darn well I did not. Or at least not on purpose.
Every time they call, I ask them to fax me this alleged agreement so I can see for myself. Every time they promise me they will send it and it has yet to come. I want it so I can ask for my money back. Because if I find out I paid for one, but I sure didn't authorize it.
_________________________________
Ms. Angela is unemployed and has lots of free time on her hands. I was caught off guard when she called me Friday to chat.
Also, I have gotten too many "forward this to everyone you know so you can annoy them and your wish will come true by 10:07 a.m. January 12, 2015 and if you don't your friends won't know how totally awesome you are because you didn't annoy them by forwarding this e-mail to you..." e-mails.
Sorry I didn't forward them to you. I am just not feeling totally awesome today.
_________________________________
Mr. Partner sent a sweet note, thanking me for all I do.
What is really cool is that it was unsolicited and this time it did not come as a result of Marty Sunshine's sudden confession that he found me in the throes of a nervous breakdown at the base of the stairs because I cracked under the stress. Things are looking up!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
He's the University of Alabama's Football Coach
Just like with everything else in life, experiences are all connected (thanks to my cyber-friend Lori for pointing that out). My accidental business transcends into all I do and into my daily life. I don't seek out all things Alabama. Instead, my experiences connect me to other experiences--which make me into who I am. I started thinking about this particular concept this week.
My connections:
I know more about Alabama horticulture than I ever expected to know. Did you know that hydrangea flowers become colorful if you add iron to the soil? Did you know that the botanical gardens in Hoover Alabama is the creator of a new breed of hydrangea? Did you know one of those hydrangea bushes are going to be residing at one of my rental homes?
I never expected to know the mechanics of how a roof works, how to install a dishwasher and how door lock technology has evolved in the past 40 years. Yet I am set if there is a Trivial Pursuit category for this.
Southern culture fascinates me, not because I am a big Gone With The Wind fan, but because I had to learn how to do business over there. Recently I had a grotesquely unpleasant encounter with another home school mother. When we were at an en pass and I realized that she had no room in her life for compassion or another opinion, I was able to say, "Bless your heart. Thank you for opening my eyes." She responded with, "Of course! You are very welcome," completely clueless of the subtext.
The plural of "y'all" is "all'y'all." And, that is the way it is spelled. People who aren't from the South aren't allowed to say "all'y'all." It is like the nerdy kid trying too hard to fit in with the cool clique.
If you asked me when I graduated from college if I would ever know the ins and outs of pop music publishing, the dirty secrets car dealerships don't want you to know and who Nick Saban happens to be, I would have looked at you like you were nuts. Why would I want to know these things? All of them I learned from managing rental homes in Alabama.
I learned of lots of other business-y things too. But those are for a few other blogs.
My connections:
I know more about Alabama horticulture than I ever expected to know. Did you know that hydrangea flowers become colorful if you add iron to the soil? Did you know that the botanical gardens in Hoover Alabama is the creator of a new breed of hydrangea? Did you know one of those hydrangea bushes are going to be residing at one of my rental homes?
I never expected to know the mechanics of how a roof works, how to install a dishwasher and how door lock technology has evolved in the past 40 years. Yet I am set if there is a Trivial Pursuit category for this.
Southern culture fascinates me, not because I am a big Gone With The Wind fan, but because I had to learn how to do business over there. Recently I had a grotesquely unpleasant encounter with another home school mother. When we were at an en pass and I realized that she had no room in her life for compassion or another opinion, I was able to say, "Bless your heart. Thank you for opening my eyes." She responded with, "Of course! You are very welcome," completely clueless of the subtext.
The plural of "y'all" is "all'y'all." And, that is the way it is spelled. People who aren't from the South aren't allowed to say "all'y'all." It is like the nerdy kid trying too hard to fit in with the cool clique.
If you asked me when I graduated from college if I would ever know the ins and outs of pop music publishing, the dirty secrets car dealerships don't want you to know and who Nick Saban happens to be, I would have looked at you like you were nuts. Why would I want to know these things? All of them I learned from managing rental homes in Alabama.
I learned of lots of other business-y things too. But those are for a few other blogs.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Just a Day In The LIfe
While I was in Birmingham, Kirby, my property manager handed me my rent checks. I then handed them back to him and asked him to mail them to me. "It would be faster." I said, meaning, I would not be hitting a bank any time soon. Nor did I want to cart that amount of money around with me for a week.
Last week I called Kirby, gently reminding him that I hadn't received my rent checks. "I sent them the day we spoke." That would be March 8 for anyone keeping track. Nonetheless, I hadn't received them.
We agreed if I didn't have them by Monday (yesterday), he would re-issue them. Which would be mighty convenient, as I want to use the money to pay for silly little things like, say, the mortgages.
Monday (yesterday), Kirby shot me an e-mail wanting to know if I moved. You see, the checks were returned to him with a lovely stamp from the Post Office saying, "No one with this name at this address, y'all." Nope. have been at the same place for several years, I told him.
I have no idea what the Post Office was thinking. But then again, does anyone fully comprehend the Post Office's methods?
Kirby has cheerfully re-sent the checks. Generally it takes two or three days for them to arrive from Birmingham to my mailbox. Hopefully the Post Office will graciously allow for them to be delivered this time. Because I am not sure I can explain to the bank or Mr. Partner the check is really in the mail.
Last week I called Kirby, gently reminding him that I hadn't received my rent checks. "I sent them the day we spoke." That would be March 8 for anyone keeping track. Nonetheless, I hadn't received them.
We agreed if I didn't have them by Monday (yesterday), he would re-issue them. Which would be mighty convenient, as I want to use the money to pay for silly little things like, say, the mortgages.
Monday (yesterday), Kirby shot me an e-mail wanting to know if I moved. You see, the checks were returned to him with a lovely stamp from the Post Office saying, "No one with this name at this address, y'all." Nope. have been at the same place for several years, I told him.
I have no idea what the Post Office was thinking. But then again, does anyone fully comprehend the Post Office's methods?
Kirby has cheerfully re-sent the checks. Generally it takes two or three days for them to arrive from Birmingham to my mailbox. Hopefully the Post Office will graciously allow for them to be delivered this time. Because I am not sure I can explain to the bank or Mr. Partner the check is really in the mail.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Seller
Jack and I have had our meeting of the minds. And I now have a bit more of an understanding of what is going on with him. It seems Jack is just not confident about selling the home through traditional means, meaning the MLS. He is concerned about the current Birmingham economic conditions affecting us as we put it for sale. This is spoken like a true real estate professional who is in tune with the market.
We all have heard how doctors are the worst patients and lawyers who represent themselves have fools for clients. Real estate agents are the absolute worst sellers. The sellers in us are saying, "Of course it will sell. In fact, the price is way too low." Fortunately in this case, there are two of us--Jack and me--to alternate channeling the wildly manic role of seller. Also fortunately, we are both aware we have to take turns in this role for the sake of our sanity.
The role of the seller is to be wildly optimistic, ignoring market trends, data and real life cues. On Friday, I went on record saying I will not fix anything and the (hypothetical) buyer will just have to take the house or leave it. Jack politely pointed out how unrealistic that happens to be. But, I am sticking with it as of today.
The seller will make broad sweeping generalizations for the first couple weeks, blaming anyone and everyone for the lack of showings and/or lack of contract. In this case, we can blame our tenant for not cooperating and/or keeping the home cleaner than humanly possible. Because we all know a dirty light bulb will make or break a sale.
After the first few weeks, the seller will then start picking apart the home. Maybe if we consider painting the pantry, the buyer will miraculously appear at our doorstep, ignore the price, location and home amenities. But, they will somehow stumble into the kitchen, open up the pantry door and gasp, "Look how spanking new that pantry is! Won't my canned peas go with the antique white paint?" I am guilty as charged (but my pantry looked great!).
A few weeks later, the seller will then start blaming the real estate agent. Is he (in this case "he" would be Jack) marketing the house properly? Is he advertising everywhere there is to advertise? Where is the billboard with my home plastered across it? The agent will, of course, rightly suggest that lowering the price might be in our best interest. At some point the seller will begrudgingly agree and do what should have been done in the first place.
Because Jack and I are aware of how sellers can be, we have agreed after a few weeks to put the house on the market for rent--just in case the whole seller thing doesn't work out.
We all have heard how doctors are the worst patients and lawyers who represent themselves have fools for clients. Real estate agents are the absolute worst sellers. The sellers in us are saying, "Of course it will sell. In fact, the price is way too low." Fortunately in this case, there are two of us--Jack and me--to alternate channeling the wildly manic role of seller. Also fortunately, we are both aware we have to take turns in this role for the sake of our sanity.
The role of the seller is to be wildly optimistic, ignoring market trends, data and real life cues. On Friday, I went on record saying I will not fix anything and the (hypothetical) buyer will just have to take the house or leave it. Jack politely pointed out how unrealistic that happens to be. But, I am sticking with it as of today.
The seller will make broad sweeping generalizations for the first couple weeks, blaming anyone and everyone for the lack of showings and/or lack of contract. In this case, we can blame our tenant for not cooperating and/or keeping the home cleaner than humanly possible. Because we all know a dirty light bulb will make or break a sale.
After the first few weeks, the seller will then start picking apart the home. Maybe if we consider painting the pantry, the buyer will miraculously appear at our doorstep, ignore the price, location and home amenities. But, they will somehow stumble into the kitchen, open up the pantry door and gasp, "Look how spanking new that pantry is! Won't my canned peas go with the antique white paint?" I am guilty as charged (but my pantry looked great!).
A few weeks later, the seller will then start blaming the real estate agent. Is he (in this case "he" would be Jack) marketing the house properly? Is he advertising everywhere there is to advertise? Where is the billboard with my home plastered across it? The agent will, of course, rightly suggest that lowering the price might be in our best interest. At some point the seller will begrudgingly agree and do what should have been done in the first place.
Because Jack and I are aware of how sellers can be, we have agreed after a few weeks to put the house on the market for rent--just in case the whole seller thing doesn't work out.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Jumping Jack
Our tenant agreed to let us show the home. As he put it, "we will agree to your terms." Which was mighty nice of him, given our "terms" were let a real estate agent call ahead of time and schedule a moment at his convenience to view the property. In exchange we will let him out of his lease.
However, Jack seems to be backing off on the whole sell thing. I am not sure what is going on with that. He said he is afraid we will be nickel-and-dimed by a seller about every little thing. Somehow this is way different than being nickel-and-dimed by our tenant about every little thing.
At any rate, Jack isn't feeling like we can sell it for enough or doesn't want to deal with it. Or... I don't exactly know his motivation. I am willing to do whatever it takes. As long as we do something.
My gut feel tells me Jack is just nervous about a vacant home. But doing nothing won't get the home occupied.
Later....
It occurred to me that Jack just doesn't want to disappoint us. I would like to get a bit of equity out of it, and he hasn't felt we could sell the home for much more than we paid for it. We won't loose money, but in Jack's professional estimation we aren't going to do much more than break even. Jack is all for selling. We were luke-warm on it, but the more I thought about the intrinsics--like having one less house on my plate and using the proceeds to help our under-capitalized issues--the more I was in favor.
When I thought about it, Jack's behavior strikes me as trying to find other solutions that would be mutually pleasing. Not flaking. It was just landing as flaking. Hopefully when he and I have a chance to chat in the next day or so, I will have a better picture.
However, Jack seems to be backing off on the whole sell thing. I am not sure what is going on with that. He said he is afraid we will be nickel-and-dimed by a seller about every little thing. Somehow this is way different than being nickel-and-dimed by our tenant about every little thing.
At any rate, Jack isn't feeling like we can sell it for enough or doesn't want to deal with it. Or... I don't exactly know his motivation. I am willing to do whatever it takes. As long as we do something.
My gut feel tells me Jack is just nervous about a vacant home. But doing nothing won't get the home occupied.
Later....
It occurred to me that Jack just doesn't want to disappoint us. I would like to get a bit of equity out of it, and he hasn't felt we could sell the home for much more than we paid for it. We won't loose money, but in Jack's professional estimation we aren't going to do much more than break even. Jack is all for selling. We were luke-warm on it, but the more I thought about the intrinsics--like having one less house on my plate and using the proceeds to help our under-capitalized issues--the more I was in favor.
When I thought about it, Jack's behavior strikes me as trying to find other solutions that would be mutually pleasing. Not flaking. It was just landing as flaking. Hopefully when he and I have a chance to chat in the next day or so, I will have a better picture.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Me and Jack
Many years ago, Alabama real estate guru Jack approached Marty Sunshine and I about partnering on a home. By this time we had a pretty good idea what we were looking for in a real estate partner and thus a beautiful partnership was formed.
We bought one home before mine and Marty's under-capitalized issues caught up with us. That was ok with Jack, because he realized he really didn't need us anyway and had more control and variety if he went out on his own. Which he did. He has done very well for himself and we would have been a hindrance.
Our one home has done pretty well. We bought it under market. It is still worth slightly more than we paid for it. With our first renter, we were getting a decent rent amount. Our second tenant was an acquaintance of Jack's. In a moment of what I perceived as desperation, Jack gave him an awesome break on the rent, netting us about $50 a month in mad money. My feeling is Jack was afraid we wouldn't get the home rented and/or it would sit vacant for way too long (this is Birmingham where homes don't sit vacant, but I digress). At any rate, this guy got one heck of a deal on the rent.
In the ten months he has lived there, this guy has also asked for darn near everything. There was a leaky this. A faulty that. This doesn't close right. That is the wrong color. Even though Jack had to deal with all this (because the guy just flat-out refused to call me) I was sick of him. To top it all off, our $50 a month surplus wasn't really paying for the electrician/medicine man/ghost buster that our tenant seems to need. So, these repairs came out of our pockets.
I seriously don't know what happened to the home between tenant number one and tenant number two, because tenant number one never had an issue and nothing was leaking/broken/possessed when he moved out. I suspect if this guy didn't know Jack socially, he wouldn't be bugging him every month over every little thing.
This week our tenant called Jack and said he would like out of his lease. You see, he bought a home. Even though he is in a lease, he decided it would be ok to purchase. I understand sort of. There are great deals for people who are buying right now. However, part of me figures because of his personality and because he knows Jack, he figures another favor won't hurt.
This time Jack asked me what I wanted to do. Did I want to re-rent it? Sell it? Would I be willing to give the tenant back his deposit because he asked so sweetly?
I thought about this for quite a while before I gave him an answer. If I could get market rent (which is about $150 more a month than I am getting now), I would be happy to keep it. We aren't upside down on the property, but if we sell, we aren't going to net much.
But there are other reasons to consider selling. I think the world of Jack. He is a man of honor. He is a savvy business man and I have learned a lot from him. I have as much as told him so. But this property isn't Jack's niche. He prefers townhomes and smaller homes. This one doesn't fit his formula.
Also, I can't guarantee Jack won't feel the need to give another phenomenal break on the rent to the next tenant who comes along. Though Jack doesn't say so, he isn't inclined to manage our partnership the way I have trained Mr. Partner. Jack is more involved--which makes sense given he lives near this house.
At any rate, I decided it might be best to try selling the house. The tenant isn't moving out until May 1, so there are some logistics involved. Playing the bad cop, I wrote our tenant today, explaining that if he pays April's rent and if he keeps the place clean and allows real estate agents to bring in buyers we will bribe him by giving his deposit back. Except I didn't say bribe.
If our tenant doesn't agree to allow the property to be shown, I suggested to Jack that he put a for sale sign in the yard anyway. Either way, if we don't have any bites by mid-April, I told Jack I would like to try renting it out again too. This time for a bit more mad money.
We bought one home before mine and Marty's under-capitalized issues caught up with us. That was ok with Jack, because he realized he really didn't need us anyway and had more control and variety if he went out on his own. Which he did. He has done very well for himself and we would have been a hindrance.
Our one home has done pretty well. We bought it under market. It is still worth slightly more than we paid for it. With our first renter, we were getting a decent rent amount. Our second tenant was an acquaintance of Jack's. In a moment of what I perceived as desperation, Jack gave him an awesome break on the rent, netting us about $50 a month in mad money. My feeling is Jack was afraid we wouldn't get the home rented and/or it would sit vacant for way too long (this is Birmingham where homes don't sit vacant, but I digress). At any rate, this guy got one heck of a deal on the rent.
In the ten months he has lived there, this guy has also asked for darn near everything. There was a leaky this. A faulty that. This doesn't close right. That is the wrong color. Even though Jack had to deal with all this (because the guy just flat-out refused to call me) I was sick of him. To top it all off, our $50 a month surplus wasn't really paying for the electrician/medicine man/ghost buster that our tenant seems to need. So, these repairs came out of our pockets.
I seriously don't know what happened to the home between tenant number one and tenant number two, because tenant number one never had an issue and nothing was leaking/broken/possessed when he moved out. I suspect if this guy didn't know Jack socially, he wouldn't be bugging him every month over every little thing.
This week our tenant called Jack and said he would like out of his lease. You see, he bought a home. Even though he is in a lease, he decided it would be ok to purchase. I understand sort of. There are great deals for people who are buying right now. However, part of me figures because of his personality and because he knows Jack, he figures another favor won't hurt.
This time Jack asked me what I wanted to do. Did I want to re-rent it? Sell it? Would I be willing to give the tenant back his deposit because he asked so sweetly?
I thought about this for quite a while before I gave him an answer. If I could get market rent (which is about $150 more a month than I am getting now), I would be happy to keep it. We aren't upside down on the property, but if we sell, we aren't going to net much.
But there are other reasons to consider selling. I think the world of Jack. He is a man of honor. He is a savvy business man and I have learned a lot from him. I have as much as told him so. But this property isn't Jack's niche. He prefers townhomes and smaller homes. This one doesn't fit his formula.
Also, I can't guarantee Jack won't feel the need to give another phenomenal break on the rent to the next tenant who comes along. Though Jack doesn't say so, he isn't inclined to manage our partnership the way I have trained Mr. Partner. Jack is more involved--which makes sense given he lives near this house.
At any rate, I decided it might be best to try selling the house. The tenant isn't moving out until May 1, so there are some logistics involved. Playing the bad cop, I wrote our tenant today, explaining that if he pays April's rent and if he keeps the place clean and allows real estate agents to bring in buyers we will bribe him by giving his deposit back. Except I didn't say bribe.
If our tenant doesn't agree to allow the property to be shown, I suggested to Jack that he put a for sale sign in the yard anyway. Either way, if we don't have any bites by mid-April, I told Jack I would like to try renting it out again too. This time for a bit more mad money.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
It's a Miracle!
Alabama has had record-setting rain this past week. I heard someone bandy around 5 inches in an hour, though I don't remember who told me that. The rain wrecked havoc on Artie and Candy's roof. Mr. 114 graciously drove an hour to provide an emergency fix.
But the real news is, that even with all this rain, not a drop has fallen on the cardboard Mr. 114 put down on Ms. Shirley's floor over her leaky spot last week. It is like somehow the problem just miraculously fixed itself.
But the real news is, that even with all this rain, not a drop has fallen on the cardboard Mr. 114 put down on Ms. Shirley's floor over her leaky spot last week. It is like somehow the problem just miraculously fixed itself.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Bummer
Ms. Angela called me Monday morning. Her job is going away. So is her company's Birmingham office. Ms. Angela told me she is considering taking a position in Atlanta and commuting on the weekends (leaving her older children to watch the younger one). Alabama's unemployment rate is about 12 percent. It wouldn't surprise me if she has to work in Atlanta.
She told me she has enough money coming in with her son's social security to cover the rent and she doesn't want to "loose her home." I believe she means it.
However, she is emotional right now. The realities of unemployment haven't hit. They will and then she might be singing a different tune. The house won't be as important to her as mere survival.
I would like to see this work out for Ms. Angela for several reasons. First and foremost, I like her. She is also a good tenant--and good tenants are worth keeping.
I didn't budget for another vacant home. But now that I know, I can be prepared if necessary. She may not think she is moving, but for my sake, I know that I need to act like this is the beginning of the end. I met Ms. Angela. She is a proud woman who will do right by her family. And I know that means a house will never be more important than her family's stability.
She told me she has enough money coming in with her son's social security to cover the rent and she doesn't want to "loose her home." I believe she means it.
However, she is emotional right now. The realities of unemployment haven't hit. They will and then she might be singing a different tune. The house won't be as important to her as mere survival.
I would like to see this work out for Ms. Angela for several reasons. First and foremost, I like her. She is also a good tenant--and good tenants are worth keeping.
I didn't budget for another vacant home. But now that I know, I can be prepared if necessary. She may not think she is moving, but for my sake, I know that I need to act like this is the beginning of the end. I met Ms. Angela. She is a proud woman who will do right by her family. And I know that means a house will never be more important than her family's stability.
Monday, March 15, 2010
From Floor to Ceiling
There was a little party at Artie and Candy's on Saturday. I wasn't in town for it. James, the hell's angel turned carpet guy, was there measuring for the new flooring, when the roof picked that moment to leak. Again.
I must tell you, I am starting to question my roof Karma. For a while last year, I couldn't figure out how my former tenants managed to live with a leaking roof for so long. Then someone reminded me how Alabama had been in a drought for a few years. It ended last summer, at the same time Artie and Candy moved in. Now, I am not saying Artie and Candy brought the rain with them, but it seems to be a might bit of a coincidence, don't you think?
The roof issue isn't really a big one. Mr. 114 has fixed it before. And this time I would greatly appreciate if he would fix it for good, thankyouverymuch. Or, if there is a new leak, if he could figure out a way to stop it once and for all. This isn't one of those occasions where the returning leak provides job security. I am certain Mr. 114 is smart enough and professional enough to be aware of that.
Normally phone calls on Saturday morning from the 205 area code make me crazy. But, after just returning from the South, I was aware James the hell's angel turned carpet guy would be out there some time soon. I am a bit surprised Mr. 114 needs to return. I am sure he was surprised too. Fortunately, Mr. 114 subscribes to Work Ethics Are Us and I won't have to fret too much about the roof repair.
As it stands right now, Mr. 114 must fix the roof before James can do his magic. This hopefully will be done some time this week provided the weather holds up. Then, Artie and Candy can have a real party. And perhaps they can bring on some sunshine.
I must tell you, I am starting to question my roof Karma. For a while last year, I couldn't figure out how my former tenants managed to live with a leaking roof for so long. Then someone reminded me how Alabama had been in a drought for a few years. It ended last summer, at the same time Artie and Candy moved in. Now, I am not saying Artie and Candy brought the rain with them, but it seems to be a might bit of a coincidence, don't you think?
The roof issue isn't really a big one. Mr. 114 has fixed it before. And this time I would greatly appreciate if he would fix it for good, thankyouverymuch. Or, if there is a new leak, if he could figure out a way to stop it once and for all. This isn't one of those occasions where the returning leak provides job security. I am certain Mr. 114 is smart enough and professional enough to be aware of that.
Normally phone calls on Saturday morning from the 205 area code make me crazy. But, after just returning from the South, I was aware James the hell's angel turned carpet guy would be out there some time soon. I am a bit surprised Mr. 114 needs to return. I am sure he was surprised too. Fortunately, Mr. 114 subscribes to Work Ethics Are Us and I won't have to fret too much about the roof repair.
As it stands right now, Mr. 114 must fix the roof before James can do his magic. This hopefully will be done some time this week provided the weather holds up. Then, Artie and Candy can have a real party. And perhaps they can bring on some sunshine.
Friday, March 12, 2010
I'm Back
I'm exhausted.
After four hours sitting around the Birmingham Airport because of weather issues in Florida I was able to board and fly home Thursday. While stranded, I was swapping sandwiches and information with new friends who were in the same situation. "You don't want to go to that store, they charge too much for a pack of gum... but that guy over there with the six kids, if you shared your granola bars I would be willing to bet he would give you one of his bottles of water." And so it went. I saw more people in the tiny airport terminal than I did during the week on my travels--and I saw a lot of people during the week.
It was a good trip. I have a hard time measuring my productivity this time. But, I believe it was productive. Generally when I go, I have a set agenda with concrete goals. I am going to get this notarized, this filled out, meet with this person and discuss this specific thing...
This trip was more of a public relations junket. I could say I really didn't need to go. But, I think I did. What I really wanted was to see who might be moving this summer so I could budget. I wanted to see where I was vulnerable and be able to plan accordingly. I needed to see how the homes were being treated.
I spent Sunday with Carolsue going around from tenant to tenant, making sure they didn't need anything. I pre-picked out five homes to see for Sunday and got around to four of them and added another one at the spur of th moment--but more on that later. During my visit, I asked tenants about air filters and any repairs needed. If the neighbors were treating them well, etc.
Artie and Candy are still together. I thought they might be leaving this summer. Now I don't think so. I am not convinced Mrs. Spring will ever move. Nor Ms. Angie.
Actually, I am convinced Ms. Angie will never move. She has called me for the past four years asking if I had a place to rent. Years ago, she heard about me from at least two of my tenants (whom I didn't know knew each other) and has been calling ever since. She is a proud woman, who is excited to be able to do right by her family. This summer she is hosting her daughter's wedding reception at "her" home. She can now do that because there is a back yard. There are also enough bedrooms for her and her children. Before this, the five of them were were living in a 2 bedroom townhouse for about the same amount of money she pays me.
In one of my most humiliating and incompetent moments, I accidentally stopped in on Ms. Kathy. She wasn't on my meet-and-greet list for this trip. I drove by but forgot she lives in a neighborhood where all roads lead past her home. And, she is kind of on a dead-end street. After driving around and trying to get back to the main road, the neighbors and Ms. Kathy all came out of their homes, rightly suspicious. I really think this was a good sign about the neighborhood--a community that bands together when something unusual happens. Except in this case, they were banding together to out me--the crazy lost driver.
It wouldn't have been such a big deal and I could have just driven away, explaining to the random neighbor I was lost, if Carolsue hadn't been with me. I knew Ms. Kathy would recognize her, so I didn't even pretend. Instead, we stopped and said hello. I felt like a clown. No, a stalker. Seriously, is there any way to lessen credibility as a no-nonsense landlord than to scare one's tenant because a suspicious car keeps obviously driving by?
Monday I stopped in on Ms. Shirley. I also managed to wrangle Mr. 114 into a few jobs for me. He really is one of the nicest people I have met along this wild Alabama journey. He is honest, affordable and does great work.
On my way back from Ms. Shirley's I went by to meet Kirby, my real property manager who handles two of my homes in the Southern end of the Birmingham metro area. He took me to lunch and we discussed landlordy-type things and swapped tenant stories. Incidentally, Kirby thinks Ms. Shirley wants a kick-back from the roofing company.
After a quick car swap (my car rental wasn't acting right), I went by to see Mrs. Sherwood. I adore her. Even if she wanted an oven, I would feel the same way. If she weren't a tenant, I would look for her on Facebook. Except she has a pit bull. That is kind of a problem. We discussed the pit bull and some solutions with me explaining there is a clause in her lease and about my home owner's insurance. The pit has to go.
Jack and Mrs. Jack took me to dinner Monday night.
Tuesday I met with various parities who are working on a criminal investigation my former tenant may or may not be involved in. There is probably a movie-of-the-week plot in here somewhere. The outcome of talking with the lawyers and investigators is that I agreed to testify if it goes to trial next month. When it is over, details will come. Frankly, I wish it were over right now.
Tuesday night Carolsue fixed me dinner. Home cooked food.
Wednesday I met with Legal Eagle to go over the miscellaneous items I had waiting for her. Then we discussed child rearing, theology and all sorts of other girl-friend things that hopefully she won't bill me for.
Wednesday afternoon I went off the clock. I went up to Hoke's Bluff Alabama, which is a suburb of the thriving metropolis of Gadsden. This is like saying Hooterville is a thriving metropolis of Mayberry. But work with me. I met a friend up there. I stayed in a farmhouse built in the 1870s that had wild daffodils growing outside. There were no talks about rental homes or criminal investigations. Just two good friends laughing and listening to music.
Now I am home. I am satisfied I need to plan for one vacant home, possibly two, this summer. Though this trip was intrinsic, it was necessary. It gave me peace.
After four hours sitting around the Birmingham Airport because of weather issues in Florida I was able to board and fly home Thursday. While stranded, I was swapping sandwiches and information with new friends who were in the same situation. "You don't want to go to that store, they charge too much for a pack of gum... but that guy over there with the six kids, if you shared your granola bars I would be willing to bet he would give you one of his bottles of water." And so it went. I saw more people in the tiny airport terminal than I did during the week on my travels--and I saw a lot of people during the week.
It was a good trip. I have a hard time measuring my productivity this time. But, I believe it was productive. Generally when I go, I have a set agenda with concrete goals. I am going to get this notarized, this filled out, meet with this person and discuss this specific thing...
This trip was more of a public relations junket. I could say I really didn't need to go. But, I think I did. What I really wanted was to see who might be moving this summer so I could budget. I wanted to see where I was vulnerable and be able to plan accordingly. I needed to see how the homes were being treated.
I spent Sunday with Carolsue going around from tenant to tenant, making sure they didn't need anything. I pre-picked out five homes to see for Sunday and got around to four of them and added another one at the spur of th moment--but more on that later. During my visit, I asked tenants about air filters and any repairs needed. If the neighbors were treating them well, etc.
Artie and Candy are still together. I thought they might be leaving this summer. Now I don't think so. I am not convinced Mrs. Spring will ever move. Nor Ms. Angie.
Actually, I am convinced Ms. Angie will never move. She has called me for the past four years asking if I had a place to rent. Years ago, she heard about me from at least two of my tenants (whom I didn't know knew each other) and has been calling ever since. She is a proud woman, who is excited to be able to do right by her family. This summer she is hosting her daughter's wedding reception at "her" home. She can now do that because there is a back yard. There are also enough bedrooms for her and her children. Before this, the five of them were were living in a 2 bedroom townhouse for about the same amount of money she pays me.
In one of my most humiliating and incompetent moments, I accidentally stopped in on Ms. Kathy. She wasn't on my meet-and-greet list for this trip. I drove by but forgot she lives in a neighborhood where all roads lead past her home. And, she is kind of on a dead-end street. After driving around and trying to get back to the main road, the neighbors and Ms. Kathy all came out of their homes, rightly suspicious. I really think this was a good sign about the neighborhood--a community that bands together when something unusual happens. Except in this case, they were banding together to out me--the crazy lost driver.
It wouldn't have been such a big deal and I could have just driven away, explaining to the random neighbor I was lost, if Carolsue hadn't been with me. I knew Ms. Kathy would recognize her, so I didn't even pretend. Instead, we stopped and said hello. I felt like a clown. No, a stalker. Seriously, is there any way to lessen credibility as a no-nonsense landlord than to scare one's tenant because a suspicious car keeps obviously driving by?
Monday I stopped in on Ms. Shirley. I also managed to wrangle Mr. 114 into a few jobs for me. He really is one of the nicest people I have met along this wild Alabama journey. He is honest, affordable and does great work.
On my way back from Ms. Shirley's I went by to meet Kirby, my real property manager who handles two of my homes in the Southern end of the Birmingham metro area. He took me to lunch and we discussed landlordy-type things and swapped tenant stories. Incidentally, Kirby thinks Ms. Shirley wants a kick-back from the roofing company.
After a quick car swap (my car rental wasn't acting right), I went by to see Mrs. Sherwood. I adore her. Even if she wanted an oven, I would feel the same way. If she weren't a tenant, I would look for her on Facebook. Except she has a pit bull. That is kind of a problem. We discussed the pit bull and some solutions with me explaining there is a clause in her lease and about my home owner's insurance. The pit has to go.
Jack and Mrs. Jack took me to dinner Monday night.
Tuesday I met with various parities who are working on a criminal investigation my former tenant may or may not be involved in. There is probably a movie-of-the-week plot in here somewhere. The outcome of talking with the lawyers and investigators is that I agreed to testify if it goes to trial next month. When it is over, details will come. Frankly, I wish it were over right now.
Tuesday night Carolsue fixed me dinner. Home cooked food.
Wednesday I met with Legal Eagle to go over the miscellaneous items I had waiting for her. Then we discussed child rearing, theology and all sorts of other girl-friend things that hopefully she won't bill me for.
Wednesday afternoon I went off the clock. I went up to Hoke's Bluff Alabama, which is a suburb of the thriving metropolis of Gadsden. This is like saying Hooterville is a thriving metropolis of Mayberry. But work with me. I met a friend up there. I stayed in a farmhouse built in the 1870s that had wild daffodils growing outside. There were no talks about rental homes or criminal investigations. Just two good friends laughing and listening to music.
Now I am home. I am satisfied I need to plan for one vacant home, possibly two, this summer. Though this trip was intrinsic, it was necessary. It gave me peace.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
All News is News
Ok. I understand bad news happens. I am good with that. It happens to all of us, even those who aren't landlords or don't want to be landlords.
What I don't understand is when reasonable people genuinely lack accountability. It is as if these tenants think I am going to march right over to their home and do something about the frustration stemming from their bad news (even the ones who lived less than a five miles away). Or worse, they don't want to tell me about the space aliens living in the basement for fear I will be upset. Yea. Probably. But then again, wouldn't anyone be.
Recently, my daughter didn't want to tell me about the black magic marker that is now permanently in my beige carpet. So, she hid it under some couch cushions (in the middle of the living room floor). When I picked up the couch cushions, I had a surprise. When I asked her why she hid the mess, she said, "I didn't want you to be mad."
I explained to her "mad" was a reasonable assumption under the circumstances. "Mad" doesn't always have consequences. But, now the emotion factor had escalated because she purposely decieved me. Sometimes I fell like some of my tenants are 9 year old girls playing with magic markers.
Anyway, in the interest of full disclosure, I have nothing to write about. So, I am calling it in. Here is my list of the baddies I don't want to hear--but will listen to. And, just in case some other tenant finds my blog via Twitter, please understand, don't expect no reaction to any of these.
1. Crickets. If you have news, tell me. Don't wait. Unlike wine and cheese, news does not age well with time.
2. "I just got back from vacation and I can't afford the rent."
3. "I can't pay you because all my other bills are due at the same time." Honest to goodness, someone said that to me.
4. "I didn't want to bother you, so I thought I would take care of it myself." (but then called you at 6:30 in the morning anyway, to tell you the upstairs extension I was in the process of adding collapsed on me.).
5. "I know my rights." Every tenant who has thrown this at me, did not know their rights. I am amazed at how many people who are in the wrong bandy this one around.
6. "I got a roommate." Um. Read your lease. No you didn't.
7. "Ms. Landlord, this is Mrs. Nosey, living next door to your rental in Birmingham. I wanted to tell you that..."
8. "What am I supposed to do?" I have to say, I am numb to this. If you have lived long enough so that your parents are no longer responsible for your general maintenance and upkeep, don't expect me to have an answer either.
What I don't understand is when reasonable people genuinely lack accountability. It is as if these tenants think I am going to march right over to their home and do something about the frustration stemming from their bad news (even the ones who lived less than a five miles away). Or worse, they don't want to tell me about the space aliens living in the basement for fear I will be upset. Yea. Probably. But then again, wouldn't anyone be.
Recently, my daughter didn't want to tell me about the black magic marker that is now permanently in my beige carpet. So, she hid it under some couch cushions (in the middle of the living room floor). When I picked up the couch cushions, I had a surprise. When I asked her why she hid the mess, she said, "I didn't want you to be mad."
I explained to her "mad" was a reasonable assumption under the circumstances. "Mad" doesn't always have consequences. But, now the emotion factor had escalated because she purposely decieved me. Sometimes I fell like some of my tenants are 9 year old girls playing with magic markers.
Anyway, in the interest of full disclosure, I have nothing to write about. So, I am calling it in. Here is my list of the baddies I don't want to hear--but will listen to. And, just in case some other tenant finds my blog via Twitter, please understand, don't expect no reaction to any of these.
1. Crickets. If you have news, tell me. Don't wait. Unlike wine and cheese, news does not age well with time.
2. "I just got back from vacation and I can't afford the rent."
3. "I can't pay you because all my other bills are due at the same time." Honest to goodness, someone said that to me.
4. "I didn't want to bother you, so I thought I would take care of it myself." (but then called you at 6:30 in the morning anyway, to tell you the upstairs extension I was in the process of adding collapsed on me.).
5. "I know my rights." Every tenant who has thrown this at me, did not know their rights. I am amazed at how many people who are in the wrong bandy this one around.
6. "I got a roommate." Um. Read your lease. No you didn't.
7. "Ms. Landlord, this is Mrs. Nosey, living next door to your rental in Birmingham. I wanted to tell you that..."
8. "What am I supposed to do?" I have to say, I am numb to this. If you have lived long enough so that your parents are no longer responsible for your general maintenance and upkeep, don't expect me to have an answer either.
My BS Meter is Spinning Out of Control
Ms. Shirley's roof.
Ms. Shirley's roof leak.
A quick back story: Ms. Shirley says she has a roof leak. She wants me to re-roof the entire home and, without talking to me first, called a roofer to take care of this.
Ms. Shirley is adamant there is a leak. Mr. 114 doesn't think so. My gut tells me the whole thing is bunk. But, since I was already in the state, I figured it might be worth swinging on by and checking it out myself.
Because this never sounded right, I thought I would just add a bit of extra assurance to my visit. So, I had prearranged with Mr. 114 prior to all this. He was casually hanging out in his yard when I arrived. And I casually saw him and said hello, making sure Ms. Shirley (if she was peeking out her window--which I am sure she was) saw us say hello. And, then I just casually invited him to join me in reviewing Ms. Shirley's roofing issue.
I know a thing or two about leaky roofs--mainly there has to be some sort of point of entry, say like a hole. Water must be able to penetrate through that point of entry, using the forces of gravity and land in a place that will correspond with the hole above. If there are no other outside forces, like say, a gust of wind, the water spot should be underneath the point of entry in question.
How's that for scientific?
To be honest, I figured once I saw the place in question, the jury would be out on this. After all, it hadn't rained in 10 days. How much of a water spot could there be? What I did find when I arrived was a damp plywood floor. The stumper was that there wasn't any corresponding ceiling spot to go with the floor spot.
Mr. 114 got a step stool and felt around on the ceiling. There was no wet spot. There was no discoloration. The way the water would happen to fall did not correspond to where the water happened to land. It just doesn't make sense.
Underneath the flooring of this room is the garage. Mr. 114 even went so far as to go into the garage and check out that ceiling too. That is clean as well. It doesn't look like there are any pipes running through that part of the ceiling. There might be, but it would be kind of a strange route through the house.
While Mr. 114 was looking into the mystery leak, Ms. Shirley and I were sitting around getting to know each other. Apparently she was expecting someone thinner, younger, blond and someone who wore bright red lipstick and stiletto heals. She sweetly told me so.
While we were chatting, she asked me how much I would sell the house for. When I gave her my number, she informed me the home across the street was selling for much less. Nice to know, but that didn't change my number.
She then brought up the roof issue again, assuring me she knew this company who would be happy to fix my roof for free. All I had to do was let the insurance company pay for it. I explained to Ms. Shirley it wasn't free. There are deductibles and insurance premiums. And that "not costing anything" really didn't mean not costing anything right now. If my insurance costs go up, I would have to raise Ms. Shirley's rent.
She persisted about the roof a bit longer, assuring me this company was great. "Well, they can give you a free quote, you know." Ms. Shirley said by way of endorsement.
As I explained to her that only Mr. 114 would be touching my roof, her body language dramatically transformed. I saw it happen and realized it changed, but didn't recognize why at the time. Instantly the energy in the room changed. In any case, I took that moment to say my parting niceties and skedaddle.
After I finished with Ms. Shirley, I popped next door to see Mr. 114. I wanted to discuss a few things with him, including jobs at Mr. Green's home and Artie's home. But before that, I asked the million dollar question: "Why is the floor wet more than a week after the last rain?" I asked. He was thinking the same thing.
Mr. 114 and I spent a few moments trying to figure out exactly what Ms. Shirley is up to. Does she get a kick-back from the roofing company? Is she trying to talk me down on the purchase price of the home? Does she want to scream "toxic mold" so she can sue me? It doesn't add up. I will be the first to tell you I was wrong if there is a roof leak. I swear I will. I am just not convinced.
Maybe I would have been a bit more convinced this was legitimate if, as I was leaving Mr. 114's home, Ms. Shirley didn't jot back out and head me off at my car. She asked me back in to look at a few other things that were wrong with the house.
Going back in, Ms. Shirley dragged me to the greatroom where she asked how to fix the ceiling fan. Looking up I said, "I think it needs a seventy-nine cent chain." Then she asked about the chandelier in the dining area. "I believe a different light bulb might fix this." Are you sure? She asked both times.
Yes, I am sure. I am definitely sure something else is going on too.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday in Pictures
Oh the irony...
And look what is behind the "Keep Leeds Beautiful" sign!
And, I am almost arrested for the second time in three days. (Carolsue was behind the first adventure. That's all I have to say about that...) In case there is any question, the folks at the cement plant really do mean this. I am not sure I had the nerve to call Legal Eagle and tell her I was in jail in Leeds for taking a picture of a sign.
What's behind door number 2?
Oh the irony part 2
In the event any of you think I make this stuff up. That is a University of Alabama football helmet mailbox under the United States and Confederate Flags.
Ode to Marty Sunshine
Don't see this in the highway department's catalogue of signs very often.
There are lots of homes just like this one. I thought it looked pretty.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Monday in Pictures
My inner introvert is screaming in agony. I so need some down time. I saw Ms. Shirley's roof leak today. More on that when I am not ready to collapse from over-stimulation.
Mr. 114's immaculate yard. Note the dead grass is edged. (Yes, I know it says 112 on the mail box--but his name his name happens to be Mr. 114 anyway.)
To get to King James Circle, one must take Royalty Drive to King James Drive to King James Court to King James Circle. I am guessing the pizza delivery boys get paid well.
A pretty view of a quiet street. This street is all brick homes in one of those everyone-knows-your-name type of neighborhoods.
Mrs. Sherwood's 47 year old kitchen carpet.
Mrs. Sherwood's 47 year old stove with a non-working oven.
My second rental car. Sadly, the auto rental place was all out of vehicles painted with flames yet again. The car had two miles on the odometer when I got it this afternoon.
Mr. 114's immaculate yard. Note the dead grass is edged. (Yes, I know it says 112 on the mail box--but his name his name happens to be Mr. 114 anyway.)
To get to King James Circle, one must take Royalty Drive to King James Drive to King James Court to King James Circle. I am guessing the pizza delivery boys get paid well.
A pretty view of a quiet street. This street is all brick homes in one of those everyone-knows-your-name type of neighborhoods.
Mrs. Sherwood's 47 year old kitchen carpet.
Mrs. Sherwood's 47 year old stove with a non-working oven.
My second rental car. Sadly, the auto rental place was all out of vehicles painted with flames yet again. The car had two miles on the odometer when I got it this afternoon.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Random Bama
During my trip:
I saw or spoke to:
Carolsue (of course!)
James, the Hell's Angel Turned Carpet Guy
Mr. 114
Jack and Mrs. Jack
Kirby (who ended up inviting me to lunch)
Legal Eagle
7 sets of tenants
3 former tenants
2 Lawyer-types (one being Legal Eagle)
2 Private Investigators
People in Birmingham think they have bad traffic. They wish.
I ate too much barbecue
I got one wedding invitation, one graduation party invitation and one baptism invitation.
I drove two rental cars (neither had flames painted on them).
I now know two new places to buy used appliances in Birmingham.
I enjoyed this trip. I had more free time, but I didn't do any writing. More like looking and learning. I got to see a lot more.
I saw or spoke to:
Carolsue (of course!)
James, the Hell's Angel Turned Carpet Guy
Mr. 114
Jack and Mrs. Jack
Kirby (who ended up inviting me to lunch)
Legal Eagle
7 sets of tenants
3 former tenants
2 Lawyer-types (one being Legal Eagle)
2 Private Investigators
People in Birmingham think they have bad traffic. They wish.
I ate too much barbecue
I got one wedding invitation, one graduation party invitation and one baptism invitation.
I drove two rental cars (neither had flames painted on them).
I now know two new places to buy used appliances in Birmingham.
I enjoyed this trip. I had more free time, but I didn't do any writing. More like looking and learning. I got to see a lot more.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Sunday in Pictures
The Infant of Prague Catholic Church, Trussville Alabama
Full Moon Barbecue
Signs of Spring
One of the French drains Mr. 114 put in at Artie and Candy's home.
Cool!
The neighbors on one side of my Leeds home.
The leader of the Redneck Mafia house on the other side of my Leeds home. (My Leeds home actually one of the nicest houses on this street).
Just too cute.
Ms. Kathy's backyard
Passing the Moody police station.
Ms. Angela added the Malibu lights to "her" home. I have never met a tenant so grateful as I did today. Ever. (I have been invited to her daughter's wedding this summer too.)
Roll Tide! (also in Ms. Angela's front yard).
Buckaroo wanted me to get a car with red flames painted on it. The car rental place just happened to be out when I picked up my car.
This pun's for you.
Saving Face
Well drat. Mrs. Sherwood had to go and act all naively friendly on me. Sigh... Now I am stuck.
After all the breaks Mrs. Sherwood was given, the rent check was late last month. Very late.
When I had enough of sitting by the post office box, waiting for a check to miraculously poof into my hands, I called her. She sweetly told me she had put the check in the mail that day. She also told me her husband got laid off from his new county job a week after he was hired. I believe it. Jefferson County, Alabama is having some issues right now.
When we got back around to the topic of her rent, I said, "I was a bit worried..." and then bit off the rest of what was about to come out. Mrs. Sherwood responded by chuckling and saying in an ultra-nice, reassuring way, "You don't need to worry about me. I don't have the money to move anyway."
Of course, the end of my sentence was, "I was a bit worried that I would have to evict you." Apparently, Mrs. Sherwood was under the mistaken impression she could expect some sort of special dispensation for missing rent. Or, maybe she didn't want to hear what might come next. Either way, I wasn't amused.
I never brought up eviction. Instead, I threw this bombshell at her: "I am going to be in town and I want to come by." I wasn't planning on coming by until Mrs. Sherwood suggested there is a misunderstanding about my good nature. But what the heck! She lives half-way between my hotel and Carolsue's home. I can swing on over and take a peek. Hopefully this won't backfire and I won't be peppered with repairs.
Mrs. Sherwood quickly changed her tune and gave me her best Jackie Gleason: "hamana, hamana, hamana." She then asked if I have come to Birmingham since she had been living in my home. I said yes, somewhat often (if "often" looks like every six to eight months). And, I always drive by (which is true).
I don't think she wanted to hear that either.
Today, Mrs. Sherwood is first on my list of meet-and-greet. She is the only home I am going to where I don't really have a reason to go. I am really sorry I did this. I left my bad-ass-landlord face back in Mesa. I have to settle with my, "Wow, nice to meet you. Don't tell me anything is wrong with the home," face. And while we are at it, I need to find my, "I am not (too much of) a pushover and I expect you to pay the rent on time" face.
After all the breaks Mrs. Sherwood was given, the rent check was late last month. Very late.
When I had enough of sitting by the post office box, waiting for a check to miraculously poof into my hands, I called her. She sweetly told me she had put the check in the mail that day. She also told me her husband got laid off from his new county job a week after he was hired. I believe it. Jefferson County, Alabama is having some issues right now.
When we got back around to the topic of her rent, I said, "I was a bit worried..." and then bit off the rest of what was about to come out. Mrs. Sherwood responded by chuckling and saying in an ultra-nice, reassuring way, "You don't need to worry about me. I don't have the money to move anyway."
Of course, the end of my sentence was, "I was a bit worried that I would have to evict you." Apparently, Mrs. Sherwood was under the mistaken impression she could expect some sort of special dispensation for missing rent. Or, maybe she didn't want to hear what might come next. Either way, I wasn't amused.
I never brought up eviction. Instead, I threw this bombshell at her: "I am going to be in town and I want to come by." I wasn't planning on coming by until Mrs. Sherwood suggested there is a misunderstanding about my good nature. But what the heck! She lives half-way between my hotel and Carolsue's home. I can swing on over and take a peek. Hopefully this won't backfire and I won't be peppered with repairs.
Mrs. Sherwood quickly changed her tune and gave me her best Jackie Gleason: "hamana, hamana, hamana." She then asked if I have come to Birmingham since she had been living in my home. I said yes, somewhat often (if "often" looks like every six to eight months). And, I always drive by (which is true).
I don't think she wanted to hear that either.
Today, Mrs. Sherwood is first on my list of meet-and-greet. She is the only home I am going to where I don't really have a reason to go. I am really sorry I did this. I left my bad-ass-landlord face back in Mesa. I have to settle with my, "Wow, nice to meet you. Don't tell me anything is wrong with the home," face. And while we are at it, I need to find my, "I am not (too much of) a pushover and I expect you to pay the rent on time" face.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Gratitude
As a mental exercise, every morning before getting out of bed, I say a quick prayer and list off what I am grateful for. I have been doing this for quite a while. It really helps put things in perspective.
Today's list:
I am grateful for Kirby and his property management services. Kirby is handling two of my homes. Only two. But, I find just having two homes off my shoulders to be a huge release.
I am grateful for Carolsue helping me out. She provides legal advice, some footwork and a road map to the Southern culture.
I am grateful to Bliz for her illustrious bookkeeping skills and all of her Bliz-dom she has been giving me since high school. I am grateful that she tolerates me too.
I am grateful for my business partners. Even the ones I don't see eye to eye with.
I am grateful for opportunities. A vacant home is an opportunity to provide a serivce to someone who needs a place to live. It is an opportunity to have our asset taken care of. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. I have opportunities to meet interesting people I would never have had the honor of knowing.
Later today, I leave for Alabama. I am grateful for Marty taking care of all things domestic while I am gone. I am confident the kids will be fed (even if it is chocolate cake for breakfast) and bathed at least once. I am grateful I probably won't hear about how Buckaroo and Polly rode their scooters through the house until two weeks after I get back. And, when I return, I will be grateful to be home.
Today's list:
I am grateful for Kirby and his property management services. Kirby is handling two of my homes. Only two. But, I find just having two homes off my shoulders to be a huge release.
I am grateful for Carolsue helping me out. She provides legal advice, some footwork and a road map to the Southern culture.
I am grateful to Bliz for her illustrious bookkeeping skills and all of her Bliz-dom she has been giving me since high school. I am grateful that she tolerates me too.
I am grateful for my business partners. Even the ones I don't see eye to eye with.
I am grateful for opportunities. A vacant home is an opportunity to provide a serivce to someone who needs a place to live. It is an opportunity to have our asset taken care of. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. I have opportunities to meet interesting people I would never have had the honor of knowing.
Later today, I leave for Alabama. I am grateful for Marty taking care of all things domestic while I am gone. I am confident the kids will be fed (even if it is chocolate cake for breakfast) and bathed at least once. I am grateful I probably won't hear about how Buckaroo and Polly rode their scooters through the house until two weeks after I get back. And, when I return, I will be grateful to be home.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Apparently It is Carpet With A Clever Disguise
Artie has been telling me for a few months about the flood that damaged his carpet. I believe it happened. I believe the carpet needs to be replaced. However, I have been waiting for proof. You know, mildewed carpet, water damaged walls... that kind of thing.
When I have asked in the past, I have been given conflicted reports of damage. I am hearing everything from "minor carpet damage" to "I had to gather the animals two by two because of the amount of water that came through my basement." For months now, I have been promised pictures of the offending damage.
My take is, this wasn't that bad. After all, if the carpet damage was horrendous, then they would have been screaming louder and longer. As it is, Artie mentions it once every six weeks when he asks (again) for my e-mail address to send me pictures.
When I called to tell him I was coming to town to inspect the damaged carpet myself, he decided to finally send the pictures over. Here is what I got:
When I have asked in the past, I have been given conflicted reports of damage. I am hearing everything from "minor carpet damage" to "I had to gather the animals two by two because of the amount of water that came through my basement." For months now, I have been promised pictures of the offending damage.
My take is, this wasn't that bad. After all, if the carpet damage was horrendous, then they would have been screaming louder and longer. As it is, Artie mentions it once every six weeks when he asks (again) for my e-mail address to send me pictures.
When I called to tell him I was coming to town to inspect the damaged carpet myself, he decided to finally send the pictures over. Here is what I got:
Monday, March 01, 2010
Please Don't Put Out The Guest Towels
I am planning my trip to Birmingham and started e-mailing tenants, telling them I want to stop by. It seems nothing exudes mass panic like sending out a note to tenants saying, "I am in town. I would like to inspect your home."
Now, if I call you and say I would like to stop by, you may say it isn't a good time. Perhaps we will reschedule. However, if we have a contract allowing you to live in my home, and I give you a significant amount of notice (you really are only required to have a 2 day notice), it isn't a social request. It isn't optional. Artie sounded like he had a sudden bladder control problem when I called him. I have no idea how Ms. Shirley plans on getting her boyfriend to move out before I show up.
I even shot Mrs. Spring a note telling her I was stopping by. I hate to give up the tough landlord image Carolsue has deftly painted. It is fun for my ego to be thought of as tough as nails. That will come to a fiery end once we meet. I just can't channel bad-ass in person.
I am not dropping in on all of them. Just three or four. I would love to meet Ms. Kathy, but I will drive by and then decide how I want to handle this. I can always call her once I am in town. Truly, I think it is better if she doesn't know who I am. The mysterious and elusive landlord works better in her case.
It must be interesting to get an e-mail or call from your landlord under these circumstances. My expectations are not real high. I don't need to be impressed. After all, I have already approved these folks. The time for impressing is (hopefully) over. I would think any flagrant lease violations will be taken care of by the time I get there. Except Ms. Shirley's boyfriend. I have no idea how she is going to hide that one. Between you and me, I don't really care if she has a boyfriend living there if she pays the rent on time and the house is in half as good shape as Mr. 114 suggests. If I ever want to get rid of her, I will care about the boyfriend then.
The introvert in me really doesn't want to do this. Mr. Partner thinks this is a good idea. I think it is marginally necessary. I want to see where repairs were made, or need to be made. I want to make sure there aren't any major home issues. I personally find going through someone else's living space intrusive. I can't imagine how annoying it must be for them.
Now, if I call you and say I would like to stop by, you may say it isn't a good time. Perhaps we will reschedule. However, if we have a contract allowing you to live in my home, and I give you a significant amount of notice (you really are only required to have a 2 day notice), it isn't a social request. It isn't optional. Artie sounded like he had a sudden bladder control problem when I called him. I have no idea how Ms. Shirley plans on getting her boyfriend to move out before I show up.
I even shot Mrs. Spring a note telling her I was stopping by. I hate to give up the tough landlord image Carolsue has deftly painted. It is fun for my ego to be thought of as tough as nails. That will come to a fiery end once we meet. I just can't channel bad-ass in person.
I am not dropping in on all of them. Just three or four. I would love to meet Ms. Kathy, but I will drive by and then decide how I want to handle this. I can always call her once I am in town. Truly, I think it is better if she doesn't know who I am. The mysterious and elusive landlord works better in her case.
It must be interesting to get an e-mail or call from your landlord under these circumstances. My expectations are not real high. I don't need to be impressed. After all, I have already approved these folks. The time for impressing is (hopefully) over. I would think any flagrant lease violations will be taken care of by the time I get there. Except Ms. Shirley's boyfriend. I have no idea how she is going to hide that one. Between you and me, I don't really care if she has a boyfriend living there if she pays the rent on time and the house is in half as good shape as Mr. 114 suggests. If I ever want to get rid of her, I will care about the boyfriend then.
The introvert in me really doesn't want to do this. Mr. Partner thinks this is a good idea. I think it is marginally necessary. I want to see where repairs were made, or need to be made. I want to make sure there aren't any major home issues. I personally find going through someone else's living space intrusive. I can't imagine how annoying it must be for them.
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