"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." -- W. H. Murray*
I have to tell you--and I hope I am not jinxing anything--part one of our plan to fix our undercapitalized issues is in motion. Slowly, but moving. I have Mr. Partner on board for part of it. There are sections of Part 1 that are a harder sell.
One of the really great things is some of this is just falling into place. It isn't just the hard work and planning that is coming together--I am talking about out-of-the-blue opportunities that we never expected.
Have a great day my friends!
*Note: This quote is often misattributed to Goethe. A big thank you to Alec for directing me to this quote many years ago.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
It Isn't Just In Alabama
So... last Thursday, I got a call from Rosie on my Arizona phone. Rosie sweetly tells me got my name from Peter, who is best friends with my sister.
At this point, I cut off poor Rosie to tell her I don't have a sister and perhaps she had the wrong number. Nope. She then amended her story to say she wasn't exactly sure about the Peter and sister part, but that was ok. It really was me she wanted to talk to.
What she wanted was for me to find her a rental home in North Phoenix this weekend. She was desperate and needed to move immediately. Her preferred location was Surprise, AZ. Which, I just googled, is approximately an hour from my house--without traffic.
Before I could determine whether I wanted to drive an hour this weekend, Rosie hit me with: "Just so you know, my boyfriend and I are both felons. Will this be a problem renting?"
"Maybe not. Is this a DUI?" I asked. Because that was about the only felony I could think of that a landlord might find acceptable. What are the other choices: drugs, theft, bodily harm, property damage? There are probably others, but they don't sound any better.
"Well, no. But we have good rental history. We can provide references," she said.
Rosie seemed delightful on the phone, but this isn't going to be an easy task. And no, I am not passing judgement about her past mistakes. It is a fact. Landlords don't want anything that might spell trouble. I know, as a landlord, I would pass on her. Not just because of her and the boyfriend, but any associations she might have who would come to visit her. Essentially: Rosie has baggage.
As an agent, I passed as well. I don't see me arranging for child care, driving an hour in 110 degree weather to traipse through a bunch of homes in the event some landlord isn't doing a background check.
Best of luck to Rosie. She and I weren't a good match.
At this point, I cut off poor Rosie to tell her I don't have a sister and perhaps she had the wrong number. Nope. She then amended her story to say she wasn't exactly sure about the Peter and sister part, but that was ok. It really was me she wanted to talk to.
What she wanted was for me to find her a rental home in North Phoenix this weekend. She was desperate and needed to move immediately. Her preferred location was Surprise, AZ. Which, I just googled, is approximately an hour from my house--without traffic.
Before I could determine whether I wanted to drive an hour this weekend, Rosie hit me with: "Just so you know, my boyfriend and I are both felons. Will this be a problem renting?"
"Maybe not. Is this a DUI?" I asked. Because that was about the only felony I could think of that a landlord might find acceptable. What are the other choices: drugs, theft, bodily harm, property damage? There are probably others, but they don't sound any better.
"Well, no. But we have good rental history. We can provide references," she said.
Rosie seemed delightful on the phone, but this isn't going to be an easy task. And no, I am not passing judgement about her past mistakes. It is a fact. Landlords don't want anything that might spell trouble. I know, as a landlord, I would pass on her. Not just because of her and the boyfriend, but any associations she might have who would come to visit her. Essentially: Rosie has baggage.
As an agent, I passed as well. I don't see me arranging for child care, driving an hour in 110 degree weather to traipse through a bunch of homes in the event some landlord isn't doing a background check.
Best of luck to Rosie. She and I weren't a good match.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Totally Wonderful Mr. 114
I sent Mr. 114 to the house on Hysteria Lane to please look over the yard. If it wasn't going to cost me a small fortune, could he please hack at it for a while and see if he could make the home look presentable.
Granted, I had no idea what he was in for. Last I heard, the front yard wasn't too bad (because Brandy, the next door neighbor, had mowed it at some point). However, I had the distinct impression--provided to me from Brandy--the back yard was a Savannah, housing everything from zebras to wildebeests. Apparently I wasn't far off.
Mr. 114 arrived and called. The front was a minor disaster. However, he found a decaying water buffalo caucus in the back, with lion tracks nearby. Did I want him to proceed? Yes. And I hoped his life insurance covered lion attacks.
All silliness aside, my greatest fear was that there were rats congregating nearby, making their home in this backyard. In Alabama, apparently this is a common problem with overgrown yards.
Thursday night Mr. 114 e-mailed me the following:
The cost for all this: $45.
Granted, I had no idea what he was in for. Last I heard, the front yard wasn't too bad (because Brandy, the next door neighbor, had mowed it at some point). However, I had the distinct impression--provided to me from Brandy--the back yard was a Savannah, housing everything from zebras to wildebeests. Apparently I wasn't far off.
Mr. 114 arrived and called. The front was a minor disaster. However, he found a decaying water buffalo caucus in the back, with lion tracks nearby. Did I want him to proceed? Yes. And I hoped his life insurance covered lion attacks.
All silliness aside, my greatest fear was that there were rats congregating nearby, making their home in this backyard. In Alabama, apparently this is a common problem with overgrown yards.
Thursday night Mr. 114 e-mailed me the following:
I did get the Calera house mowed and all cleaned up today. We edged, weedeated it and mowed it twice. I also walked around and picked up trash and some broken chairs. I killed 3 large wasp nests as well.
One problem. The trash can is sitting by the street. It is full of mud!! Honestly, about 400 lbs of it!! It cant be moved until someone lays it over, shovels the mud out and then hoses it out. It would be nice if the renter would do it. If not, I will.
The cost for all this: $45.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Random Bama
Sometimes the weirdness just gets to me. I shake my head and say, "Why?". Sometimes I think, "Yea, I got a best seller in here somewhere."
________________________________________________________
I have a home on Hysteria Lane that is vacant and not available to rent because the current lease is being honored. However, I don't want a vacant home. I want the tenant gone.
Bizarrely, I have had three interested parties in this place. The cousin of a former tenant of mine is the latest to throw her hat into the ring for the non-house. She likes. She wants. Even though it isn't available. She is willing to wait a spell--though I don't know how long "a spell" happens to be.
Sadly, I can't seem to convince anyone to rent Artie and Candy's home instead. Which, by the way, is just as cute.
________________________________________________________
I called Harold today--the tenant who lives in the house Jack and I own. I gave him an earful: where is the rent? And did he know it is in bad form to pay his first month late.
It turns out his rent due date is the first of the month, not the 15th. And yes, I wrote the lease.
And yes, I called back and apologized right after I pulled my flip flop out of my mouth.
________________________________________________________
Mr. Noble sent me an e-mail dated 7:17 a.m. on Saturday. He didn't want to bother me because he realizes it is two hours earlier where I am... but there is a gas leak. He checked on the Internet and did some research and decided he didn't have the necessary tools to fix the gas leak. And, could I please call him at a time most convenient for me to discuss. During the week was fine.
Note to Mr. Noble, a gas leak warrants a call at 7:17 a.m. on a Saturday morning. This can be considered an "emergency." At least in my book.
At any rate, when I did get the e-mail (hours later) and call him back, he was surprised I worked on the weekend.
Mr. Noble is never allowed to move.
________________________________________________________
I have a home on Hysteria Lane that is vacant and not available to rent because the current lease is being honored. However, I don't want a vacant home. I want the tenant gone.
Bizarrely, I have had three interested parties in this place. The cousin of a former tenant of mine is the latest to throw her hat into the ring for the non-house. She likes. She wants. Even though it isn't available. She is willing to wait a spell--though I don't know how long "a spell" happens to be.
Sadly, I can't seem to convince anyone to rent Artie and Candy's home instead. Which, by the way, is just as cute.
________________________________________________________
I called Harold today--the tenant who lives in the house Jack and I own. I gave him an earful: where is the rent? And did he know it is in bad form to pay his first month late.
It turns out his rent due date is the first of the month, not the 15th. And yes, I wrote the lease.
And yes, I called back and apologized right after I pulled my flip flop out of my mouth.
________________________________________________________
Mr. Noble sent me an e-mail dated 7:17 a.m. on Saturday. He didn't want to bother me because he realizes it is two hours earlier where I am... but there is a gas leak. He checked on the Internet and did some research and decided he didn't have the necessary tools to fix the gas leak. And, could I please call him at a time most convenient for me to discuss. During the week was fine.
Note to Mr. Noble, a gas leak warrants a call at 7:17 a.m. on a Saturday morning. This can be considered an "emergency." At least in my book.
At any rate, when I did get the e-mail (hours later) and call him back, he was surprised I worked on the weekend.
Mr. Noble is never allowed to move.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
When Two Fools Collide
Fool 1:
Michael Smith is not the absolute worst tenant I have ever had. But darn near close. And he is currently the one I loathe the most. He also refused to move, made me drag my butt to Alabama to show up in court and evict him. He, the coward that he is, refused to show. So, I won by default.
I have one heck of a judgement on him. I am willing to bet one of the big reasons he is living at his father-in-law's home is that nobody sane will rent to him based on his eviction and the amount of the monetary judgement that will live on his credit report until he pays it off or dies. I will renew it until I get what is owed. Trust me.
Because he owes me, I keep tabs on him via Facebook. I know he is currently enrolled in college and graduates in 2012. I also pay attention to what his wife is up to.
Here's a tip: if you owe money to people, you might not want to broadcast your life on Facebook so that anyone can read your profile. Surely I am not the first person to think of this.
Fool 2:
Tommy and Tammy wanted to rent my home. I was skeptical from day 1, with Carolsue giving me about 16 different reasons why I was being too picky. There was nothing wrong with Tommy's credit. He was gainfully employed. He had money. I just didn't like him. My gut said no. Finally, Tommy was enough of a jerk that I used that as my get-out-of-Tommy-renting-my-home card.
The Gist:
So, I was poking around on Mr. Smith's Facebook account, which I do every so often, and I see a familiar name: Tommy. Then, I see another familiar name: Tammy.
Mr. Smith only has 26 friends. So, it isn't like he is one of those Facebook people who hoard strangers and call them friends. Just to be sure, I checked Mrs. Smith's Facebook site: yep, they are friends with her too.
According to the US Census Bureau, the population of the entire Birmingham metropolitan area is 1,212,848 (2009). These two guys know each other? My gut was sending me a clear signal. Looks like I swerved a foolhardy disaster.
Michael Smith is not the absolute worst tenant I have ever had. But darn near close. And he is currently the one I loathe the most. He also refused to move, made me drag my butt to Alabama to show up in court and evict him. He, the coward that he is, refused to show. So, I won by default.
I have one heck of a judgement on him. I am willing to bet one of the big reasons he is living at his father-in-law's home is that nobody sane will rent to him based on his eviction and the amount of the monetary judgement that will live on his credit report until he pays it off or dies. I will renew it until I get what is owed. Trust me.
Because he owes me, I keep tabs on him via Facebook. I know he is currently enrolled in college and graduates in 2012. I also pay attention to what his wife is up to.
Here's a tip: if you owe money to people, you might not want to broadcast your life on Facebook so that anyone can read your profile. Surely I am not the first person to think of this.
Fool 2:
Tommy and Tammy wanted to rent my home. I was skeptical from day 1, with Carolsue giving me about 16 different reasons why I was being too picky. There was nothing wrong with Tommy's credit. He was gainfully employed. He had money. I just didn't like him. My gut said no. Finally, Tommy was enough of a jerk that I used that as my get-out-of-Tommy-renting-my-home card.
The Gist:
So, I was poking around on Mr. Smith's Facebook account, which I do every so often, and I see a familiar name: Tommy. Then, I see another familiar name: Tammy.
Mr. Smith only has 26 friends. So, it isn't like he is one of those Facebook people who hoard strangers and call them friends. Just to be sure, I checked Mrs. Smith's Facebook site: yep, they are friends with her too.
According to the US Census Bureau, the population of the entire Birmingham metropolitan area is 1,212,848 (2009). These two guys know each other? My gut was sending me a clear signal. Looks like I swerved a foolhardy disaster.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Hysteria Lane
After the few brief conversations I have had with the woman next door to my home on Hysteria Lane, I have formed a few conclusions.
1. She wears pearls when she vacuums.
2. She would fit in nicely on Privet Drive.
Brandy is a very nice woman, but I would not want to be on the end of her gossip train. What am I saying? I am sure, as the owner of the home next door, I am probably great gossip fodder.
According to Brandy, my renter is common trash who didn't "make" her children go to school (collective gasps here please). The renter painted the interior black and "trashed the home." Also according to Brandy, the tenant got married and moved out and hasn't been back since.
The later is true. My tenant did move out and hasn't been back since. But, the tenant has a lease. The tenant is following the lease and paying every month. As a quick sticking point, the tenant is not taking care of the yard--a condition of the lease.
Quickly, someone do the math: rent every month and someone else takes care of the yard. Or pay for an eviction of this tenant who is paying every month and someone else takes care of the yard?
Why is the yard important you might ask? Well, a poorly maintained yard suggests a poorly maintained home. Or (as in this case) a vacant home. Vacant homes bring in crime. Like a stolen air conditioning unit. A yard over-run with grass also brings in vermin and bees. These are not problems I wish to inherit. But, they are simple to fix.
A week ago Kirby contacted our MIA tenant and asked what was up. The neighbors had called. The home appears to be unoccupied, but there are still personal items. The water is off, as is the power. The back yard isn't cut (the front is, thanks to Brandy). This isn't acceptable--and violates the lease. What's up?
Kirby did tell her, if she wanted out of her lease, and she was willing to clean up her mess and allow us to show the home, we would work something out. If not, she needed to do something about the yard and the utilities. I personally wanted to be able to rent it out before school started. It is a very nice home, in a nice neighborhood. I charge more for this rental than most of my others. Why on earth would she want to pay so much for a place she wasn't living in?
Here was the tenant's reply (paraphrased).
They moved out and pay? And, Kirby also tells me she has made arrangements with another neighbor to take care of the grass too.
I am told she is willing to get out of her lease as soon as she can get the rest of her personal belongings--which Kirby tells me isn't really all that much. But, she is too busy right now to do that, so instead, she will just pay for the most expensive storage locker around. And, apparently it will be air conditioned and landscaped.
1. She wears pearls when she vacuums.
2. She would fit in nicely on Privet Drive.
Brandy is a very nice woman, but I would not want to be on the end of her gossip train. What am I saying? I am sure, as the owner of the home next door, I am probably great gossip fodder.
According to Brandy, my renter is common trash who didn't "make" her children go to school (collective gasps here please). The renter painted the interior black and "trashed the home." Also according to Brandy, the tenant got married and moved out and hasn't been back since.
The later is true. My tenant did move out and hasn't been back since. But, the tenant has a lease. The tenant is following the lease and paying every month. As a quick sticking point, the tenant is not taking care of the yard--a condition of the lease.
Quickly, someone do the math: rent every month and someone else takes care of the yard. Or pay for an eviction of this tenant who is paying every month and someone else takes care of the yard?
Why is the yard important you might ask? Well, a poorly maintained yard suggests a poorly maintained home. Or (as in this case) a vacant home. Vacant homes bring in crime. Like a stolen air conditioning unit. A yard over-run with grass also brings in vermin and bees. These are not problems I wish to inherit. But, they are simple to fix.
A week ago Kirby contacted our MIA tenant and asked what was up. The neighbors had called. The home appears to be unoccupied, but there are still personal items. The water is off, as is the power. The back yard isn't cut (the front is, thanks to Brandy). This isn't acceptable--and violates the lease. What's up?
Kirby did tell her, if she wanted out of her lease, and she was willing to clean up her mess and allow us to show the home, we would work something out. If not, she needed to do something about the yard and the utilities. I personally wanted to be able to rent it out before school started. It is a very nice home, in a nice neighborhood. I charge more for this rental than most of my others. Why on earth would she want to pay so much for a place she wasn't living in?
Here was the tenant's reply (paraphrased).
I did get married and move out of the residence. I will pay the lease as to the original time frame. I had the water and electric service terminated while I was not there due to if something happened like a pipe breaking or such there would not be any damage. The water and electric will be back on within the next few days.
I am not worried about getting out of the lease until it expires due to it gives me time to get my affairs in order. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns.
They moved out and pay? And, Kirby also tells me she has made arrangements with another neighbor to take care of the grass too.
I am told she is willing to get out of her lease as soon as she can get the rest of her personal belongings--which Kirby tells me isn't really all that much. But, she is too busy right now to do that, so instead, she will just pay for the most expensive storage locker around. And, apparently it will be air conditioned and landscaped.
Monday, June 21, 2010
I Live For This
At the risk of jinxing everything, I must tell you, I am enjoying the mundane peace.
Yes, there are things happening. I have no resolution from the tenant on Hysteria Lane who moved out but still pays. Currently there is a broken air conditioner at one home. Artie and Candy are moving. And there are a few here and there repairs that have come to the forefront. It is almost like every tenant waited until this past week to call me with some broken widget. My plumber and I have been chatting more in the past week than we had been in the past six months.
But it seems that the above is so minimal compared to horror stories of tenants past. I have nothing to write about. Last week I wrote a blog about paying bills. I wrote another about Baseball Guy and I texting about who was better: Todd Helton or Albert Pujols. Sorry Albert. Todd is my guy. And on Friday I had an e-mail conversation with Legal Eagle that went on sporadically for several hours. Our chat encompassed everything from Facebook to the fact Aruban law doesn't allow for plea bargaining. None of this warrants a blog (well, maybe Todd Helton).
Though dull, I am enjoying the quiet. It gives me time to think and regroup. Diamond Jim and I are meeting soon to discuss a few housekeeping things. I can plan and evaluate. When I am swimming in the sea of chaos, I don't have time to look forward. And this is something I have wanted desperately to tackle lately.
I have a plan I am working on. Now that things are relatively peaceful, I have some time to implement part one. It has been a long-time coming. This is why I like having an accidental business. When I am done with the chores, it is time to play and dream.
Yes, there are things happening. I have no resolution from the tenant on Hysteria Lane who moved out but still pays. Currently there is a broken air conditioner at one home. Artie and Candy are moving. And there are a few here and there repairs that have come to the forefront. It is almost like every tenant waited until this past week to call me with some broken widget. My plumber and I have been chatting more in the past week than we had been in the past six months.
But it seems that the above is so minimal compared to horror stories of tenants past. I have nothing to write about. Last week I wrote a blog about paying bills. I wrote another about Baseball Guy and I texting about who was better: Todd Helton or Albert Pujols. Sorry Albert. Todd is my guy. And on Friday I had an e-mail conversation with Legal Eagle that went on sporadically for several hours. Our chat encompassed everything from Facebook to the fact Aruban law doesn't allow for plea bargaining. None of this warrants a blog (well, maybe Todd Helton).
Though dull, I am enjoying the quiet. It gives me time to think and regroup. Diamond Jim and I are meeting soon to discuss a few housekeeping things. I can plan and evaluate. When I am swimming in the sea of chaos, I don't have time to look forward. And this is something I have wanted desperately to tackle lately.
I have a plan I am working on. Now that things are relatively peaceful, I have some time to implement part one. It has been a long-time coming. This is why I like having an accidental business. When I am done with the chores, it is time to play and dream.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
I Really Wish They Woudn't Cry
Tuesday afternoon, Candy called me. She told me she sent me an e-mail as well. She wanted to let me know she was giving their 30 day notice. Then she started crying and said a lot of very sweet, personal things that made me wonder whom she was speaking about. Because, I was unaware we were anywhere near as close friends as she thought we were.
When I asked her why they were leaving she gave me the no-brainer answer: money. And, just to be charitable, I did offer to have them come up with a dollar figure that would keep them living there and get back to me. I have some wiggle room on the rent. If they move out, I will be giving this one to Kirby who will charge me 10 percent. So, at the time of her call, I was marginally agreeable to working out a way to keep them.
Truly, I doubt they will give me a rental amount worthwhile of having them stay. I happen to think there is no amount of money that will fix life issues. And, I suspect there are a few life issues going around between Artie and Candy.
In the grand scheme of things, I predicted all along they were moving after the lease was over anyway. And, I am not exactly sorry to see them go. They were decent renters in the sense the place was well cared for and rent always came in. However, it always came in late.
When I rented to them last year, I was feeling a bit desperate. What they had going for them was Artie is an ex-Marine. I was pretty sure that meant I wouldn't have to worry about a trashed home or him skipping out. I was right. They are the kind of folks I wouldn't mind living next door to me. But, I have never been sure I really wanted to do business with them.
As much as I think Candy is a pleasant person, I don't trust her. When she first applied for the home, she asked me to keep her past credit secrets from Artie. I wouldn't agree to that--not that it became an issue, as those secrets did not come into play when it came time to make a decision. She called me another time a few months later--completely out of the blue--giving me a sob story and asking for love life advice. At that point, I decided to deal solely with Artie, who did not call me for love life advice, never asked me to keep secrets and never once cried into the phone.
Since our talk, I have decided I am just as happy with them moving on as I am with them coming up with a magic rental amount to keep them living in my home. My feeling is, from the snippets I have gleamed from Candy over the last few months, their relationship is not stable. At least in Candy's eyes.
I realize Artie, Candy and I can go on in this fashion, with them renting longer. Financially, it makes better sense than asking them to leave. I don't have a vacant home. I don't have the hassle of finding a tenant and paying a property manager. I know what to expect: a clean home, late rent (with late fees) and a random call from Candy every now and then asking for my opinion about something way too personal.
But, I am not sure it is in their best interests to stay in my home. I got the impression from Candy's last set of tears, they are together only because they have the lease. So, if they stay and then decide the whole relationship isn't working anyway, I will be lending Candy my virtual shoulder all over again.
When I asked her why they were leaving she gave me the no-brainer answer: money. And, just to be charitable, I did offer to have them come up with a dollar figure that would keep them living there and get back to me. I have some wiggle room on the rent. If they move out, I will be giving this one to Kirby who will charge me 10 percent. So, at the time of her call, I was marginally agreeable to working out a way to keep them.
Truly, I doubt they will give me a rental amount worthwhile of having them stay. I happen to think there is no amount of money that will fix life issues. And, I suspect there are a few life issues going around between Artie and Candy.
In the grand scheme of things, I predicted all along they were moving after the lease was over anyway. And, I am not exactly sorry to see them go. They were decent renters in the sense the place was well cared for and rent always came in. However, it always came in late.
When I rented to them last year, I was feeling a bit desperate. What they had going for them was Artie is an ex-Marine. I was pretty sure that meant I wouldn't have to worry about a trashed home or him skipping out. I was right. They are the kind of folks I wouldn't mind living next door to me. But, I have never been sure I really wanted to do business with them.
As much as I think Candy is a pleasant person, I don't trust her. When she first applied for the home, she asked me to keep her past credit secrets from Artie. I wouldn't agree to that--not that it became an issue, as those secrets did not come into play when it came time to make a decision. She called me another time a few months later--completely out of the blue--giving me a sob story and asking for love life advice. At that point, I decided to deal solely with Artie, who did not call me for love life advice, never asked me to keep secrets and never once cried into the phone.
Since our talk, I have decided I am just as happy with them moving on as I am with them coming up with a magic rental amount to keep them living in my home. My feeling is, from the snippets I have gleamed from Candy over the last few months, their relationship is not stable. At least in Candy's eyes.
I realize Artie, Candy and I can go on in this fashion, with them renting longer. Financially, it makes better sense than asking them to leave. I don't have a vacant home. I don't have the hassle of finding a tenant and paying a property manager. I know what to expect: a clean home, late rent (with late fees) and a random call from Candy every now and then asking for my opinion about something way too personal.
But, I am not sure it is in their best interests to stay in my home. I got the impression from Candy's last set of tears, they are together only because they have the lease. So, if they stay and then decide the whole relationship isn't working anyway, I will be lending Candy my virtual shoulder all over again.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Waterford Renters
So, Kirby sent me an e-mail Tuesday. It turns out the folks at the Waterford home are a bit unhappy with me. Little did I know. Apparently I haven't paid the home owner's dues and they can't use the pool. I haven't gotten any home owner's dues. Nobody has sent me a bill. Ever.
So, I probably owe a few bucks after all these years. Granted, I knew there was a home owner's association, but I figured they were in no hurry to see their money and I wasn't in much of a hurry to part with mine.
This particular incident, which can be easily resolved by the way, has become the poster child for all that is wrong in their lives. And, they want to move on.
They told Kirby they want out of their lease because they can't use the pool? What? For another week until the dues are paid?
Actually, I suspect they want out of the lease because of a myriad of other life issues that have nothing to do with the pool. For example, they told Kirby, they have a new child and money is tight.
They can buy a home right now for less than they are paying in rent. And, incidentally, they also mentioned to Kirby this little nugget. Kirby took it in stride. I translated: they are in the process of buying or have bought a home and are moving on.
So, what to do: let them stay in their lease until November and deal with the vacant home then? Or, let them out because they are probably going to leave anyway? You can guess which way I am going with this. I learned long ago, when people start making noises about moving, they are going to move. Generally the landlord is the last to know, so they have probably gotten pretty far in this process.
As usual, the basic caveats exist: they have to pay until I find someone equally as charming as these people to move in. Hopefully it won't take too long. I am also willing to look at selling this house. Maybe even to these folks, if they haven't found a place just yet.
And yes, I will even pay the late HOA fees.
So, I probably owe a few bucks after all these years. Granted, I knew there was a home owner's association, but I figured they were in no hurry to see their money and I wasn't in much of a hurry to part with mine.
This particular incident, which can be easily resolved by the way, has become the poster child for all that is wrong in their lives. And, they want to move on.
They told Kirby they want out of their lease because they can't use the pool? What? For another week until the dues are paid?
Actually, I suspect they want out of the lease because of a myriad of other life issues that have nothing to do with the pool. For example, they told Kirby, they have a new child and money is tight.
They can buy a home right now for less than they are paying in rent. And, incidentally, they also mentioned to Kirby this little nugget. Kirby took it in stride. I translated: they are in the process of buying or have bought a home and are moving on.
So, what to do: let them stay in their lease until November and deal with the vacant home then? Or, let them out because they are probably going to leave anyway? You can guess which way I am going with this. I learned long ago, when people start making noises about moving, they are going to move. Generally the landlord is the last to know, so they have probably gotten pretty far in this process.
As usual, the basic caveats exist: they have to pay until I find someone equally as charming as these people to move in. Hopefully it won't take too long. I am also willing to look at selling this house. Maybe even to these folks, if they haven't found a place just yet.
And yes, I will even pay the late HOA fees.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Blessings
We have been very fortunate. Attribute it to The Almighty, positive energy, great Karma or just dumb luck. I don't care. I will take all of it.
Tell me where you get a 5-story tree cut down for $1,800? Yes, I am still marveling at this.
Tell me, how does it happen that the woman next door to my home on Hysteria Lane was able to hunt me down and get my phone number? Seriously. I am not even on the mortgage or the title. Yet, with a significant amount of detective work, she found me.
Tell me, how many times have I been protected from stuff that happened if a tenant stayed? Mr. Richards comes to mind. I found out after he moved away that he was a gambler who forgot to pay his debts. He got himself into a huge mess. He may have left me with a dirty home. But I suspect the people looking for him would have done worse.
Mr. C., a Vietnam Vet, apparently was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. From what I heard through the grapevine recently, it had gotten really bad. Though I feel for him (and still have no idea why them moving couldn't warrant a phone call at least the week before they left), I really believe perhaps them leaving saved me more in the long run.
There are other instances too. People with their personal baggage, bad choices and scary friends may have lived in my home once upon a time. The best favor they ever did is leave. I don't like cleaning up the mess they leave behind, but it sure beats the disaster they are taking with them. In every case, I have gotten better tenants.
We don't know what we don't know. The second I come up with a magic landlord formula to figure out which potential tenant is the best choice and will work out, I am going to patent it. In many instances the people I picked and thought would be perfect, were the absolute worst choices--such as Ms. Betty, who talked the talk. In other cases, I crossed my fingers and passed the lease over, hoping in the grand scheme of things, Fate knew what he was doing. Those people worked out fine.
The bad tenants I had in the past were from decisions of desperation. None of whom I would have picked now. One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a landlord is not everyone who rents needs to rent my home.
I have a few people who rent from me now whom I would probably be just as happy if they moved on. But, I am ok if they stay. They are making a concerted effort to pay their bills. They don't pepper me with excuses. And so far, it seems, I have been protected from their baggage.
Tell me where you get a 5-story tree cut down for $1,800? Yes, I am still marveling at this.
Tell me, how does it happen that the woman next door to my home on Hysteria Lane was able to hunt me down and get my phone number? Seriously. I am not even on the mortgage or the title. Yet, with a significant amount of detective work, she found me.
Tell me, how many times have I been protected from stuff that happened if a tenant stayed? Mr. Richards comes to mind. I found out after he moved away that he was a gambler who forgot to pay his debts. He got himself into a huge mess. He may have left me with a dirty home. But I suspect the people looking for him would have done worse.
Mr. C., a Vietnam Vet, apparently was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. From what I heard through the grapevine recently, it had gotten really bad. Though I feel for him (and still have no idea why them moving couldn't warrant a phone call at least the week before they left), I really believe perhaps them leaving saved me more in the long run.
There are other instances too. People with their personal baggage, bad choices and scary friends may have lived in my home once upon a time. The best favor they ever did is leave. I don't like cleaning up the mess they leave behind, but it sure beats the disaster they are taking with them. In every case, I have gotten better tenants.
We don't know what we don't know. The second I come up with a magic landlord formula to figure out which potential tenant is the best choice and will work out, I am going to patent it. In many instances the people I picked and thought would be perfect, were the absolute worst choices--such as Ms. Betty, who talked the talk. In other cases, I crossed my fingers and passed the lease over, hoping in the grand scheme of things, Fate knew what he was doing. Those people worked out fine.
The bad tenants I had in the past were from decisions of desperation. None of whom I would have picked now. One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a landlord is not everyone who rents needs to rent my home.
I have a few people who rent from me now whom I would probably be just as happy if they moved on. But, I am ok if they stay. They are making a concerted effort to pay their bills. They don't pepper me with excuses. And so far, it seems, I have been protected from their baggage.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Today's Theraputic Blog
Two summers ago I wasn't expecting hell to break loose. After years of mostly inane drama and stable renters, I wasn't prepared for the damn to burst. Part of it is my own doing, I decided to kick out those who were causing me grief. I wasn't prepared for others, who needed to go, to leave as well.
I have spent some time analyzing the affects on the economy and my rental issues. Birmingham was hit hard and suffered the ill-affects of the economy long before the rest of the country noticed there was a recession going on. Was this what caused my tenant issues? Not really. The tenants were trouble to begin with. I just picked the beginning of an economic downturn to deal with my dead wood.
Last summer wasn't that great either, but nothing compared to 2008. Most of the major drama centered around the two homes Marty Sunshine and I own together without partners. The majority of the homes inflicted didn't affect Mr. Partner, though the homes--and related issues--he owns with us were bigger and badder lulus than anything Marty and I dealt with on our own.
Last December, I decided there was no way I was going to cope three summers in a row. No way. No thank you. My family didn't need my stress. My marriage didn't need my stress. My stress didn't need my stress.
I started looking at making changes. The first being Kirby. My goal was to transition him into taking over my homes as they become vacant. Or at least ones where I had the margin between rent and the mortgage payment to afford him.
It isn't that Kirby is the key to my success, it is that the presence of a property management company seems to add some additional credibility I never expected. In fairness, Carolsue handles a lot more property management for me than Kirby, but she and I work in tandem (with her in charge most of the time, but that is for another blog). If Carolsue was a licensed agent, there would be no Kirby.
I also started looking at ways to refinance some of my variable loans. I am still working on this, as it requires a bit more capital than we have. We have been fortunate that interest rates have been low, easing our financial vulnerabilities.
The plan I put together looked fabulous on paper. But it needed two particular issues to make it work. First, I needed Mr. Partner's buy-in and cooperation. I banked on that. Second, there is no provision in my plan for failure. So, when a tree needed to be chopped down with a moment's notice, when Mrs. C. moved out, when Brandi called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me about the home in Calera being somewhat vacant, my plan imploded.
I fully understand a plan without contingencies isn't really viable. I knew that when I wrote it out. There just wasn't any room for contingencies. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have since revised my plan from six months to two years. I have a bit more wiggle room for contingencies, but would prefer not to go there.
Here, the beginning of June 2010, I am finding reality is things aren't that bad. They just aren't going the way they were supposed to go (and for you snickering about my control issues--and you know who you are--this isn't the time). We are paying our bills. We have a little bit left over to handle the surprises. It isn't perfect, but it isn't death either.
Mr. Partner has been MIA since early May. It is probably for the best. Mr. Partner hasn't noticed I haven't sent him financials for first quarter (usually he is out of his mind if he doesn't have them right away). If I were also to guess, Mr. Partner is dealing with his own stuff right now and doesn't have room for Alabama. I suspect, anything short of a major liability or death and he doesn't want to hear much about it. Nope, that isn't true either. The tree was a major liability.
The reality may be things aren't that bad. But I am holding my breath, praying we don't get a trashed home, praying we don't have a mass exodus this summer, praying that something equally icky that I can't possibly conceive won't happen--and just for the record, I can conceive a lot.
The other reality is that nothing we ever really anticipate happens the way we expect it. We don't really have control. Control is an illusion used to pacify the imagination. I didn't expect two trashed homes last summer, three broken (or stolen) air conditioners, five vacancies and one bankruptcy (and that was the good summer).
I do not want another summer of tenant disaster. I am not anticipating it either. I am hoping some of the changes I have made along the way will stop a chain of dominoes--if it becomes an issue. But, if it does happen, I know it isn't anything I can't deal with.
I have spent some time analyzing the affects on the economy and my rental issues. Birmingham was hit hard and suffered the ill-affects of the economy long before the rest of the country noticed there was a recession going on. Was this what caused my tenant issues? Not really. The tenants were trouble to begin with. I just picked the beginning of an economic downturn to deal with my dead wood.
Last summer wasn't that great either, but nothing compared to 2008. Most of the major drama centered around the two homes Marty Sunshine and I own together without partners. The majority of the homes inflicted didn't affect Mr. Partner, though the homes--and related issues--he owns with us were bigger and badder lulus than anything Marty and I dealt with on our own.
Last December, I decided there was no way I was going to cope three summers in a row. No way. No thank you. My family didn't need my stress. My marriage didn't need my stress. My stress didn't need my stress.
I started looking at making changes. The first being Kirby. My goal was to transition him into taking over my homes as they become vacant. Or at least ones where I had the margin between rent and the mortgage payment to afford him.
It isn't that Kirby is the key to my success, it is that the presence of a property management company seems to add some additional credibility I never expected. In fairness, Carolsue handles a lot more property management for me than Kirby, but she and I work in tandem (with her in charge most of the time, but that is for another blog). If Carolsue was a licensed agent, there would be no Kirby.
I also started looking at ways to refinance some of my variable loans. I am still working on this, as it requires a bit more capital than we have. We have been fortunate that interest rates have been low, easing our financial vulnerabilities.
The plan I put together looked fabulous on paper. But it needed two particular issues to make it work. First, I needed Mr. Partner's buy-in and cooperation. I banked on that. Second, there is no provision in my plan for failure. So, when a tree needed to be chopped down with a moment's notice, when Mrs. C. moved out, when Brandi called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me about the home in Calera being somewhat vacant, my plan imploded.
I fully understand a plan without contingencies isn't really viable. I knew that when I wrote it out. There just wasn't any room for contingencies. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have since revised my plan from six months to two years. I have a bit more wiggle room for contingencies, but would prefer not to go there.
Here, the beginning of June 2010, I am finding reality is things aren't that bad. They just aren't going the way they were supposed to go (and for you snickering about my control issues--and you know who you are--this isn't the time). We are paying our bills. We have a little bit left over to handle the surprises. It isn't perfect, but it isn't death either.
Mr. Partner has been MIA since early May. It is probably for the best. Mr. Partner hasn't noticed I haven't sent him financials for first quarter (usually he is out of his mind if he doesn't have them right away). If I were also to guess, Mr. Partner is dealing with his own stuff right now and doesn't have room for Alabama. I suspect, anything short of a major liability or death and he doesn't want to hear much about it. Nope, that isn't true either. The tree was a major liability.
The reality may be things aren't that bad. But I am holding my breath, praying we don't get a trashed home, praying we don't have a mass exodus this summer, praying that something equally icky that I can't possibly conceive won't happen--and just for the record, I can conceive a lot.
The other reality is that nothing we ever really anticipate happens the way we expect it. We don't really have control. Control is an illusion used to pacify the imagination. I didn't expect two trashed homes last summer, three broken (or stolen) air conditioners, five vacancies and one bankruptcy (and that was the good summer).
I do not want another summer of tenant disaster. I am not anticipating it either. I am hoping some of the changes I have made along the way will stop a chain of dominoes--if it becomes an issue. But, if it does happen, I know it isn't anything I can't deal with.
Friday, June 11, 2010
She's Also Not An Actress
It took until Monday before I was willing to consider Ms. Shirley might possibly be telling me the truth. Maybe, just maybe, the rent really was lost in the mail.
When I called her Monday to tell her the check hadn't arrived, she didn't make excuses. She immediately started giving me solutions. What she said was she had most of the money. She was calling a friend to see if she could get a loan. She would call me back. Never did she say, "Will you take less?" Instead, she was still working her tail off to get the rest.
By the end of the day, her friend hadn't loaned her the remainder. But, it was enough to cover my mortgage. So, I took it, with her promise that the remaining money would come. One of the first sayings I heard when I started doing business in the South was "A half a loaf of bread is better than no loaf of bread."
When I calculated, the money I am short is far less than the hassle and expense of evicting her. I also believe I will see the remaining money.
Ms. Shirley also offered that next month she would get a cashier's check instead of a money order. Money orders take 45 days to be reimbursed and there is a fee to stop payment. Her bank will give her a cashier's check and stopping payment is immediate.
I was ready to concede Ms. Shirley was playing straight until she said with regard to the lost rent something along the lines of, "I am not a liar." That conjured up an image of the "leaking roof" in my mind's eye.
Right now I have most of her rent and a few doubts. Let's see if she manages to pull the rest out.
When I called her Monday to tell her the check hadn't arrived, she didn't make excuses. She immediately started giving me solutions. What she said was she had most of the money. She was calling a friend to see if she could get a loan. She would call me back. Never did she say, "Will you take less?" Instead, she was still working her tail off to get the rest.
By the end of the day, her friend hadn't loaned her the remainder. But, it was enough to cover my mortgage. So, I took it, with her promise that the remaining money would come. One of the first sayings I heard when I started doing business in the South was "A half a loaf of bread is better than no loaf of bread."
When I calculated, the money I am short is far less than the hassle and expense of evicting her. I also believe I will see the remaining money.
Ms. Shirley also offered that next month she would get a cashier's check instead of a money order. Money orders take 45 days to be reimbursed and there is a fee to stop payment. Her bank will give her a cashier's check and stopping payment is immediate.
I was ready to concede Ms. Shirley was playing straight until she said with regard to the lost rent something along the lines of, "I am not a liar." That conjured up an image of the "leaking roof" in my mind's eye.
Right now I have most of her rent and a few doubts. Let's see if she manages to pull the rest out.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
She Paid Again
Kirby The Property Manager is one of those laid back Southern men. He makes makes Jello look rigid.
I wouldn't be surprised if he ever called me up, telling me how a meteor shot through the atmosphere and crash landed solidly into the laundry room, landing squarely inside the gas hot water heater, causing a chain reaction explosion, taking out an entire neighborhood. He would then say there was no cause for concern because it happened yesterday and the fire is out. Oh, here's the bill for the damages.
In all fairness, the reason why I have a property manager is so I can hear about the drama after it is over. Of course, I am still responsible for cutting the checks. There really isn't any getting around that.
Last Wednesday I called Kirby. I told him I was interested in him helping me find a tenant for the home in Pinson. I also asked him what was going on with the tenant who mysteriously left our home in Calera, and yet still pays.
On Monday, I hadn't heard from him, so I called again. With the home in Pinson rented to Mr. Noble, I only asked this time about what was happening in Calera.
Tuesday I e-mailed him.
Wednesday I finally talked to Kirby. He had driven 40 miles out of his way over the weekend to check out my home in Pinson. It was cute. And he thought I could get about what I did rent the home out for. He would be happy to help me out. His voice fell ever-so-slightly when I told him I rented it out on Friday, but took it well.
Then we started talking about Calera. He got the missing tenant's rent. We asked each other, now what? I like this about Kirby. It might be his responsibility, but he is always open to my input.
Technically, there isn't much we can do if the tenant is in a lease. With the exception of the yard being overgrown (or it would be if the neighbor didn't keep mowing it), there wasn't much we could hold her to. After some discussion, we decided to play our hand. Our concern was if we told her we knew she left, she might stop paying--though she has a nice government job and I am always happy to lob an easy garnishment to Legal Eagle.
We did decide to tell her we know she left. Kirby is going to wait until her check clears. Then, he is going to offer to let her out of the lease if she cleans up the house. She is responsible for the rent until we find another renter (already have two potential people interested). If she follows our rules we will refund her security deposit, less the cost of the carpet cleaning and and meteorite repair.
I wouldn't be surprised if he ever called me up, telling me how a meteor shot through the atmosphere and crash landed solidly into the laundry room, landing squarely inside the gas hot water heater, causing a chain reaction explosion, taking out an entire neighborhood. He would then say there was no cause for concern because it happened yesterday and the fire is out. Oh, here's the bill for the damages.
In all fairness, the reason why I have a property manager is so I can hear about the drama after it is over. Of course, I am still responsible for cutting the checks. There really isn't any getting around that.
Last Wednesday I called Kirby. I told him I was interested in him helping me find a tenant for the home in Pinson. I also asked him what was going on with the tenant who mysteriously left our home in Calera, and yet still pays.
On Monday, I hadn't heard from him, so I called again. With the home in Pinson rented to Mr. Noble, I only asked this time about what was happening in Calera.
Tuesday I e-mailed him.
Wednesday I finally talked to Kirby. He had driven 40 miles out of his way over the weekend to check out my home in Pinson. It was cute. And he thought I could get about what I did rent the home out for. He would be happy to help me out. His voice fell ever-so-slightly when I told him I rented it out on Friday, but took it well.
Then we started talking about Calera. He got the missing tenant's rent. We asked each other, now what? I like this about Kirby. It might be his responsibility, but he is always open to my input.
Technically, there isn't much we can do if the tenant is in a lease. With the exception of the yard being overgrown (or it would be if the neighbor didn't keep mowing it), there wasn't much we could hold her to. After some discussion, we decided to play our hand. Our concern was if we told her we knew she left, she might stop paying--though she has a nice government job and I am always happy to lob an easy garnishment to Legal Eagle.
We did decide to tell her we know she left. Kirby is going to wait until her check clears. Then, he is going to offer to let her out of the lease if she cleans up the house. She is responsible for the rent until we find another renter (already have two potential people interested). If she follows our rules we will refund her security deposit, less the cost of the carpet cleaning and and meteorite repair.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Today's Learning Experience
As I write this, I am emotionally exhausted. Spent. My inner introvert is whimpering, and I wasn't even surrounded by people today.
Instead, I just spent the last three hours combing over e-mails and forwarding them to the powers that be. The powers that be are looking for something to use against a long-gone former tenant in a potential criminal matter. And yes, I really do save every e-mail every tenant ever writes me.
I don't know if what I looked through today will help or not. The e-mails were mostly pretty benign: "Where's the rent now?", with the tenants coming up with new, somewhat plausible, excuses with every return message.
But the e-mails painted a larger picture too. Were they employed when they said they were? Did they really go to Florida when they told investigaors they said they did? Or, did they instead go to Mexico? When they told me scenario A, does that match up to the alibi they threw out to those who are looking at alibis? Benign or not, these people told me more than they expected to.
After reading through these notes, I can tell you this: I was a sucker. I allowed myself to be manipulated because I so wanted to believe these people were good at heart. I discarded the business end of my business into the corner every time I talked to them. I made excuses to myself, justifying their situation. After all, they were just in a tight spot. When the reality is they were just buying time.
What burns me the most is how often I advise landlords to be hard-nosed and strict. Marty has assured me many times over, it was these experiences with idiots like these former folks that made me hard-nosed and strict.
Right now, I am beating myself up over mistakes of the past. I can't believe I allowed them to stay in my home and take advantage of me. As I re-read everything, piecing together what I know now, I keep thinking, "Why didn't I see the pattern of stupidity?" I dealt with a lot of garbage I didn't have to. Why didn't I just evict their butts to the street months earlier than I did? It could have saved me the hassle and annoyances. What was I thinking? I don't remember any more. And even if I could, it certainly wasn't worth it.
If there is a silver lining, I did come up with a new rule: Any tenant who e-mails me more than two times in a six month period with excuses for late rent is gone. Just to make sure I am following my rule, I did a quick inventory of all my tenants. Nope, nobody has done this lately. No silly stories. No excuses.
Maybe I did learn something after all.
Instead, I just spent the last three hours combing over e-mails and forwarding them to the powers that be. The powers that be are looking for something to use against a long-gone former tenant in a potential criminal matter. And yes, I really do save every e-mail every tenant ever writes me.
I don't know if what I looked through today will help or not. The e-mails were mostly pretty benign: "Where's the rent now?", with the tenants coming up with new, somewhat plausible, excuses with every return message.
But the e-mails painted a larger picture too. Were they employed when they said they were? Did they really go to Florida when they told investigaors they said they did? Or, did they instead go to Mexico? When they told me scenario A, does that match up to the alibi they threw out to those who are looking at alibis? Benign or not, these people told me more than they expected to.
After reading through these notes, I can tell you this: I was a sucker. I allowed myself to be manipulated because I so wanted to believe these people were good at heart. I discarded the business end of my business into the corner every time I talked to them. I made excuses to myself, justifying their situation. After all, they were just in a tight spot. When the reality is they were just buying time.
What burns me the most is how often I advise landlords to be hard-nosed and strict. Marty has assured me many times over, it was these experiences with idiots like these former folks that made me hard-nosed and strict.
Right now, I am beating myself up over mistakes of the past. I can't believe I allowed them to stay in my home and take advantage of me. As I re-read everything, piecing together what I know now, I keep thinking, "Why didn't I see the pattern of stupidity?" I dealt with a lot of garbage I didn't have to. Why didn't I just evict their butts to the street months earlier than I did? It could have saved me the hassle and annoyances. What was I thinking? I don't remember any more. And even if I could, it certainly wasn't worth it.
If there is a silver lining, I did come up with a new rule: Any tenant who e-mails me more than two times in a six month period with excuses for late rent is gone. Just to make sure I am following my rule, I did a quick inventory of all my tenants. Nope, nobody has done this lately. No silly stories. No excuses.
Maybe I did learn something after all.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
A Blog for Alec and Carolsue
Nothing weird happened on Monday. Wait! Weird things did happen.
There were repair people, a call from Ms. Kathy and I left a message for Kirby. Mr. 114 sent me an e-mail.
Then I spent an hour or so working on the thing I can't write about which doesn't seem to ever end.
By the way, I love you guys.
There were repair people, a call from Ms. Kathy and I left a message for Kirby. Mr. 114 sent me an e-mail.
Then I spent an hour or so working on the thing I can't write about which doesn't seem to ever end.
By the way, I love you guys.
A Long Overdue Welcome
Hello to you out there who sometimes read or have starting recently reading. This is my therapeutic blog, started to keep me sane as I process landlordy type things. Sometimes the stuff happening is really great. Sometimes it is really not. Sometimes it is too personal, weird or legal for me to put into words. Oh yea, all of it is true.
Thanks to Google Analytics I kind have an idea of who shows up on a regular basis (Unless you are an international spy with anti-Google Analytics defenses--and you know who you are!). I know I have a handful of followers, most are friends who took pity on me and read because they are sure glad this stuff ain't happening to them. One is my bookkeeper, Bliz, who has been my friend for more than 25 years. If you have ever posted on here, and you have a blog, I read it and follow it--even if I don't comment.
I do know there are at landlords and tenants alike who read this blog. So, if you have questions along those lines, feel free to ask. I don't assume to be the foremost expert on landlord-type things, I only write about my experiences. So, if you ask, there might be someone else who is willing to offer you assistance or you advice I don't have.
Anyway, for those who have been reading for the past few months or even longer, welcome and enjoy my adventure.
Thanks to Google Analytics I kind have an idea of who shows up on a regular basis (Unless you are an international spy with anti-Google Analytics defenses--and you know who you are!). I know I have a handful of followers, most are friends who took pity on me and read because they are sure glad this stuff ain't happening to them. One is my bookkeeper, Bliz, who has been my friend for more than 25 years. If you have ever posted on here, and you have a blog, I read it and follow it--even if I don't comment.
I do know there are at landlords and tenants alike who read this blog. So, if you have questions along those lines, feel free to ask. I don't assume to be the foremost expert on landlord-type things, I only write about my experiences. So, if you ask, there might be someone else who is willing to offer you assistance or you advice I don't have.
Anyway, for those who have been reading for the past few months or even longer, welcome and enjoy my adventure.
Monday, June 07, 2010
No Bull
I am pleased to say, I found a super-nice couple, with decent credit who speak in complete sentences to rent my home in Pinson. Mr. Noble, moving from out of state, is a statistician he has gotten a position with the local employer to do number crunching.
All was going swimmingly, with me writing Mr. Noble's lease Friday morning in between dealing with Harold's plumbing drama. Then, Mr. Noble called me. He read the lease and was uncomfortable with a few things in there. Essentially the lease was not "fair" for the tenant.
His biggest issue is the part where I say if the tenant moves out prior to their lease being up, they are still responsible for the rent. Somehow this seemed like an odd concept. To his credit, he told me this in a very polite, respectful way--even if I thought it was amazing he would question this at all.
Here is the scenario he threw at me: what if six months from now he gives me a 30 day notice to vacate. He wants to pack up and leave and not pay me a dime for my trouble. In fact, he said this was the first lease he had ever seen in his entire life where a landlord would hold him to fulfilling the terms of the lease. So, I needed to change my lease, because he was "confused" as to why I would have this clause in there.
So, let me get this straight: if one leases a car and they decide five months into a three year lease, they don't want the car, the dealership will just take the car back without penalizing the person? The dealership will cheerfully just accept the car and everyone will part friends? I used this analogy with Mr. Noble as I gently explained that yes, he was responsible for the lease. That is why we have a lease, and not a month-to-month agreement.
"Well then, don't you think if I move, I should only have to pay $50 a month, not the entire rent?" No, I didn't. "Ok, how about $100 instead?" he asked weakly. Nope.
Truthfully, I did not want to loose this guy. He needed a home immediately. He looked good on paper. He was impressive every time I spoke with him. I am guessing he probably won't rent for more than a year, given he is just moving to Birmingham. But maybe housing prices will be up a bit more by then and I will look at selling it. But, I didn't tell him this. I just told him I would not put my business in jeopardy by deleting this clause.
His other issue was he wanted me to delete the part where I say violating the basics of the lease (taking care of the home, subletting, meth labs, etc.) were grounds for eviction. He said, "What if I let the grass grow an extra week? I don't want to find out I am out on the street for something like that."
"Look," I said. "I live in Arizona. I am not going to fly out every week to see if you mowed your lawn. Say, I did fly out every week for this purpose, I would then need to hire a lawyer, pay the court fees and stand in front of a judge and ask him to put you out on the street? It seems more likely one of the neighbors will just contact me if your lawn gets high and I will call you and ask you to mow it." He seemed to understand that, but wasn't excited I wouldn't delete this clause either.
I suggested that he and I would both act like reasonable people. I would uphold my end of the bargain and I would expect him to do the same. Next June we could revisit this, and if he proved to be half as good a tenant as I expect him to be, I might consider rewriting a clause or two. But, probably not.
All was going swimmingly, with me writing Mr. Noble's lease Friday morning in between dealing with Harold's plumbing drama. Then, Mr. Noble called me. He read the lease and was uncomfortable with a few things in there. Essentially the lease was not "fair" for the tenant.
His biggest issue is the part where I say if the tenant moves out prior to their lease being up, they are still responsible for the rent. Somehow this seemed like an odd concept. To his credit, he told me this in a very polite, respectful way--even if I thought it was amazing he would question this at all.
Here is the scenario he threw at me: what if six months from now he gives me a 30 day notice to vacate. He wants to pack up and leave and not pay me a dime for my trouble. In fact, he said this was the first lease he had ever seen in his entire life where a landlord would hold him to fulfilling the terms of the lease. So, I needed to change my lease, because he was "confused" as to why I would have this clause in there.
So, let me get this straight: if one leases a car and they decide five months into a three year lease, they don't want the car, the dealership will just take the car back without penalizing the person? The dealership will cheerfully just accept the car and everyone will part friends? I used this analogy with Mr. Noble as I gently explained that yes, he was responsible for the lease. That is why we have a lease, and not a month-to-month agreement.
"Well then, don't you think if I move, I should only have to pay $50 a month, not the entire rent?" No, I didn't. "Ok, how about $100 instead?" he asked weakly. Nope.
Truthfully, I did not want to loose this guy. He needed a home immediately. He looked good on paper. He was impressive every time I spoke with him. I am guessing he probably won't rent for more than a year, given he is just moving to Birmingham. But maybe housing prices will be up a bit more by then and I will look at selling it. But, I didn't tell him this. I just told him I would not put my business in jeopardy by deleting this clause.
His other issue was he wanted me to delete the part where I say violating the basics of the lease (taking care of the home, subletting, meth labs, etc.) were grounds for eviction. He said, "What if I let the grass grow an extra week? I don't want to find out I am out on the street for something like that."
"Look," I said. "I live in Arizona. I am not going to fly out every week to see if you mowed your lawn. Say, I did fly out every week for this purpose, I would then need to hire a lawyer, pay the court fees and stand in front of a judge and ask him to put you out on the street? It seems more likely one of the neighbors will just contact me if your lawn gets high and I will call you and ask you to mow it." He seemed to understand that, but wasn't excited I wouldn't delete this clause either.
I suggested that he and I would both act like reasonable people. I would uphold my end of the bargain and I would expect him to do the same. Next June we could revisit this, and if he proved to be half as good a tenant as I expect him to be, I might consider rewriting a clause or two. But, probably not.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
You Called A Plumber?
Here's a little secret: I have insomnia. I have had it all my life. I am also part night-owl, so the insomnia isn't really an issue unless my trouble sleeping hits in the early morning hours, after I have been up until 1 a.m. Like Friday.
Friday morning, I was in a zombie trance, working on the newest applicant for my Pinson house when my phone rang. To be fair, I had no idea what time it was, other than early. It turns out it was a shade before 7 a.m. And, yes, I had crashed for the night after 1 a.m.
In fairness to Harold, my caller, I was upright. But, the synapses weren't firing. It is days like this when I wish I drank coffee.
Harold is my new tenant in the home Jack and I own. He also speaks with such a thick drawl that what he says registers about seven seconds after he speaks. So, I am already a bit behind--even if it wasn't first thing in the morning.
I didn't catch his name actually, I sort of figured that one out a few beats into the conversation. What I did understand was there was some sort of plumbing issue and he didn't want to bother me, so he just called a plumber. The plumber now wanted to do some work and would I kindly authorize it?
"You called a plumber?" I asked dumbly for the fourth time, still sinking this in. "I have a plumber I use and trust."
"Yes ma'am, he's here right now and the whatever is still stopped up, and I didn't want to bother you..."
"You called a random plumber?" I yawned.
"Yes. Sorry to call you so early. You see the hall toilet..."
"You called a plumber? He's there now? I don't know this plumber..."
And so it went, with Harold clueless I was still stuck on the fact he took it upon himself to call some guy who wanted to bill us lots of money for something I wasn't sure was legitimately wrong.
Eventually Harold got the plumber on the phone to diagram the issue, a true relief because now I could speak to someone I understood. The issue is a clogged drain and the guy doing the work is asking for an unholy amount of money. Even half-asleep I recognized there were too many zeroes after his number.
I detangled from that call, asking them to hang out for a while, and did the only thing that sounded sane: I called Jack. I really hate getting Jack involved in the property management end of this. Worse, Jack really hates getting involved in the property management end of this. But, I wasn't about to authorize this repair and spend half of Jack's money without his permission.
When I explained to Jack what was going on, all Jack could say was, "He called a plumber?"
"Yes, he did."
"He called a plumber?"
"He can't do that. We have our own plumber."
And so it went, both of us incredulous over poor Harold's initiative. I am reminded of the time the neighbor child wanted to help me, so he picked all the green tomatoes from my garden. "Look! I am helping!", he announced.
Now, in all fairness, Carolsue calls plumbers, electricians and handymen when the occasion arises. I usually find out afterwards. But, she is calling my repair people. And, more to the point, I know Carolsue. I know she isn't going to send someone out to a home without a darn good reason. And, if she calls someone and doesn't like the price, she will bargain it down.
Also for a reality check, a friend called me a little later in the morning. Her husband is a plumber--my Arizona plumber. The first thing she uttered when I told her the scenario was, "Your tenant called a plumber? Really?" Her next comment was, "That price is pretty high." So, it seems my gut was right, pass on Harold's plumber--even if he was standing at the home, expecting authorization.
The way Jack and I left Harold's situation, was that Jack (who was now in ill-humor) got in touch with his plumber and he was going over to Harold's home. Jack would be meeting him there. Jack was going to explain to Harold and plumber number one, we didn't authorize this, we weren't paying.
Sometime next week I will follow up with Harold and explain how his initiative is admirable, but it is not ok to randomly call repairmen and expect us to foot the bill. I am in charge of how I spend my money.
Friday morning, I was in a zombie trance, working on the newest applicant for my Pinson house when my phone rang. To be fair, I had no idea what time it was, other than early. It turns out it was a shade before 7 a.m. And, yes, I had crashed for the night after 1 a.m.
In fairness to Harold, my caller, I was upright. But, the synapses weren't firing. It is days like this when I wish I drank coffee.
Harold is my new tenant in the home Jack and I own. He also speaks with such a thick drawl that what he says registers about seven seconds after he speaks. So, I am already a bit behind--even if it wasn't first thing in the morning.
I didn't catch his name actually, I sort of figured that one out a few beats into the conversation. What I did understand was there was some sort of plumbing issue and he didn't want to bother me, so he just called a plumber. The plumber now wanted to do some work and would I kindly authorize it?
"You called a plumber?" I asked dumbly for the fourth time, still sinking this in. "I have a plumber I use and trust."
"Yes ma'am, he's here right now and the whatever is still stopped up, and I didn't want to bother you..."
"You called a random plumber?" I yawned.
"Yes. Sorry to call you so early. You see the hall toilet..."
"You called a plumber? He's there now? I don't know this plumber..."
And so it went, with Harold clueless I was still stuck on the fact he took it upon himself to call some guy who wanted to bill us lots of money for something I wasn't sure was legitimately wrong.
Eventually Harold got the plumber on the phone to diagram the issue, a true relief because now I could speak to someone I understood. The issue is a clogged drain and the guy doing the work is asking for an unholy amount of money. Even half-asleep I recognized there were too many zeroes after his number.
I detangled from that call, asking them to hang out for a while, and did the only thing that sounded sane: I called Jack. I really hate getting Jack involved in the property management end of this. Worse, Jack really hates getting involved in the property management end of this. But, I wasn't about to authorize this repair and spend half of Jack's money without his permission.
When I explained to Jack what was going on, all Jack could say was, "He called a plumber?"
"Yes, he did."
"He called a plumber?"
"He can't do that. We have our own plumber."
And so it went, both of us incredulous over poor Harold's initiative. I am reminded of the time the neighbor child wanted to help me, so he picked all the green tomatoes from my garden. "Look! I am helping!", he announced.
Now, in all fairness, Carolsue calls plumbers, electricians and handymen when the occasion arises. I usually find out afterwards. But, she is calling my repair people. And, more to the point, I know Carolsue. I know she isn't going to send someone out to a home without a darn good reason. And, if she calls someone and doesn't like the price, she will bargain it down.
Also for a reality check, a friend called me a little later in the morning. Her husband is a plumber--my Arizona plumber. The first thing she uttered when I told her the scenario was, "Your tenant called a plumber? Really?" Her next comment was, "That price is pretty high." So, it seems my gut was right, pass on Harold's plumber--even if he was standing at the home, expecting authorization.
The way Jack and I left Harold's situation, was that Jack (who was now in ill-humor) got in touch with his plumber and he was going over to Harold's home. Jack would be meeting him there. Jack was going to explain to Harold and plumber number one, we didn't authorize this, we weren't paying.
Sometime next week I will follow up with Harold and explain how his initiative is admirable, but it is not ok to randomly call repairmen and expect us to foot the bill. I am in charge of how I spend my money.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Borrowed Time
Ms. Shirley called me today. It was either the best snow job I've gotten in a while, or she was really freaked out. She had part of the money, but would I pretty please not evict her. She said she is calling in a few favors and promised to have the money by Monday.
Incidentally, Marty talked to her yesterday. Neither he, nor I, said anything about eviction. She took that upon herself. Maybe she has a hidden camera in my office, because I had just finished writing up the termination notice to send to Red, the process server when she called. Her timing was that good.
Ms. Shirley didn't offer me $700 to call it even. What she did say was she was totally stressed out about this. She understood business is business and she was well aware I needed her rent days ago. Her voice cracked, but she didn't cry.
Thank you Ms. Shirley.
I can't decide if she should be up for a best actress nod from the Academy next year, or this is the first time I have had a rent lost in the mail. But it didn't really matter. Here's a little secret I didn't tell Ms. Shirley. I am out of town today through Sunday. I wasn't going to do anything until Monday anyway.
Incidentally, Marty talked to her yesterday. Neither he, nor I, said anything about eviction. She took that upon herself. Maybe she has a hidden camera in my office, because I had just finished writing up the termination notice to send to Red, the process server when she called. Her timing was that good.
Ms. Shirley didn't offer me $700 to call it even. What she did say was she was totally stressed out about this. She understood business is business and she was well aware I needed her rent days ago. Her voice cracked, but she didn't cry.
Thank you Ms. Shirley.
I can't decide if she should be up for a best actress nod from the Academy next year, or this is the first time I have had a rent lost in the mail. But it didn't really matter. Here's a little secret I didn't tell Ms. Shirley. I am out of town today through Sunday. I wasn't going to do anything until Monday anyway.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Sins of Tenants Past
Ms. Shirley's rent is late. Very late. It is odd for Ms. Shirley, as she is getting widow's benefits. Every month she gets a check, hence every month I get a check.
On Saturday her rent hadn't arrived. I called, we talked, with a bit of shock and gasp on her end. She called back later, after she said she went to the store that issued the money orders. The checks hadn't been cashed. We agreed to touch base on Tuesday if the rent hadn't arrived.
Wednesday I had an empty PO Box again, I called and left her a message. I said, "Your check didn't arrive. Your rent is late." Ok, I didn't say it. I barked it. Ms. Shirley was now the bull's eye for every crummy tenant I have dealt with in the past month. I was in ill humor.
Sure enough, Ms. Shirley called back, leaving me a message. I didn't answer when she called because my mood hadn't improved. She said, "Mrs. Landlord, I see you called. I hope you got my rent check. Just call me back."
I have never, ever, legitimately had a check get lost in the mail. Ever. Tenants who tell me this always act like it is no big deal that a significant amount of money is missing. This seems to be a lie they cannot pull off.
I let Marty Sunshine call Ms. Shirley. There was no way I could say anything civilized. However, after speaking to her, he seems to feel there is some truth to her story--he thinks she really did mail the rent payment. I don't care. I just want my money with the least amount of hassle on my part.
Though I was in no mood to speak, I still was able to type. So, I shot an e-mail to Mr. 114, asking if he knew of anything going on next door to his home. Had he seen a moving truck? Was Guido knocking on her door of late?
Mr. 114 wrote back. Nothing exciting to report for next door. He told me Ms. Shirley's daughter was getting married this summer, and the reception was being held at the house. So, it looks like Ms. Shirley might be motivated to make sure the rent money is coming.
The way Marty and Mrs. Shirley left the call was Ms. Shirley told him she would be in touch in 24 hours. Meanwhile I called Red, the process server, and ask what he was doing this weekend. By Friday morning I will either have money or I will be willing to tell Ms. Shirley to change the bride's reception to a convenient I-65 underpass.
It is really too bad Ms. Shirley is paying for the sins of tenants past. Maybe the rent really was lost in the mail. Maybe this is an honest mistake. But that won't be my problem. I have enough challenging homes to deal with at this time. Ms. Shirley is on her own.
On Saturday her rent hadn't arrived. I called, we talked, with a bit of shock and gasp on her end. She called back later, after she said she went to the store that issued the money orders. The checks hadn't been cashed. We agreed to touch base on Tuesday if the rent hadn't arrived.
Wednesday I had an empty PO Box again, I called and left her a message. I said, "Your check didn't arrive. Your rent is late." Ok, I didn't say it. I barked it. Ms. Shirley was now the bull's eye for every crummy tenant I have dealt with in the past month. I was in ill humor.
Sure enough, Ms. Shirley called back, leaving me a message. I didn't answer when she called because my mood hadn't improved. She said, "Mrs. Landlord, I see you called. I hope you got my rent check. Just call me back."
I have never, ever, legitimately had a check get lost in the mail. Ever. Tenants who tell me this always act like it is no big deal that a significant amount of money is missing. This seems to be a lie they cannot pull off.
I let Marty Sunshine call Ms. Shirley. There was no way I could say anything civilized. However, after speaking to her, he seems to feel there is some truth to her story--he thinks she really did mail the rent payment. I don't care. I just want my money with the least amount of hassle on my part.
Though I was in no mood to speak, I still was able to type. So, I shot an e-mail to Mr. 114, asking if he knew of anything going on next door to his home. Had he seen a moving truck? Was Guido knocking on her door of late?
Mr. 114 wrote back. Nothing exciting to report for next door. He told me Ms. Shirley's daughter was getting married this summer, and the reception was being held at the house. So, it looks like Ms. Shirley might be motivated to make sure the rent money is coming.
The way Marty and Mrs. Shirley left the call was Ms. Shirley told him she would be in touch in 24 hours. Meanwhile I called Red, the process server, and ask what he was doing this weekend. By Friday morning I will either have money or I will be willing to tell Ms. Shirley to change the bride's reception to a convenient I-65 underpass.
It is really too bad Ms. Shirley is paying for the sins of tenants past. Maybe the rent really was lost in the mail. Maybe this is an honest mistake. But that won't be my problem. I have enough challenging homes to deal with at this time. Ms. Shirley is on her own.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Going, Going, Gone
For those of you who missed the latest version of Alabama Weirdness, it goes something like this. I have a home in Calera Alabama. According to the neighbor, the tenant moved out two months ago. Except the tenant has been paying rent--which she is obligated to do, per the terms of her lease. Therefore, she can let the home sit vacant as long as she wants and there is nothing we can do about it, as long as she pays on time. Which, up until now she has.
This is a home Kirby manages. His rents are due on the first. So, I was eagerly awaiting Tuesday because it was the first of June. That meant we should have an answer to whether or not the home in Calera is vacant. I would prefer it is vacant, if the person on the lease is half the nuisance Brandy, the neighbor, suggests.
When I e-mailed Kirby Tuesday, he said we can't move forward until the rent is 5 days late. It is in the lease. So, we are stuck. More or less.
I did call Brandy on Tuesday, thanking her for her call last week. We had a lovely chat, which netted me unsolicited offer to mow the grass and some additional good will. It also gave me an excuse to ask her if there had been any activity at the home this past weekend, like the tenants showing up and cleaning the house. Nope. But the water is off and there were electricity shut off notices taped to the door. Ms. Brandy is sure of this, because she took it upon herself to take them off the door--just to be neighborly.
I am no psychic, but I'm guessing the rent isn't coming this month.
This is a home Kirby manages. His rents are due on the first. So, I was eagerly awaiting Tuesday because it was the first of June. That meant we should have an answer to whether or not the home in Calera is vacant. I would prefer it is vacant, if the person on the lease is half the nuisance Brandy, the neighbor, suggests.
When I e-mailed Kirby Tuesday, he said we can't move forward until the rent is 5 days late. It is in the lease. So, we are stuck. More or less.
I did call Brandy on Tuesday, thanking her for her call last week. We had a lovely chat, which netted me unsolicited offer to mow the grass and some additional good will. It also gave me an excuse to ask her if there had been any activity at the home this past weekend, like the tenants showing up and cleaning the house. Nope. But the water is off and there were electricity shut off notices taped to the door. Ms. Brandy is sure of this, because she took it upon herself to take them off the door--just to be neighborly.
I am no psychic, but I'm guessing the rent isn't coming this month.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
They Have Been Married 27 Years
I just wasn't up to dealing with the Sherwoods last week. So, I delegated to Marty Sunshine. Dutifully, he called Mr. Sherwood. Mr. Sherwood apparently had no idea when the rent was coming. According to him, this was Mrs. Sherwood's area of expertise. He was going to talk with Mrs. Sherwood about it.
He didn't say he would get back in touch. From what I understand, he was marginally more civilized to Marty Sunshine than he had been to me last month.
On Thursday Mrs. Sherwood called me. She offered up the rent. We had a frank talk, with me telling her last month Mr. Sherwood had abused every courtesy I had extended and I was in the process of starting the eviction. That got her attention. I also explained that the rent pays the mortgage. And, I was in ill-humor about favors. My good nature had been taxed enough by five minutes with her husband.
"I may kill him," she muttered. I believe she meant it.
She said a lot of other things too--very much consistant with the Mrs. Sherwood who has rented my home for the past two and a half years. The very same Mrs. Sherwood I really adore.
In the course of our chat, Mrs. Sherwood offered two things: first, she would (and did) deposit the rent into my bank account. Second, she left me with this gem: "I'm not moving," she said, "And you don't have to deal with him ever again."
He didn't say he would get back in touch. From what I understand, he was marginally more civilized to Marty Sunshine than he had been to me last month.
On Thursday Mrs. Sherwood called me. She offered up the rent. We had a frank talk, with me telling her last month Mr. Sherwood had abused every courtesy I had extended and I was in the process of starting the eviction. That got her attention. I also explained that the rent pays the mortgage. And, I was in ill-humor about favors. My good nature had been taxed enough by five minutes with her husband.
"I may kill him," she muttered. I believe she meant it.
She said a lot of other things too--very much consistant with the Mrs. Sherwood who has rented my home for the past two and a half years. The very same Mrs. Sherwood I really adore.
In the course of our chat, Mrs. Sherwood offered two things: first, she would (and did) deposit the rent into my bank account. Second, she left me with this gem: "I'm not moving," she said, "And you don't have to deal with him ever again."
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