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.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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."
Monday, May 31, 2010
Random Bama
Tommy called me Saturday morning. He left me a message, astounded I wasn't approving him for the Pinson home. He was apparently under the mistaken impression it was his to rent. Never mind he was my second choice. Never mind I hadn't spoken with him since Wednesday.
He also innocently mentioned he was surprised by Carolsue suggesting he had been ugly to me. How could that be? He wanted me to know he never spoke unkindly and I was completely mistaken. He was confused as to why I would think such a thing. But most importantly, would I pretty please call him back because he wants to rent my home.
I am reminded of former awful tenant Mr. Smith and the, "It's not my fault" game. Or this particular book, which happens to be one of Buckaroo's favorites.
I was willing to acquiesce and call the guy, after all he is ready and willing to rent. But just to be sure, I played the message for Marty Sunshine. I have been in a funny space this past week, maybe it was just me. Marty listened and said, "Oh that guy is so full of beans." Except he didn't say beans.
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Ms. Kathy called Saturday morning. Her septic has been intermediately backing up for two weeks. Though she knew about this for two weeks, she waited until the Saturday of a three-day weekend to call.
I am thinking it is some sort of affliction that makes tenants wait until the most inopportune time to call for a repair. I know I am not the only one who deals with this.
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Ms. Shirley e-mailed me out of the blue with this link: www.kidsbowlfree.com. Mind you, I haven't spoken with Ms. Shirley since her roof was miraculously fixed--and is still fixed by the way, even after the rains this week.
Nonetheless, it was very sweet of her to think of me. Sadly, no participating lanes in Phoenix though. Bummer. Free bowling is in my budget. Maybe some of you can use this.
He also innocently mentioned he was surprised by Carolsue suggesting he had been ugly to me. How could that be? He wanted me to know he never spoke unkindly and I was completely mistaken. He was confused as to why I would think such a thing. But most importantly, would I pretty please call him back because he wants to rent my home.
I am reminded of former awful tenant Mr. Smith and the, "It's not my fault" game. Or this particular book, which happens to be one of Buckaroo's favorites.
I was willing to acquiesce and call the guy, after all he is ready and willing to rent. But just to be sure, I played the message for Marty Sunshine. I have been in a funny space this past week, maybe it was just me. Marty listened and said, "Oh that guy is so full of beans." Except he didn't say beans.
__________________________________________________________________
Ms. Kathy called Saturday morning. Her septic has been intermediately backing up for two weeks. Though she knew about this for two weeks, she waited until the Saturday of a three-day weekend to call.
I am thinking it is some sort of affliction that makes tenants wait until the most inopportune time to call for a repair. I know I am not the only one who deals with this.
__________________________________________________________________
Ms. Shirley e-mailed me out of the blue with this link: www.kidsbowlfree.com. Mind you, I haven't spoken with Ms. Shirley since her roof was miraculously fixed--and is still fixed by the way, even after the rains this week.
Nonetheless, it was very sweet of her to think of me. Sadly, no participating lanes in Phoenix though. Bummer. Free bowling is in my budget. Maybe some of you can use this.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
My Standards Are Not That High
I seriously did not think this house would be so difficult to rent. And, it seems the biggest problem is I am fussy.
I don't want tenants who lie to me about their pets (the yard is unfenced--which gives me a liability). I don't tenants who chew me out before I even consider approving them. I don't want tenants who ask to move in, but don't want to put down a deposit or pay the first month's rent on time.
I have started wondering, do we living in a world where these types of behaviors are so commonplace that I am shooting for the stars? My friends don't act this way. I don't treat virtual strangers this way. Am I holding tenants to a higher, unattainable standard? I really didn't think so two weeks ago.
What I really want is someone who will stay for at least the duration of their lease, but ideally a few years. I want them to be kind to the house. I want them to enjoy the home, yard and pond. I want someone I can get along with. Generally I can get along with--or at least tolerate--just about anyone.
I realize lately my mind was preoccupied the last two weeks. But, I am back now. Crisis averted with a clean bill of health. And I still don't like these folks enough to swallow my pride, explain I wasn't in my right mind, and call them for a second chance.
It isn't the credit score that is holding me back, it is their character. Heaven knows I have approved people with terrible credit and decent character before. I have approved people with great credit and crummy character as well. The latter has given me ulcers. Credit doesn't create character. It can be a byproduct of character, but there are legitimate reasons why people's credit falters.
Carolsue told Tommy on Friday I would not rent to him. When he started getting upset with her she said, "Here's a tip, if you want a landlord to hand over keys to her home, perhaps you shouldn't tell her off. Twice."
Is that really too much to ask?
I don't want tenants who lie to me about their pets (the yard is unfenced--which gives me a liability). I don't tenants who chew me out before I even consider approving them. I don't want tenants who ask to move in, but don't want to put down a deposit or pay the first month's rent on time.
I have started wondering, do we living in a world where these types of behaviors are so commonplace that I am shooting for the stars? My friends don't act this way. I don't treat virtual strangers this way. Am I holding tenants to a higher, unattainable standard? I really didn't think so two weeks ago.
What I really want is someone who will stay for at least the duration of their lease, but ideally a few years. I want them to be kind to the house. I want them to enjoy the home, yard and pond. I want someone I can get along with. Generally I can get along with--or at least tolerate--just about anyone.
I realize lately my mind was preoccupied the last two weeks. But, I am back now. Crisis averted with a clean bill of health. And I still don't like these folks enough to swallow my pride, explain I wasn't in my right mind, and call them for a second chance.
It isn't the credit score that is holding me back, it is their character. Heaven knows I have approved people with terrible credit and decent character before. I have approved people with great credit and crummy character as well. The latter has given me ulcers. Credit doesn't create character. It can be a byproduct of character, but there are legitimate reasons why people's credit falters.
Carolsue told Tommy on Friday I would not rent to him. When he started getting upset with her she said, "Here's a tip, if you want a landlord to hand over keys to her home, perhaps you shouldn't tell her off. Twice."
Is that really too much to ask?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
A Twisted Fate
I hadn't announced to Mrs. Brady she wasn't renting my home in Pinson. There are lots of reasons for this. For one thing, I hadn't rented out the house in Pinson just yet, so there was no reason to tell her it had gone to someone else. For another thing, maybe, just maybe, after all the nonsense with Kerry and the yard drama with Tommy and Tammy, they would look better to me. I was thinking so on Thursday.
But, the biggest reason I hadn't bothered to call or e-mail Mrs. Brady is that I have been sidetracked lately with things that have nothing to do with Alabama, rentals or investing. I have been dealing with my own stuff. My personal life was running way ahead of anything else. Including Mrs. Brady.
On Thursday, I was flirting with the idea of revisiting Mrs. Brady. This completely bypasses my basic rules, but there really is very little in this world more desperate than a landlord with a vacant home. At that moment, Mrs. Brady was the clear winner.
The reason I had rejected Mrs. Brady to begin with was that she told Carolsue she had a dog, then told me she didn't but was thinking of getting a dog. It wasn't the dog I was against. It was the inconsistency. Someone was getting a lie. And yes, her credit came back less than desirable. But, I really don't hold the credit against Mrs. Brady. I have rented to worse.
While sitting down to write Mrs. Brady a note, asking her about her moving time-frame and what we could do to work something out, I found an e-mail waiting in my inbox from her. It seems she noticed that the Birmingham News' online classifieds was still carrying my ad (they do that for seven days whether I want them to or not). And she was none-too-happy I hadn't called her up to that point. She had lots to say about this. Some of it accurate--I hadn't contacted her during the week. But little of what she wrote was appropriate.
I think there is some unwritten rule somewhere that goes like this: if you wouldn't speak that way to the Barista at Starbucks, you sure shouldn't talk that way to a potential landlord. And even if I dropped the ball and hadn't said word one to Mrs. Brady this week, I sure didn't have much to say to her after her e-mail.
I did write her back and tell her the home was still vacant, but given her displeasure at this point, it was probably best she made other accommodations. Best of luck to her.
I do feel bad. I normally don't wait four days to get back to applicants. That's not what is causing me remorese. Simply, Mrs. Brady had a lot of frustration in one e-mail. I am guessing very little had to do with me. After all, it isn't like she called or e-mailed me earlier in the week with a "what's up?" She just laid out the big guns. Normal people don't do that. Even in Alabama.
I have run into some bizarre twists of Fate running my accidental Alabama business. Marty Sunshine also seems to think Mrs. Brady's e-mail to me was Fate stepping in, saving me from a year of future headaches. Perhaps. I am ok with that.
But, the biggest reason I hadn't bothered to call or e-mail Mrs. Brady is that I have been sidetracked lately with things that have nothing to do with Alabama, rentals or investing. I have been dealing with my own stuff. My personal life was running way ahead of anything else. Including Mrs. Brady.
On Thursday, I was flirting with the idea of revisiting Mrs. Brady. This completely bypasses my basic rules, but there really is very little in this world more desperate than a landlord with a vacant home. At that moment, Mrs. Brady was the clear winner.
The reason I had rejected Mrs. Brady to begin with was that she told Carolsue she had a dog, then told me she didn't but was thinking of getting a dog. It wasn't the dog I was against. It was the inconsistency. Someone was getting a lie. And yes, her credit came back less than desirable. But, I really don't hold the credit against Mrs. Brady. I have rented to worse.
While sitting down to write Mrs. Brady a note, asking her about her moving time-frame and what we could do to work something out, I found an e-mail waiting in my inbox from her. It seems she noticed that the Birmingham News' online classifieds was still carrying my ad (they do that for seven days whether I want them to or not). And she was none-too-happy I hadn't called her up to that point. She had lots to say about this. Some of it accurate--I hadn't contacted her during the week. But little of what she wrote was appropriate.
I think there is some unwritten rule somewhere that goes like this: if you wouldn't speak that way to the Barista at Starbucks, you sure shouldn't talk that way to a potential landlord. And even if I dropped the ball and hadn't said word one to Mrs. Brady this week, I sure didn't have much to say to her after her e-mail.
I did write her back and tell her the home was still vacant, but given her displeasure at this point, it was probably best she made other accommodations. Best of luck to her.
I do feel bad. I normally don't wait four days to get back to applicants. That's not what is causing me remorese. Simply, Mrs. Brady had a lot of frustration in one e-mail. I am guessing very little had to do with me. After all, it isn't like she called or e-mailed me earlier in the week with a "what's up?" She just laid out the big guns. Normal people don't do that. Even in Alabama.
I have run into some bizarre twists of Fate running my accidental Alabama business. Marty Sunshine also seems to think Mrs. Brady's e-mail to me was Fate stepping in, saving me from a year of future headaches. Perhaps. I am ok with that.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Go Figure?
When we last left the home on Hysteria lane, the nosey neighbors had found me and tattled about the "common trash" that occupied my home. In fact, Brandie, the alpha-housewife, wanted me to know how much better the people who lived in the home before the "common trash" were.
Or she did until I said, "The former tenants were thieves and liars. I certainly hope you didn't associate with the likes of them." Which brought on a few "oh no ma'ams!"
Actually the former tenants weren't too bad. For thieves and liars. And, one could argue I have a subjective view of a thief and liar. But, I digress.
When Kirby went over to check on this house Tuesday, he was accosted by the housewives, who had a lot to say. None of it pleasant. Most of it utterly inaccurate. The house is in decent, lived-in condition. It needs to be cleaned. There is little food in the refrigerator, with the majority of it being beer. There are some personal items left behind. Not much. The walls are not black. The power is on. The front yard is mowed. The back yard is not.
Apparently, the tenants moved out two months ago. But, Kirby has been dutifully getting rent checks from them. Technically the tenants can do what they want with the home until their lease runs out--as long as they pay every month. And, with the new month approaching, we may find out how serious they are about keeping the home.
In the mean time, I have been busy on Tuesday. I now have two families who would like to rent this home sight unseen if it becomes available. TWO! A happy problem.
I like happy problems.
Or she did until I said, "The former tenants were thieves and liars. I certainly hope you didn't associate with the likes of them." Which brought on a few "oh no ma'ams!"
Actually the former tenants weren't too bad. For thieves and liars. And, one could argue I have a subjective view of a thief and liar. But, I digress.
When Kirby went over to check on this house Tuesday, he was accosted by the housewives, who had a lot to say. None of it pleasant. Most of it utterly inaccurate. The house is in decent, lived-in condition. It needs to be cleaned. There is little food in the refrigerator, with the majority of it being beer. There are some personal items left behind. Not much. The walls are not black. The power is on. The front yard is mowed. The back yard is not.
Apparently, the tenants moved out two months ago. But, Kirby has been dutifully getting rent checks from them. Technically the tenants can do what they want with the home until their lease runs out--as long as they pay every month. And, with the new month approaching, we may find out how serious they are about keeping the home.
In the mean time, I have been busy on Tuesday. I now have two families who would like to rent this home sight unseen if it becomes available. TWO! A happy problem.
I like happy problems.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Kerry Off and Tommy Rot
Wednesday afternoon, Kerry called me. She said her husband gets paid Friday and she wasn't sure how much money they would have for the security deposit, not to mention the entire rent. What should she do?
In the event you missed the subtext, Kerry said:
Her husband who has had the same job for 20 years would be receiving his paycheck on Friday. Even though he has a regular pay check, she refused to commit to giving me a specific amount of money for a security deposit. Additionally, even though she would have normally been paying rent on June 1 to her deadbeat landlord, she apparently didn't have that money either. So, would I let her move in for free?
The only reason I told her I would pass this along to my business partner and see what he wanted to do about it, is that I thought it would hurt my Karma if I called liar right then and there. Of course, I was counting Kerry's rent for June's mortgage, so I was terribly disappointed. But more than that, I wasn't ready for a year of Kerry-drama and would rather pass on this potential train-wreck than be strung along any longer by this clown.
What I did do as call Tommy and Tammy. (Earlier in the week, I ran Ms. Brady's background/credit and decided I would be better off with the home vacant than Ms. Brady) When I called, I explained to Tommy that I hadn't made a decision just yet on who would be renting my home, but was wondering--if I did approve them--when they would want to move in?
Completely ignoring my question, Tommy proceeded to take up where he left off on Sunday. The yard was a mess and the house was filthy. Or, so he heard. He hadn't personally seen it. But he would like to. He was planning on driving over there and taking a look himself and he would let me know how much I would have to take off the first month's rent to make it worthwhile. I bit my tongue and wished him well.
Thirty minutes later, Tommy called again with the conciliatory tone I had heard Sunday afternoon. "I owe you an apology. I see the yard is mowed," He said.
"Yes, I had the lawn taken care of yesterday. However, you didn't really give me a chance to tell you that when I called you earlier." I replied. Frankly, that was a lot nicer than what I wanted to say. I ask you, my five readers, do you call perfect strangers when you want a favor and bully them?
It is true: I would rather have a vacant home at this juncture than rent to either Tommy or Kerry. But I am not worried. I have two others who have expressed an interest in the home. I may not have a renter by June 1, but I will have a renter--the right renter--soon.
In the event you missed the subtext, Kerry said:
Her husband who has had the same job for 20 years would be receiving his paycheck on Friday. Even though he has a regular pay check, she refused to commit to giving me a specific amount of money for a security deposit. Additionally, even though she would have normally been paying rent on June 1 to her deadbeat landlord, she apparently didn't have that money either. So, would I let her move in for free?
The only reason I told her I would pass this along to my business partner and see what he wanted to do about it, is that I thought it would hurt my Karma if I called liar right then and there. Of course, I was counting Kerry's rent for June's mortgage, so I was terribly disappointed. But more than that, I wasn't ready for a year of Kerry-drama and would rather pass on this potential train-wreck than be strung along any longer by this clown.
What I did do as call Tommy and Tammy. (Earlier in the week, I ran Ms. Brady's background/credit and decided I would be better off with the home vacant than Ms. Brady) When I called, I explained to Tommy that I hadn't made a decision just yet on who would be renting my home, but was wondering--if I did approve them--when they would want to move in?
Completely ignoring my question, Tommy proceeded to take up where he left off on Sunday. The yard was a mess and the house was filthy. Or, so he heard. He hadn't personally seen it. But he would like to. He was planning on driving over there and taking a look himself and he would let me know how much I would have to take off the first month's rent to make it worthwhile. I bit my tongue and wished him well.
Thirty minutes later, Tommy called again with the conciliatory tone I had heard Sunday afternoon. "I owe you an apology. I see the yard is mowed," He said.
"Yes, I had the lawn taken care of yesterday. However, you didn't really give me a chance to tell you that when I called you earlier." I replied. Frankly, that was a lot nicer than what I wanted to say. I ask you, my five readers, do you call perfect strangers when you want a favor and bully them?
It is true: I would rather have a vacant home at this juncture than rent to either Tommy or Kerry. But I am not worried. I have two others who have expressed an interest in the home. I may not have a renter by June 1, but I will have a renter--the right renter--soon.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Kerry On
In my humble opinion, it is in bad form to cry at one's future landlord before you have turned in the lease.
I'm just saying...
Kerry is no exception. I approved her for the home in Pinson on Monday. I gave her explicit directions, take the lease and the security deposit to Legal Eagle. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Do it by Wednesday.
Kerry said the obligatory "yes ma'am" and I got a queasy sense of foreboding.
Tuesday, in order to quell my stomach pains, I called Kerry just to check in. She didn't have the deposit. In fairness to Kerry, she found out two weeks ago her landlord of five years was going into foreclosure and the trustee sale was June 1.
She was being forced to move because her landlord didn't pay the bills. Kerry paid the rent on time. But the landlord didn't see fit to take the rent money and apply it towards the mortgage. Just to add insult to injury, the landlord didn't have Kerry's security deposit either. So, I don't necessarily blame Kerry for this debacle.
I do blame Kerry for sticking this all on me with a sobbing, "what am I to do?" I could think of several answers off the top of my head: Take out a 401k loan. Find a loved one who can loan you the security deposit. Take out a credit card loan. Bring me a reasonable suggestion as to what will work for you--I am not that hard to work with.
I didn't share my solutions with her. All that was running through my head was, "What about next time she has a crisis?" Yes. This is a test. I don't want her thinking I was the one who would be manipulated.
What I told her was I wasn't going to solve this for her. I did suggest sometimes sleeping on a nagging problem will bring new light in the morning. And, while we were at it, let me know what she was planning on doing in the morning. Yes, I think what has happened to her is terrible. I think her landlord is scum. I think Kerry should be angry. But don't ask me to solve her "I don't have the security deposit" dilemma.
I am willing to take less of a security deposit. I would be willing to put the house back on the market. I would be willing to pass this along to the next person waiting in line.
But I didn't tell her any of that. I want her to be creative. I don't want to be the fixer of everything. It isn't healthy. And, I think Kerry, at age 40-something, has enough life experience to find a way not to be homeless.
I'm just saying...
Kerry is no exception. I approved her for the home in Pinson on Monday. I gave her explicit directions, take the lease and the security deposit to Legal Eagle. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Do it by Wednesday.
Kerry said the obligatory "yes ma'am" and I got a queasy sense of foreboding.
Tuesday, in order to quell my stomach pains, I called Kerry just to check in. She didn't have the deposit. In fairness to Kerry, she found out two weeks ago her landlord of five years was going into foreclosure and the trustee sale was June 1.
She was being forced to move because her landlord didn't pay the bills. Kerry paid the rent on time. But the landlord didn't see fit to take the rent money and apply it towards the mortgage. Just to add insult to injury, the landlord didn't have Kerry's security deposit either. So, I don't necessarily blame Kerry for this debacle.
I do blame Kerry for sticking this all on me with a sobbing, "what am I to do?" I could think of several answers off the top of my head: Take out a 401k loan. Find a loved one who can loan you the security deposit. Take out a credit card loan. Bring me a reasonable suggestion as to what will work for you--I am not that hard to work with.
I didn't share my solutions with her. All that was running through my head was, "What about next time she has a crisis?" Yes. This is a test. I don't want her thinking I was the one who would be manipulated.
What I told her was I wasn't going to solve this for her. I did suggest sometimes sleeping on a nagging problem will bring new light in the morning. And, while we were at it, let me know what she was planning on doing in the morning. Yes, I think what has happened to her is terrible. I think her landlord is scum. I think Kerry should be angry. But don't ask me to solve her "I don't have the security deposit" dilemma.
I am willing to take less of a security deposit. I would be willing to put the house back on the market. I would be willing to pass this along to the next person waiting in line.
But I didn't tell her any of that. I want her to be creative. I don't want to be the fixer of everything. It isn't healthy. And, I think Kerry, at age 40-something, has enough life experience to find a way not to be homeless.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wow. Gosh. Thank You For Letting Me Know...
So Monday, I get to the office, wearing my Real Estate Ninja suit and packing a burrito which is supposed to be my lunch, when I get a call from Brandie.
Brandie's timing was pretty amazing. I understand she didn't realize I had a house closing in an hour and I was representing the seller. My dilemma was that the seller's adult children had decided they weren't moving out--even though the house would not belong to dad in a few hours. So, I was a bit busy threatening all sorts of legalities to the seller and cajoling the buyer in hopes of getting this resolved without significant bloodshed.
Brandie called to ask if I own a home in Calera and promptly rattled off the address. Yes, I do happen to be part-owner of that home. But the home isn't in my name. So, anyone who knows I own this home must have inside information. Well, it turned out she did.
Brandie had spent the better part of the day playing junior sleuth, hunting me down. She had called around to the Calera Water Board, who had my name and state. She also apparently knew I was a real estate agent and then spent the better part figuring out how to find me. She was pleased as punch that she had managed to track me down. And she wanted me to know this.
She also wanted me to know that the tenants I had living in the house next door to hers were common trash. She said a lot of other things about them too, finally getting to the gist of her call. The common trash moved out a couple of months ago, leaving behind a huge mess. This is an amazing situation, because the "common trash" tenants actually paid rent for the month of May.
Also, according to Brandie, the power was off, so all the (presumable) food in the refrigerator was now rotting. And, while she was at it, Brandie wanted me to know she has been mowing the lawn. Only the front lawn. The back grass is too high, and she can't manage it.
As I am trying to get a word in edge-wise, uttering things like, "gosh," "wow," and (my personal favorite) "thank you for letting me know. I will let you go so I can take care of this...." several thousand times, Brandie informed me she was pretty sure the blinds were broken, the interior was trashed, the tenants painted the inside walls black and did Brandie mention she single-handedly mowed the grass for me? Only the front grass, mind you.
I also had to listen to what a respectable neighborhood Brandie lived in until "those people" arrived. This elicited the "thank you for letting me know. I will let you go so I can take care of this..." response, yet again.
Meanwhile, I was pretty sure I piqued the curiosity of some of the agents in the office. I was half expecting them, who were only hearing my comments--and had absolutely no idea what was going on--to hold up cue cards saying things like, "wow," and "I appreciate you telling me this," and "that's just aweful," at randomly appropriate intervals.
Once detangled from Brandie, I immediately called Kirby and said something akin to "Holy cow! What on Earth is going on??" Of course, this is news to Kirby too. Even property managers don't have crystal balls (and in this case, I found the tenant, so I can't really condemn Kirby for his choice in people babysitting my home).
And, if that wasn't enough drama. While on the phone with Brandie, I had a voice mail from Krissy. She lives on the same street as Brandie and my home. And would I please call her? She needs to speak with me immediately.
Perhaps if my seller's adult children need a place to live I can accommodate them.
Brandie's timing was pretty amazing. I understand she didn't realize I had a house closing in an hour and I was representing the seller. My dilemma was that the seller's adult children had decided they weren't moving out--even though the house would not belong to dad in a few hours. So, I was a bit busy threatening all sorts of legalities to the seller and cajoling the buyer in hopes of getting this resolved without significant bloodshed.
Brandie called to ask if I own a home in Calera and promptly rattled off the address. Yes, I do happen to be part-owner of that home. But the home isn't in my name. So, anyone who knows I own this home must have inside information. Well, it turned out she did.
Brandie had spent the better part of the day playing junior sleuth, hunting me down. She had called around to the Calera Water Board, who had my name and state. She also apparently knew I was a real estate agent and then spent the better part figuring out how to find me. She was pleased as punch that she had managed to track me down. And she wanted me to know this.
She also wanted me to know that the tenants I had living in the house next door to hers were common trash. She said a lot of other things about them too, finally getting to the gist of her call. The common trash moved out a couple of months ago, leaving behind a huge mess. This is an amazing situation, because the "common trash" tenants actually paid rent for the month of May.
Also, according to Brandie, the power was off, so all the (presumable) food in the refrigerator was now rotting. And, while she was at it, Brandie wanted me to know she has been mowing the lawn. Only the front lawn. The back grass is too high, and she can't manage it.
As I am trying to get a word in edge-wise, uttering things like, "gosh," "wow," and (my personal favorite) "thank you for letting me know. I will let you go so I can take care of this...." several thousand times, Brandie informed me she was pretty sure the blinds were broken, the interior was trashed, the tenants painted the inside walls black and did Brandie mention she single-handedly mowed the grass for me? Only the front grass, mind you.
I also had to listen to what a respectable neighborhood Brandie lived in until "those people" arrived. This elicited the "thank you for letting me know. I will let you go so I can take care of this..." response, yet again.
Meanwhile, I was pretty sure I piqued the curiosity of some of the agents in the office. I was half expecting them, who were only hearing my comments--and had absolutely no idea what was going on--to hold up cue cards saying things like, "wow," and "I appreciate you telling me this," and "that's just aweful," at randomly appropriate intervals.
Once detangled from Brandie, I immediately called Kirby and said something akin to "Holy cow! What on Earth is going on??" Of course, this is news to Kirby too. Even property managers don't have crystal balls (and in this case, I found the tenant, so I can't really condemn Kirby for his choice in people babysitting my home).
And, if that wasn't enough drama. While on the phone with Brandie, I had a voice mail from Krissy. She lives on the same street as Brandie and my home. And would I please call her? She needs to speak with me immediately.
Perhaps if my seller's adult children need a place to live I can accommodate them.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Final Score: Landlord 1, Tommy -17
Tommy called me in a huff Sunday afternoon. He called right as Tony Abreu crossed plate, giving the Diamondbacks a momentary lead. It was the highlight of the game. And, I wasn't happy to miss it.
The reason for Tommy's call is that his fiancee, Tammy, had just seen the house and it was "filthy." Tommy moved on to the condition of the yard and what-exactly-was-I-going-to-do-about-it? minor diatribe, when I cut him off.
"I think you are jumping the gun." I said. "I haven't gotten a complete application from you. And until I do, I don't really wish to discuss anything else."
Tommy--who wasn't terribly articulate the first time I spoke with him--was crystal clear now. With a new conciliatory tone, he "yes ma'amed" me and politely asked what precisely he and Tammy needed to do so they could move into my home.
What I didn't tell Tommy is, at this point, there is absolutely nothing Tommy was going to be able to do to ever be able to move into my home. What I did tell Tommy was that I needed a photo ID from he and Tammy. I also needed verification of income. Tommy swore Tammy was taking care of most of it, and offered to take a picture of his driver's license with his phone and send it to me.
"I need your license faxed to me. I need to submit it to the credit company." I said. I got another yes ma'am as he backed away from the phone, wishing me a lovely day.
Not five minutes later, Tammy called, sweet as can be. She said she gave everything they needed to Carolsue and could Tommy please send me a photo of his driver's license, via cell phone?
She said Tommy is a long-haul trucker and finding a fax machine is difficult. Maybe it is just me, but I am under the impression there are fax machines in every state. By the way, Tammy said nothing about the condition of the home, other than to tell me she really likes it and is ready to get keys as soon as I am ready to hand them over.
I did tell her I was fixing to make a decision in the next couple of days. I hope I gave her the distinct impression she has competition. Because she does.
After Tommy and Tammy, my baseball game careened downhill. So, the next call from Carolsue was a welcome relief. She said Tammy never once complained about the condition of the home when they met earlier Sunday. The home is clean by the way. She said Tammy liked the house. When I told Carolsue about the fit Tommy threw, Carolsue said, "If you rent to them, you will be asking for trouble later." I am pleased I have taught Carolsue well.
I am pretty much seeing a super-clean two bedroom apartment in Tommy and Tammy's immediate future. Fortunately, I have two other applicants. Neither think the house is "filthy." And neither called during the baseball game.
The reason for Tommy's call is that his fiancee, Tammy, had just seen the house and it was "filthy." Tommy moved on to the condition of the yard and what-exactly-was-I-going-to-do-about-it? minor diatribe, when I cut him off.
"I think you are jumping the gun." I said. "I haven't gotten a complete application from you. And until I do, I don't really wish to discuss anything else."
Tommy--who wasn't terribly articulate the first time I spoke with him--was crystal clear now. With a new conciliatory tone, he "yes ma'amed" me and politely asked what precisely he and Tammy needed to do so they could move into my home.
What I didn't tell Tommy is, at this point, there is absolutely nothing Tommy was going to be able to do to ever be able to move into my home. What I did tell Tommy was that I needed a photo ID from he and Tammy. I also needed verification of income. Tommy swore Tammy was taking care of most of it, and offered to take a picture of his driver's license with his phone and send it to me.
"I need your license faxed to me. I need to submit it to the credit company." I said. I got another yes ma'am as he backed away from the phone, wishing me a lovely day.
Not five minutes later, Tammy called, sweet as can be. She said she gave everything they needed to Carolsue and could Tommy please send me a photo of his driver's license, via cell phone?
She said Tommy is a long-haul trucker and finding a fax machine is difficult. Maybe it is just me, but I am under the impression there are fax machines in every state. By the way, Tammy said nothing about the condition of the home, other than to tell me she really likes it and is ready to get keys as soon as I am ready to hand them over.
I did tell her I was fixing to make a decision in the next couple of days. I hope I gave her the distinct impression she has competition. Because she does.
After Tommy and Tammy, my baseball game careened downhill. So, the next call from Carolsue was a welcome relief. She said Tammy never once complained about the condition of the home when they met earlier Sunday. The home is clean by the way. She said Tammy liked the house. When I told Carolsue about the fit Tommy threw, Carolsue said, "If you rent to them, you will be asking for trouble later." I am pleased I have taught Carolsue well.
I am pretty much seeing a super-clean two bedroom apartment in Tommy and Tammy's immediate future. Fortunately, I have two other applicants. Neither think the house is "filthy." And neither called during the baseball game.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Eeney, Meany, Miney, Moe
Here's the truth. I don't like any of my choices for my Pinson house. I don't dislike them either. I haven't run credit or read too deeply into their applications. But, I have had some levels of personal interaction with each party. Sadly I need to make a decision pretty quickly, as I have a mortgage payment due. At this point, I am ready set up a cork board and start throwing darts.
Tenant 1, Mrs. Brady.
She sent her application first. She filled everything out. She sent me pay stubs. The Brady family has jobs that are not affected by a weak economy. Last week, I divulged to her I was having a medical procedure and would not be available for a day or so. Therefore, I would get back to her by the end of the week. She in turn sent me an e-card full of Bible verses. She signed it, "The Brady Family." It took me two days to figure out who the Brady family was.
And though I appreciate the sentiment, she had no idea if I was having open heart surgery or a root canal. I am confident in my faith, however I don't find it to be an appropriate topic of conversation with perfect strangers. (I know, I know. This is the South. They do find it to be an appropriate topic of conversation under every circumstance).
But most importantly, I have never had a good experience with tenants who make such grand overtures early on. Essentially, she isn't looking at this like the business relationship. I am. If rent is late one month, I am guessing she will think we are friends and it is ok. It isn't. I don't like this level of familiarity. It is a huge red flag.
Red flag number two was that she told Carolsue last week she has a dog, but wouldn't discuss it. When Carolsue pressed her, she would evade the question. When I asked, Mrs. Brady told me she doesn't have a dog. She is only thinking of getting one.
Tenant 2, Tammy and Tommy
Tommy called me last Monday and I could barely understand him with his thick drawl (twice in one week). I finally gleamed he and his very clean fiancee, Tammy, wanted to see the Pinson home. So, I sent him to Carolsue.
Carolsue in turn spoke with Tammy. Tammy sent in an application--the home sight unseen. She was even willing to move in this weekend without seeing the interior. However, she did not send me over pay stubs or photo identification. I need the IDs to run background checks. For three days, Carolsue has been telling Tammy to finish getting me the necessary data. Somehow this seems more difficult than one would expect.
Tammy and Tommy have one dog and jobs that are adveresly affected by a poor economy.
Red flags: they can't follow directions and I will not be able to talk to Tommy. Thier jobs.
Tenant 3, Kerry
I have been talking to Kerry for more than week. She was originally my favorite of the three. Kerry and Mr. Kerry need to move next week because their landlord defaulted and the trustee has given them until June 1. They have no pets and jobs that are recession proof.
However, last week she told me she had left messages for Carolsue. Carolsue said she didn't. Mind you, Kerry had called, but never managed to speak with Carolsue's answering machine.
Additionally, Kerry didn't get around to turning in her application until yesterday. And when I got it, I found, she couldn't be bothered to include a few basics: like her current address. Additionally, she put her mother-in-law down as a reference, but only gave me the woman's street number--no city, state and phone number. She sent me her husband's pay stub and forgot to send one for herself.
I am pretty sure she was in a hurry when she sent the application. But it isn't like she didn't have the application for a week. What would an extra 15 minutes to review the vitals have hurt?
Red flag: Doesn't own a calendar and can't follow directions.
My choice was simple. Carolsue will hold it open once again and I will cross my fingers and toes for a better pool of tenants.
Tenant 1, Mrs. Brady.
She sent her application first. She filled everything out. She sent me pay stubs. The Brady family has jobs that are not affected by a weak economy. Last week, I divulged to her I was having a medical procedure and would not be available for a day or so. Therefore, I would get back to her by the end of the week. She in turn sent me an e-card full of Bible verses. She signed it, "The Brady Family." It took me two days to figure out who the Brady family was.
And though I appreciate the sentiment, she had no idea if I was having open heart surgery or a root canal. I am confident in my faith, however I don't find it to be an appropriate topic of conversation with perfect strangers. (I know, I know. This is the South. They do find it to be an appropriate topic of conversation under every circumstance).
But most importantly, I have never had a good experience with tenants who make such grand overtures early on. Essentially, she isn't looking at this like the business relationship. I am. If rent is late one month, I am guessing she will think we are friends and it is ok. It isn't. I don't like this level of familiarity. It is a huge red flag.
Red flag number two was that she told Carolsue last week she has a dog, but wouldn't discuss it. When Carolsue pressed her, she would evade the question. When I asked, Mrs. Brady told me she doesn't have a dog. She is only thinking of getting one.
Tenant 2, Tammy and Tommy
Tommy called me last Monday and I could barely understand him with his thick drawl (twice in one week). I finally gleamed he and his very clean fiancee, Tammy, wanted to see the Pinson home. So, I sent him to Carolsue.
Carolsue in turn spoke with Tammy. Tammy sent in an application--the home sight unseen. She was even willing to move in this weekend without seeing the interior. However, she did not send me over pay stubs or photo identification. I need the IDs to run background checks. For three days, Carolsue has been telling Tammy to finish getting me the necessary data. Somehow this seems more difficult than one would expect.
Tammy and Tommy have one dog and jobs that are adveresly affected by a poor economy.
Red flags: they can't follow directions and I will not be able to talk to Tommy. Thier jobs.
Tenant 3, Kerry
I have been talking to Kerry for more than week. She was originally my favorite of the three. Kerry and Mr. Kerry need to move next week because their landlord defaulted and the trustee has given them until June 1. They have no pets and jobs that are recession proof.
However, last week she told me she had left messages for Carolsue. Carolsue said she didn't. Mind you, Kerry had called, but never managed to speak with Carolsue's answering machine.
Additionally, Kerry didn't get around to turning in her application until yesterday. And when I got it, I found, she couldn't be bothered to include a few basics: like her current address. Additionally, she put her mother-in-law down as a reference, but only gave me the woman's street number--no city, state and phone number. She sent me her husband's pay stub and forgot to send one for herself.
I am pretty sure she was in a hurry when she sent the application. But it isn't like she didn't have the application for a week. What would an extra 15 minutes to review the vitals have hurt?
Red flag: Doesn't own a calendar and can't follow directions.
My choice was simple. Carolsue will hold it open once again and I will cross my fingers and toes for a better pool of tenants.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Happy Birthday
Twenty-five years ago, an important event took place. The Dairy Queen Blizzard was born. I thought you all should know. The world is much better with Blizzards in them--at least the ice cream kind.
For a special taste-sensation, I reccomend them with with red M&Ms--which were reintroduced in 1986.
For a special taste-sensation, I reccomend them with with red M&Ms--which were reintroduced in 1986.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A List of Good Things
There are those who have encouraged me to write a landlord book. I have an outline written and have dabbled with a chapter or two. But, haven't really done much since. Part of what I wonder, every time I take a bit of time to work on it, is am I writing an informative how-to book or a horror novel.
I mentioned a week ago how I don't really touch much on the really cool stuff that happens to me on a regular basis, because it doesn't really make for fun reading. But it happens. I sometimes forget about the good stuff as well. It is easier to remember the big ugly events than the sweet little things that don't mean much, but do add up.
This past week has been tough for me for reasons that don't have anything to do with Alabama. In fact, my accidental business has been a major afterthought, as I handle some of life's distractions. Though it still has needed a certain amount of attention, it is fair to say I have been phoning it in. In order to improve my mindset, I opted to write a list of good things related to my accidental business. Here it is.
- My bills are paid. There may not be any money left over at the end of the day, but commerce doesn't stand still. Everyone gets their money.
- I have received two applications on my Pinson home. I haven't picked one yet. I am hoping for at least one more. But if not. I am confident the two applications I have received seem to be solid.
- It appears the home Jack and I own has been rented to a guy who doesn't have credit issues, a criminal background and no pets. In fact his credit score is pretty darn good.
- Out of the blue, I got a really cool note from a former tenant yesterday thanking me for being a great landlord when he and his family rented from me. Not only would I not know my former landlord's name, I never would have thought enough of anyone I have ever rented from to thank them.
- I got a 150 year old, 50 foot oak tree cut down for $1,800. In the event you aren't aware of what a blessing this is, I invite you to call around and see what it costs to remove one. I am still blown away. I am beyond grateful.
- I have Kirby and Carolsue. And though I have done the managing without them for many years prior to this, I am grateful to have them. I feel spoiled.
- I have business partners who are more or less in sync with the goals Marty Sunshine and I have. I didn't always have partners who were on the same wavelength. In fact, both of my partners are great landlords themselves and I have learned tons from them.
- When I talked to Legal Eagle a few weeks ago, she said, "Anything you need. I got your back." I believe she means it. She wasn't just speaking as a lawyer. I feel that way about the business relationships I have developed--everyone from Clay the AC guy to James the Hell's Angel Turned Carpet Installer.
- The 80/20 rule applies for my accidental business. Twenty percent of my homes cause 80 percent of my headaches. I promise Home Jeanne. It isn't that bad.
- I am finding I am not upside down on most of my homes. Yes, there are one or two. But for the most part, I am even or have slight equity position. Psychologically, this is motivating. It makes a difference.
- I feel an overwhelming sense of peace lately in what I am doing. Two summers ago tested my good nature. Last summer tested my resolve. We have worked hard to fix our glitches. Through patience (and a great deal of financial strife) we got rid of our bad tenants. Those tenants going taught me big lessons. Now we have a plan in place to fix our under-capitalized issues.
- I often think stock certificates wouldn't be this exciting. My life would be calmer. But, it wouldn't be emotionally richer. I have enjoyed writing this blog. I am tickled I have a handful of friends and readers, some who have provided me with feedback and taken the time to share their ideas and opinions. Even if you don't comment, thank you all for coming and joining me on my journey.
Could Someone Please Get Me A Babble Fish
Jack showed our home to Harold on Tuesday. Sticking with our good-cop, bad-cop routine, Harold called me so I could get a chance to see what I thought of him.
What I thought is that I need my ears checked. Harold's drawl was so thick, I only caught half of what he said. What I did understand is that he owns a home near the house Ms. Angie lives in. He wants to move because the neighborhood is rough.
I wish I wouldn't have understood that.
When I called Jack later, I explained how inadequate and helpless I felt because of the language barrier. I didn't want to embarrass Harold. It wouldn't have mattered how loud he spoke, or how slowly. As long as he spoke Southern, I was going to have trouble. Hopefully he understood me with my "accent."
Within 20 minutes from the time we spoke, Harold faxed over his application. He dutifully included on his own a pay stub from his employer--which I hadn't asked for. He completely filled out everything, including adding phone numbers where necessary. He included a photo ID and even gave me his girlfriend's name. From what I understand, she won't be living there, but coming in and out.
At least I think that is what he said. Honestly, I am not sure.
On paper, Harold looks great. I hope his credit/background/eviction history are just as charming. And, I hope he has e-mail. Because, until I dust off my Southern drawl-to-English dictionary, it apprears that will be the only way we are going to be able to chat.
One last thing: today's public service is sponsored by the evils of melanoma. There is no shame in being pale. Skin cancer is bad. SPF 50 is good.
What I thought is that I need my ears checked. Harold's drawl was so thick, I only caught half of what he said. What I did understand is that he owns a home near the house Ms. Angie lives in. He wants to move because the neighborhood is rough.
I wish I wouldn't have understood that.
When I called Jack later, I explained how inadequate and helpless I felt because of the language barrier. I didn't want to embarrass Harold. It wouldn't have mattered how loud he spoke, or how slowly. As long as he spoke Southern, I was going to have trouble. Hopefully he understood me with my "accent."
Within 20 minutes from the time we spoke, Harold faxed over his application. He dutifully included on his own a pay stub from his employer--which I hadn't asked for. He completely filled out everything, including adding phone numbers where necessary. He included a photo ID and even gave me his girlfriend's name. From what I understand, she won't be living there, but coming in and out.
At least I think that is what he said. Honestly, I am not sure.
On paper, Harold looks great. I hope his credit/background/eviction history are just as charming. And, I hope he has e-mail. Because, until I dust off my Southern drawl-to-English dictionary, it apprears that will be the only way we are going to be able to chat.
One last thing: today's public service is sponsored by the evils of melanoma. There is no shame in being pale. Skin cancer is bad. SPF 50 is good.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Random Bama
The Waterford home is fixed, with the only repair necessary being the ceiling. And, I can pleasantly thank Mr. 114 for his efforts. He came significantly under bid from the person Kirby was planning on using. There is a lot to be said for having my own team in place. Hopefully, now that Mr. 114 and Kirby have met, they can work together again on other properties Kirby happens to manage.
Incidentally, the tenants are pleased at how this was handled. They asked to extend their lease--which expires in November. Below are the "before" pictures of the water leak. It doesn't look too bad. I don't think anyone will be screaming toxic mold.
And a last bit of good news about my Waterford home. Kirby ran comps on this house for me a couple of weeks ago. I am not upside down! This was one of the ones I was most concerned about.
_____________________________________________________
Note to tenants: if you owe me money, don't post where you work on Linked In. Better yet, please do! It makes me easier to keep an eye on you.
______________________________________________________
Ms. Angie called. She has another water leak. And no job. However, her rent check showed up early. I appreciate that. She is also diligently looking for employment. At the moment she has no intentions of moving. I appreciate that too.
______________________________________________________
It appears I have a happy problem: I have a lot of interest in my home in Pinson. I have one application, and a promise for a second one tomorrow. The person I really liked on the phone also called and asked me for an application, but didn't give me her e-mail address. Maybe applicant number three? Additionally, Carolsue tells me there is a fourth person she loves more than the other three and swears I will too.
I really like happy problems.
Incidentally, the tenants are pleased at how this was handled. They asked to extend their lease--which expires in November. Below are the "before" pictures of the water leak. It doesn't look too bad. I don't think anyone will be screaming toxic mold.
And a last bit of good news about my Waterford home. Kirby ran comps on this house for me a couple of weeks ago. I am not upside down! This was one of the ones I was most concerned about.
_____________________________________________________
Note to tenants: if you owe me money, don't post where you work on Linked In. Better yet, please do! It makes me easier to keep an eye on you.
______________________________________________________
Ms. Angie called. She has another water leak. And no job. However, her rent check showed up early. I appreciate that. She is also diligently looking for employment. At the moment she has no intentions of moving. I appreciate that too.
______________________________________________________
It appears I have a happy problem: I have a lot of interest in my home in Pinson. I have one application, and a promise for a second one tomorrow. The person I really liked on the phone also called and asked me for an application, but didn't give me her e-mail address. Maybe applicant number three? Additionally, Carolsue tells me there is a fourth person she loves more than the other three and swears I will too.
I really like happy problems.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Shooting the Messenger
You might remember last month I wrote about Ronnie, the VP of marketing for the former HVAC company I used? A quick back story: Ronnie with HVAC company says I have a service agreement. I didn't believe it and told him to fax it over so I can see the agreement. Ronnie couldn't seem to operate a fax machine, hence they didn't get any business from me.
Ronnie must have been promoted because now Lilly is calling. On Friday, Lilly called, chipper as can be, with news of a special promotion their company is running. And, when could her company get out to my home and do their magic?
Poor Lilly. Given the state of the Birmingham economy, she is probably happy to be employed. I probably ruined her day. I told her if someone over there couldn't be competent enough to fax over a service agreement I allegedly signed, I certainly didn't trust them with anything as as complicated as an air conditioning unit. And until I had that agreement, we would not be talking about anything else.
She gave me a yes ma'am, and asked for my fax number. I also asked her to give a message to the owner of the company: I bought three AC units last summer. Their company didn't install any of them.
Ronnie must have been promoted because now Lilly is calling. On Friday, Lilly called, chipper as can be, with news of a special promotion their company is running. And, when could her company get out to my home and do their magic?
Poor Lilly. Given the state of the Birmingham economy, she is probably happy to be employed. I probably ruined her day. I told her if someone over there couldn't be competent enough to fax over a service agreement I allegedly signed, I certainly didn't trust them with anything as as complicated as an air conditioning unit. And until I had that agreement, we would not be talking about anything else.
She gave me a yes ma'am, and asked for my fax number. I also asked her to give a message to the owner of the company: I bought three AC units last summer. Their company didn't install any of them.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Games People Play
It is truly amazing the quality of inquiries I have gotten for my home in Pinson. My calls generally consist of people who understand the basics of communication. And, as Carolsue observed, for the most part, they can talk using words with multiple syllables. This is such a far cry from the calls I got when I advertised my home in Leeds.
It almost makes me think I might have a few potential tenants to choose from. Oh... do I dare to dream? I can guarantee the one who will get my home will be the person who causes me the least amount of grief.
I already know Tina won't be renting from me. Now, I understand Tina doesn't read my blog. Because if she did, she certainly wouldn't have approached me in such a way that ensured we would get off on the wrong foot.
Tina's first strike is that of the multitudes of those calling, Tina is the only one who leaves a terse message, letting me know she has no desire to make a good impression with the landlord.
Next, when I have returned her calls, I am always greeted with voicemail. Dutifully, I would leave a message. Tina would turn around and return the call via voice mail not three seconds later--every time, thus requiring me to call her again.
I got the distinct impression she was screening her calls. Was Tina hiding from creditors? I don't know. I don't want to find out. But, I am guessing this is a preview of what I could look forward to if I picked her to live in my home.
After I played this game for two days, with my last voice mail to her saying, "There is an open house on Sunday from 1 to 3. Show up then."
Since that time, she called and not left her name, as if I wouldn't 1) recognize her phone number and 2) recognize her voice. And now, she has resorted to sending me texts. Her latest was to ask for the zip code for Pinson because she wanted to map out the house. The town of Pinson has one zip code. And, if she can use a computer proficiently enough to use Mapquest, she can figure out the zip code without calling sixteen times a day. She has the address.
But, I don't think the text really had anything to do with the zip code. I think she wanted to see if I would communicate back. I am getting the impression, based on her voice messages and behaviors, she likes the attention. And, she likes it on her terms.
I almost wanted to call her just to say don't bother coming to the open house. She hasn't passed my initial screening. Game playing isn't high on my list of things I like to do with tenants. If she is this much of a headache now, I can only imagine what I would be in for if I approved her.
It almost makes me think I might have a few potential tenants to choose from. Oh... do I dare to dream? I can guarantee the one who will get my home will be the person who causes me the least amount of grief.
I already know Tina won't be renting from me. Now, I understand Tina doesn't read my blog. Because if she did, she certainly wouldn't have approached me in such a way that ensured we would get off on the wrong foot.
Tina's first strike is that of the multitudes of those calling, Tina is the only one who leaves a terse message, letting me know she has no desire to make a good impression with the landlord.
Next, when I have returned her calls, I am always greeted with voicemail. Dutifully, I would leave a message. Tina would turn around and return the call via voice mail not three seconds later--every time, thus requiring me to call her again.
I got the distinct impression she was screening her calls. Was Tina hiding from creditors? I don't know. I don't want to find out. But, I am guessing this is a preview of what I could look forward to if I picked her to live in my home.
After I played this game for two days, with my last voice mail to her saying, "There is an open house on Sunday from 1 to 3. Show up then."
Since that time, she called and not left her name, as if I wouldn't 1) recognize her phone number and 2) recognize her voice. And now, she has resorted to sending me texts. Her latest was to ask for the zip code for Pinson because she wanted to map out the house. The town of Pinson has one zip code. And, if she can use a computer proficiently enough to use Mapquest, she can figure out the zip code without calling sixteen times a day. She has the address.
But, I don't think the text really had anything to do with the zip code. I think she wanted to see if I would communicate back. I am getting the impression, based on her voice messages and behaviors, she likes the attention. And, she likes it on her terms.
I almost wanted to call her just to say don't bother coming to the open house. She hasn't passed my initial screening. Game playing isn't high on my list of things I like to do with tenants. If she is this much of a headache now, I can only imagine what I would be in for if I approved her.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A Landlord Story
May has come in like a lion. I'm crossing my fingers it will go out like a lamb. In the mean time, I haven't had time to write about the fun landlord story about my friends.
This couple have a treasured home they have moved out of when Mr. Landlord was deployed to Arkansas. I have been helping them when necessary, answering questions and the like. They weren't intending to be landlords, and Mrs. Landlord has mentioned more than once they would rather be living in their lovely home than having strangers babysit it. To make matters worse, I recently told them about my blog, which prompted them to sleep with every light in the house on.
My friends have been away a few years now, and have gone through a fair share of renters. Their latest seems to feel entitled to just about everything, including expecting the new flooring. Yes really. They want the landlord to take up the carpet and replace it for laminate wood. When I saw this carpet 18 months ago, I don't recall it being in bad shape. And, if it really-really needs to be replaced now, it isn't from the basic wear and tear. But the real point is, when one rents a home, they get what they get. It isn't the landlord's job to arbitrarily change the flooring because the neutral carpet doesn't match their couch.
The tenants also have taken issue with some of the clauses in the landlord's lease. They had the opportunity to read the lease before they signed. Now that things aren't working out the way they want, they are complaining. It seems to me these things should be negotiated before they are signed, but that's just me.
The tenants' lease is up the end of May. According to the terms the lease, the tenant was required to give a 30 day notice to move or re-sign. The tenant wasn't talking. Mr. Landlord repeatedly asked their tenant were they planning on renewing or moving?
Finally the tenant sent a rude note to the landlord stating he would sign a new 12 month lease as long as it was month-to-month and they got rid of some of the "BS lease clauses" Except he didn't say "BS".
Just so we are clear here, there is no "month-to-month 12 month lease". Month to month, means you are paying as you go. Think hotel room.
I was so proud of Mr. and Mrs. Landlord. They told the tenants they were to move in 30 days. No if, ands or buts. Good bye. Thanks for the memories. The tenant could play by the landlord's rules or move. Plain and simple.
The next day the tenant changed his tune, agreed to sign a lease and promptly went to the local home improvement store and bought new blinds for the kitchen of the home he is renting.
I can guess what happened: Mrs. Tenant got involved.
I figure she told Mr. Tenant after his rude e-mail to the landlord, "Oh no you didn't! Suck it up, kiss and play nice. I am not moving. Not in June in Arizona."
I am guessing she said a few other things, because she got new blinds too. And the tenant signed the lease--with all the Landlord's clauses still intact.
This couple have a treasured home they have moved out of when Mr. Landlord was deployed to Arkansas. I have been helping them when necessary, answering questions and the like. They weren't intending to be landlords, and Mrs. Landlord has mentioned more than once they would rather be living in their lovely home than having strangers babysit it. To make matters worse, I recently told them about my blog, which prompted them to sleep with every light in the house on.
My friends have been away a few years now, and have gone through a fair share of renters. Their latest seems to feel entitled to just about everything, including expecting the new flooring. Yes really. They want the landlord to take up the carpet and replace it for laminate wood. When I saw this carpet 18 months ago, I don't recall it being in bad shape. And, if it really-really needs to be replaced now, it isn't from the basic wear and tear. But the real point is, when one rents a home, they get what they get. It isn't the landlord's job to arbitrarily change the flooring because the neutral carpet doesn't match their couch.
The tenants also have taken issue with some of the clauses in the landlord's lease. They had the opportunity to read the lease before they signed. Now that things aren't working out the way they want, they are complaining. It seems to me these things should be negotiated before they are signed, but that's just me.
The tenants' lease is up the end of May. According to the terms the lease, the tenant was required to give a 30 day notice to move or re-sign. The tenant wasn't talking. Mr. Landlord repeatedly asked their tenant were they planning on renewing or moving?
Finally the tenant sent a rude note to the landlord stating he would sign a new 12 month lease as long as it was month-to-month and they got rid of some of the "BS lease clauses" Except he didn't say "BS".
Just so we are clear here, there is no "month-to-month 12 month lease". Month to month, means you are paying as you go. Think hotel room.
I was so proud of Mr. and Mrs. Landlord. They told the tenants they were to move in 30 days. No if, ands or buts. Good bye. Thanks for the memories. The tenant could play by the landlord's rules or move. Plain and simple.
The next day the tenant changed his tune, agreed to sign a lease and promptly went to the local home improvement store and bought new blinds for the kitchen of the home he is renting.
I can guess what happened: Mrs. Tenant got involved.
I figure she told Mr. Tenant after his rude e-mail to the landlord, "Oh no you didn't! Suck it up, kiss and play nice. I am not moving. Not in June in Arizona."
I am guessing she said a few other things, because she got new blinds too. And the tenant signed the lease--with all the Landlord's clauses still intact.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Did I Mention This is Strictly Hypothetical?
I so hate screening tenants. I can handle the after-affects of murder, mayhem, destruction much better than I can handle plugging in my crystal ball and figuring out if the person who seems absolutely delightful on the outside really plans on staying that way.
Jack showed our home on Wednesday to Haroldine. She called me a few hours later. Ms. Haroldine had an application and I gave her specific directions: fill it out completely. Include a photo ID. Include everyone who will be on the lease. Ms. Haroldine's only question was, how much would it cost to move in and when could this happen?
Fast-forward to Thursday morning. After several attempts and half a ream of ruined paper, I got the first page of the application back from her. On the first page--and only page--she only put herself down as the only occupant of this home. She didn't put down a spouse--but she told Jack she had one. Additionally, she put her monthly income as $695/month. The rent alone is significantly more than this.
Haroldine and I played phone tag for a good portion of the morning, with me telling her only the first page and several dozen blank pages of her application came through--about six times. Also, if there is someone who will be living in the home with her, I need thier information (like a spouse), because I will not be happy to pay for running credit twice. So, fix and resend. She would then send the original first page of her application again.
Finally, I called Jack. Haroldine's kill-a-tree fax program was getting a little over the top. I asked Jack if could take point and could she please pester his electronic office devices for a while?
AS Jack and I discussed the fax issue, Jack asked me what my initial reaction was to Haroldine.
"I have to tell you," I said, "She only put herself down on the application and her income doesn't cover the rent." I told him Haroldine's lack of consistency bugged me. I don't like people who can't fill out an application properly. In this case, her lack of fax competency was annoying as well. Perhaps it was where I was at emotionally at the moment, or perhaps it was gut feel. Either way, I wasn't excited.
It turns out Jack was bugged too. In fact, his BS meter had been spinning since they had parted ways the day before. His gut was telling him this was strange. When I asked, he said she only went into half of the home, completely bypassing the master bedroom, the laundry room and garage. Her only question was how much attic space was there. He found that odd but didn't really have a reason why.
I had a theory and I quickly shared it with him. Strictly hypothetically speaking, if someone has more interest in the attic than the master bedroom, it screams "grow house."
So I have heard.
I have also heard this is illegal. And, a grow house tends to bring over friends of tenants who also dabble in illegal things. These friends don't really have a lot of regard for my home. They don't have much regard for the law either. And, if my tenant leaves, it doesn't mean they might not show up again some time and take a look around at what the new tenant happens to own.
There are also other fun things I may or may not have heard about when it comes to grown homes--like the amount of moisture that will set in an attic when one is hypothetically watering hypothetical "herbs." Constant moisture can mildew rafters. To get the mildew off the rafters (after one has evicted the tenants), requires some ready, willing and able body to go up in the attic and scrape. Rafter. By. Rafter.
Strictly hypothetically speaking, I was pretty sure asking one question, and it being about attic space, sounded like a red flag. And, if this wasn't enough of a reason, I told Jack about the federal laws stemming from homes being used to grow illegal substances. If we rented to Haroldine, and this turned out to be an issue, the Feds could seize the home. And, there were probably liabilities that end up on us, that we probably didn't want to know about.
"I don't think that would be a good idea." Jack muttered.
Me either.
Thinking out loud, Jack told me of a few other of Haroldine's behaviors that coincided my strictly hypothetical suggestion. Perhaps she wasn't really eccentric after all? "Yea, I think we should pass on her," he finally said.
I already did.
Jack showed our home on Wednesday to Haroldine. She called me a few hours later. Ms. Haroldine had an application and I gave her specific directions: fill it out completely. Include a photo ID. Include everyone who will be on the lease. Ms. Haroldine's only question was, how much would it cost to move in and when could this happen?
Fast-forward to Thursday morning. After several attempts and half a ream of ruined paper, I got the first page of the application back from her. On the first page--and only page--she only put herself down as the only occupant of this home. She didn't put down a spouse--but she told Jack she had one. Additionally, she put her monthly income as $695/month. The rent alone is significantly more than this.
Haroldine and I played phone tag for a good portion of the morning, with me telling her only the first page and several dozen blank pages of her application came through--about six times. Also, if there is someone who will be living in the home with her, I need thier information (like a spouse), because I will not be happy to pay for running credit twice. So, fix and resend. She would then send the original first page of her application again.
Finally, I called Jack. Haroldine's kill-a-tree fax program was getting a little over the top. I asked Jack if could take point and could she please pester his electronic office devices for a while?
AS Jack and I discussed the fax issue, Jack asked me what my initial reaction was to Haroldine.
"I have to tell you," I said, "She only put herself down on the application and her income doesn't cover the rent." I told him Haroldine's lack of consistency bugged me. I don't like people who can't fill out an application properly. In this case, her lack of fax competency was annoying as well. Perhaps it was where I was at emotionally at the moment, or perhaps it was gut feel. Either way, I wasn't excited.
It turns out Jack was bugged too. In fact, his BS meter had been spinning since they had parted ways the day before. His gut was telling him this was strange. When I asked, he said she only went into half of the home, completely bypassing the master bedroom, the laundry room and garage. Her only question was how much attic space was there. He found that odd but didn't really have a reason why.
I had a theory and I quickly shared it with him. Strictly hypothetically speaking, if someone has more interest in the attic than the master bedroom, it screams "grow house."
So I have heard.
I have also heard this is illegal. And, a grow house tends to bring over friends of tenants who also dabble in illegal things. These friends don't really have a lot of regard for my home. They don't have much regard for the law either. And, if my tenant leaves, it doesn't mean they might not show up again some time and take a look around at what the new tenant happens to own.
There are also other fun things I may or may not have heard about when it comes to grown homes--like the amount of moisture that will set in an attic when one is hypothetically watering hypothetical "herbs." Constant moisture can mildew rafters. To get the mildew off the rafters (after one has evicted the tenants), requires some ready, willing and able body to go up in the attic and scrape. Rafter. By. Rafter.
Strictly hypothetically speaking, I was pretty sure asking one question, and it being about attic space, sounded like a red flag. And, if this wasn't enough of a reason, I told Jack about the federal laws stemming from homes being used to grow illegal substances. If we rented to Haroldine, and this turned out to be an issue, the Feds could seize the home. And, there were probably liabilities that end up on us, that we probably didn't want to know about.
"I don't think that would be a good idea." Jack muttered.
Me either.
Thinking out loud, Jack told me of a few other of Haroldine's behaviors that coincided my strictly hypothetical suggestion. Perhaps she wasn't really eccentric after all? "Yea, I think we should pass on her," he finally said.
I already did.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Neighborhood Watch
Last we left the Springs, they had a broken window courtesy of the neighbor kid. Mrs. Redneck (and I mean that in the nicest, most accurate way) paid for the window. But she didn't promise it wouldn't happen again. In fact, she sort of hinted she would like it to happen again.
Since then, all heck has broken out in this seemingly quiet neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Redneck have declared they have lived on this street for 15 years, and therefore their children can go into anyone else's home (when the residents aren't there), trample through yards and take whatever they want without permission from the neighbors.
I would like to point out to these yahoos, there are still laws in place. Even in Leeds Alabama. I would also like to point out, I have little patience for idiots. Especially in Leeds Alabama.
If my threat doesn't carry any weight, I am pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Spring have decided to fight back. They are rallying around some of their saner neighbors and are willing to do what it takes to take back their neighborhood.
When I heard about the latest shenanigans Sunday, I was momentarily paralyzed the Springs would pack up and leave. Instead, they want to put up a perimeter fence around the front of the home and line it with pointy shrubs. And, they would like to get a home alarm system installed sometime in the near future. They don't plan on leaving. They plan on doing what it takes to send someone to jail. I am all for that, and will do what it takes as well.
I personally spoke with the Leeds police department Sunday afternoon, they were fully aware of the situation. I asked them to continue to provide additional patrols to the area. The desk officer told me what it would take for Mrs. Spring to file a warrant (starting with gathering evidence). But, the policed are now on high-alert. In fact, they know the neighbor's name, as this isn't the first time the neighbors have made the gossip around the water cooler since I have owned the home.
The Rednecks may have owned their home 15 years now, but that doesn't mean they can't find better accommodations somewhere else.
Since then, all heck has broken out in this seemingly quiet neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Redneck have declared they have lived on this street for 15 years, and therefore their children can go into anyone else's home (when the residents aren't there), trample through yards and take whatever they want without permission from the neighbors.
I would like to point out to these yahoos, there are still laws in place. Even in Leeds Alabama. I would also like to point out, I have little patience for idiots. Especially in Leeds Alabama.
If my threat doesn't carry any weight, I am pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Spring have decided to fight back. They are rallying around some of their saner neighbors and are willing to do what it takes to take back their neighborhood.
When I heard about the latest shenanigans Sunday, I was momentarily paralyzed the Springs would pack up and leave. Instead, they want to put up a perimeter fence around the front of the home and line it with pointy shrubs. And, they would like to get a home alarm system installed sometime in the near future. They don't plan on leaving. They plan on doing what it takes to send someone to jail. I am all for that, and will do what it takes as well.
I personally spoke with the Leeds police department Sunday afternoon, they were fully aware of the situation. I asked them to continue to provide additional patrols to the area. The desk officer told me what it would take for Mrs. Spring to file a warrant (starting with gathering evidence). But, the policed are now on high-alert. In fact, they know the neighbor's name, as this isn't the first time the neighbors have made the gossip around the water cooler since I have owned the home.
The Rednecks may have owned their home 15 years now, but that doesn't mean they can't find better accommodations somewhere else.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Rented House That Wasn't
I was moderately unfazed when I got Franny's e-mail Monday morning. She and her pastor boy-friend have decided this isn't the house for them. She "hoped it would be ok" with me.
I suppose, it is not ok. We could have been advertising the home, screening potential renters instead of dealing with the flakes like this. I have to tell you though, I was always leery of the whole pastor thing.
No. This is not a commentary on pastors or religion. I can tell you my experience with those in the South professing a calling to preach about the Almighty has not been pleasant. Or even what I would refer to as no-brainer "Christian." I am sure there are some quality folks out there who practice what they, um... preach, but I haven't rented to them.
As much as I am trying to muster up the energy to be annoyed about Franny backing out, I simply just can't. I would rather have the vacant home under the circumstances. Franny didn't ask for her security deposit back, though I am sure she will. In the mean-time, it can just hang out in my bank account while Jack and I look for someone else to rent our home.
I suppose, it is not ok. We could have been advertising the home, screening potential renters instead of dealing with the flakes like this. I have to tell you though, I was always leery of the whole pastor thing.
No. This is not a commentary on pastors or religion. I can tell you my experience with those in the South professing a calling to preach about the Almighty has not been pleasant. Or even what I would refer to as no-brainer "Christian." I am sure there are some quality folks out there who practice what they, um... preach, but I haven't rented to them.
As much as I am trying to muster up the energy to be annoyed about Franny backing out, I simply just can't. I would rather have the vacant home under the circumstances. Franny didn't ask for her security deposit back, though I am sure she will. In the mean-time, it can just hang out in my bank account while Jack and I look for someone else to rent our home.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tenant Training
I am pleased to say I have trained Ms. Kathy. After months of cajoling and threats from Carolsue, Ms. Kathy is paying on time.
She is so pleased at her accomplishments, for the past several months, Ms. Kathy texts me at some horrid hour to tell me she has slapped a stamp on the envelope and is sending it my way. Apparently she is looking for attaboys for her competence
I have to tell you, never in my life has Countrywide called me, pleased as punch that they received my mortgage payment on time. I don't get special dispensation from Chase Mortgage because they got their money. In fact, last I checked, it was my legal obligation to adhere to my end of the bargain.
However, last Tuesday--while I was recovering from my sucker punch--I realized Ms. Kathy hadn't texted me. Already in a bad space, I started to fret. I left messages for Ms. Kathy but didn't get a response. Oh no, I thought. Not now. Not after Mrs. C.
Marty banned me from checking my frequent flyer stash. Carolsue made some sort of mumbly comment--ending with the phrase, "bless your heart"--about how she didn't want to see my face next week on her side of the Mississippi and everything would work out ok. Between the stuff I can't write about, my new vacant home, the Sherwoods and my imagination running wild with Ms. Kathy, I was hyperventilating.
But I shouldn't have fretted too much. Wednesday at a reasonable hour I got an e-mail telling me Ms. Kathy's cell phone wasn't working. She wanted me to know she sent her rent check on time. She would be buying a new cell phone later, when it fit in the budget. For now rent would be arriving on time.
Sigh... and yes, I gave her an attaboy.
She is so pleased at her accomplishments, for the past several months, Ms. Kathy texts me at some horrid hour to tell me she has slapped a stamp on the envelope and is sending it my way. Apparently she is looking for attaboys for her competence
I have to tell you, never in my life has Countrywide called me, pleased as punch that they received my mortgage payment on time. I don't get special dispensation from Chase Mortgage because they got their money. In fact, last I checked, it was my legal obligation to adhere to my end of the bargain.
However, last Tuesday--while I was recovering from my sucker punch--I realized Ms. Kathy hadn't texted me. Already in a bad space, I started to fret. I left messages for Ms. Kathy but didn't get a response. Oh no, I thought. Not now. Not after Mrs. C.
Marty banned me from checking my frequent flyer stash. Carolsue made some sort of mumbly comment--ending with the phrase, "bless your heart"--about how she didn't want to see my face next week on her side of the Mississippi and everything would work out ok. Between the stuff I can't write about, my new vacant home, the Sherwoods and my imagination running wild with Ms. Kathy, I was hyperventilating.
But I shouldn't have fretted too much. Wednesday at a reasonable hour I got an e-mail telling me Ms. Kathy's cell phone wasn't working. She wanted me to know she sent her rent check on time. She would be buying a new cell phone later, when it fit in the budget. For now rent would be arriving on time.
Sigh... and yes, I gave her an attaboy.
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Boring Blog
I think it is fair to say, good stuff in Alabama happens with wonderful regularity. It is small items like a care package on Saturday of generic Alabama legal forms from Jack, who thought I might find some future value with them. Or, a text from Legal Eagle last Tuesday at 8:30 at night my time to tell me she heard a news story that might interest me.
Good stuff feeds my soul. If I lived solely surrounded about what I write, I would be a mess. Good stuff tends to be very personal. It isn't dramatic. It is intrinsic. It gives me purpose, reminding me to focus on my blessings when I am staring at obstacles. Good stuff can take up three minutes of my day, yet it will resonate for months.
And, let's face it, it makes for extremely dull blog fodder.
Last week I talked to Matt, the investment-mortgage-guy-briefly-turned-handyman. He called to tell me he was outraged over Mrs. C's behavior. He wanted to personally apologize for keeping this secret from me. It turns out he knew they were buying a home because the C's went to him--of all people--for their loan. When Matt asked, he was told by the C's he wasn't to discuss this with me.
Of course, if I had known the C's were moving out, I couldn't have done much about it. Except maybe budget accordingly. That alone would have been huge. For example, I would have waited longer to have Bob the Tree Guy do his magic, ensuring I wouldn't have to scrape together the mortgage payment. What a difference that would have made with just a couple of weeks' notice.
There are confidentiality laws to protect the Cs. Matt knew this. So, he called Attorney Jon, our mutual wonderful guy, and asked what loopholes were available so I could be informed about the C's crummy behavior. I am told Attorney Jon actually looked into this and, in his ultra-legal opinion, was disgusted because there wasn't anything that could be done to alert me short of charades or psychic vibes. The C's were legally entitled to privacy.
Matt did tell me he charged them a considerable amount for the loan, even making money on the front end in fees and the back end of the interest rate. That made me feel better. It also made me feel good to reaffirm what I guessed all along: Matt and Jon are men of their word. That is also huge.
Knowing Matt and Attorney Jon went to any trouble to prevent me financial hardship may be boring to read about. But, it tells me volumes about the kind of people I have on my side.
Good stuff feeds my soul. If I lived solely surrounded about what I write, I would be a mess. Good stuff tends to be very personal. It isn't dramatic. It is intrinsic. It gives me purpose, reminding me to focus on my blessings when I am staring at obstacles. Good stuff can take up three minutes of my day, yet it will resonate for months.
And, let's face it, it makes for extremely dull blog fodder.
Last week I talked to Matt, the investment-mortgage-guy-briefly-turned-handyman. He called to tell me he was outraged over Mrs. C's behavior. He wanted to personally apologize for keeping this secret from me. It turns out he knew they were buying a home because the C's went to him--of all people--for their loan. When Matt asked, he was told by the C's he wasn't to discuss this with me.
Of course, if I had known the C's were moving out, I couldn't have done much about it. Except maybe budget accordingly. That alone would have been huge. For example, I would have waited longer to have Bob the Tree Guy do his magic, ensuring I wouldn't have to scrape together the mortgage payment. What a difference that would have made with just a couple of weeks' notice.
There are confidentiality laws to protect the Cs. Matt knew this. So, he called Attorney Jon, our mutual wonderful guy, and asked what loopholes were available so I could be informed about the C's crummy behavior. I am told Attorney Jon actually looked into this and, in his ultra-legal opinion, was disgusted because there wasn't anything that could be done to alert me short of charades or psychic vibes. The C's were legally entitled to privacy.
Matt did tell me he charged them a considerable amount for the loan, even making money on the front end in fees and the back end of the interest rate. That made me feel better. It also made me feel good to reaffirm what I guessed all along: Matt and Jon are men of their word. That is also huge.
Knowing Matt and Attorney Jon went to any trouble to prevent me financial hardship may be boring to read about. But, it tells me volumes about the kind of people I have on my side.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Putting on the Bad-Ass Boots Again
I adore Mrs. Sherwood. I know this is in bad form, because as a landlord, I need to have an unbiased opinion of my tenants. But, I met her and I adore her.
The Sherwoods have been struggling for months. But, before that they were paying on time and never called about anything. I hear they painted. I hear they had some repairs done. Never did they ask me for reimbursement.
The Sherwoods are empty nesters, probably in their early 50s. They have had their share of trials in the past few years. Like most of us, the recession hit them, causing financial distress and hardship. I have worked with the Sherwoods as much as I could. Truthfully, they were paying less than their mortgage/tax/insurance payment every month just so I could keep them.
Finally I readjusted their rent. Truth be told, if they asked, I might have given them an extension. Since their rent has been put back to where I like it, the Sherwoods have had difficulty with deadlines. Rent is due on the 15th. Last week, long after the 15, I hadn't heard from them. I sent Mrs. Sherwood a note. I called her too. The next day I heard from Mr. Sherwood.
Here is a tip. If your landlord has been willing to work with you and has made it plainly clear they wish to keep you. And, if your landlord has bent over backwards, it is best not to be a complete ass when you call them. A sense of entitlement and a I-don't-give-a-golly-darn about your arbitrary rent due date, is not going to sit well. I'm not asking him to treat me any different than he would his next door neighbor, provided he is civilized to his next door neighbor. Simple common courtesy goes a long way.
My cyber-friend Lori passed along this gem recently: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." - the Dalai Lama
She also gave me this pearl a while ago: You can't bank good will.
However, you can loose good will, as Mr. Sherwood proceeded to do.
When Mr. Sherwood and I talked, he made lots of excuses about the rent being late--which is silly because I know of their struggles and I told him I understood the last few months have been tough. He said the check would be in the mail this week (three weeks late). Take it or leave it.
During the course of our conversation, I reminded him May rent is also due on the 15th. He said he would be sure to keep that in mind. When I pointed out that didn't mean he would pay on time, or close to on time, he got defensive. He also got snarky. He also got rude. And worse, he refused to commit to paying on time or in a reasonable amount of time. He also refused to commit to calling or e-mail to tell me when rent would be on its way.
When we hung up, I was disgusted. I truly believe Mrs. Sherwood would be mortified at her husband's behavior. He wasted my good faith.
I am not a villain. But, if he chooses to treat me like one, I can certainly act the part. Even if I currently adore Mrs. Sherwood.
The Sherwoods have been struggling for months. But, before that they were paying on time and never called about anything. I hear they painted. I hear they had some repairs done. Never did they ask me for reimbursement.
The Sherwoods are empty nesters, probably in their early 50s. They have had their share of trials in the past few years. Like most of us, the recession hit them, causing financial distress and hardship. I have worked with the Sherwoods as much as I could. Truthfully, they were paying less than their mortgage/tax/insurance payment every month just so I could keep them.
Finally I readjusted their rent. Truth be told, if they asked, I might have given them an extension. Since their rent has been put back to where I like it, the Sherwoods have had difficulty with deadlines. Rent is due on the 15th. Last week, long after the 15, I hadn't heard from them. I sent Mrs. Sherwood a note. I called her too. The next day I heard from Mr. Sherwood.
Here is a tip. If your landlord has been willing to work with you and has made it plainly clear they wish to keep you. And, if your landlord has bent over backwards, it is best not to be a complete ass when you call them. A sense of entitlement and a I-don't-give-a-golly-darn about your arbitrary rent due date, is not going to sit well. I'm not asking him to treat me any different than he would his next door neighbor, provided he is civilized to his next door neighbor. Simple common courtesy goes a long way.
My cyber-friend Lori passed along this gem recently: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." - the Dalai Lama
She also gave me this pearl a while ago: You can't bank good will.
However, you can loose good will, as Mr. Sherwood proceeded to do.
When Mr. Sherwood and I talked, he made lots of excuses about the rent being late--which is silly because I know of their struggles and I told him I understood the last few months have been tough. He said the check would be in the mail this week (three weeks late). Take it or leave it.
During the course of our conversation, I reminded him May rent is also due on the 15th. He said he would be sure to keep that in mind. When I pointed out that didn't mean he would pay on time, or close to on time, he got defensive. He also got snarky. He also got rude. And worse, he refused to commit to paying on time or in a reasonable amount of time. He also refused to commit to calling or e-mail to tell me when rent would be on its way.
When we hung up, I was disgusted. I truly believe Mrs. Sherwood would be mortified at her husband's behavior. He wasted my good faith.
I am not a villain. But, if he chooses to treat me like one, I can certainly act the part. Even if I currently adore Mrs. Sherwood.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Something to Smile About
I posted the home in Pinson available for rent and not three minutes later I had an e-mail from someone. Half an hour after that, I had a voicemail on my Birmingham cell. Two hours later, another e-mail. I am pleased I am getting calls, especially because I raised the rent a little bit.
This might be ok after all. Here's a picture of the home. It is on an acre in the mountains. I think it is super-cute.
This might be ok after all. Here's a picture of the home. It is on an acre in the mountains. I think it is super-cute.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
A Canopy of Competence
Last Monday, Mr. 114 went over to look at the sad 200 year old tree that was precariously leaning towards my rental home. Branches had fallen off into oncoming traffic days before. Sadly, branches had fallen off on to cars at some point in the past too. Nobody had been hurt in either case. But, it put me on alert.
When I had gotten quotes about this tree in the past, they ranged from $1,500 to $5,000 to take care of it. And though $1,500 to $5,000 to trim a tree sounds absolutely outrageous, most of the quotes were closer to the high end of that range. They are called tree surgeons for a reason.
Mr. 114 was my first choice for my tree problem, as I have worked with him in the past. On Monday, Mr. 114 carefully assessed the situation. He called the electric company (the tree hangs over the power lines). He called the police department to see if they would block off the street for a while so he could work. He checked into permits. He checked into renting a bucket truck for cutting way up high. Then, he sent me an e-mail saying he was working on getting everything together and would be in touch. But, he didn't give me a price.
Meanwhile, Carolsue the paragon of efficiency and an all-around wonderful human being, called up a tree guy who had done some work for some work for her son-in-law. Bob came over, looked up, said, "Yep. That needs to come down. When can I start?"
In Bob's world, there are no permits. There is no permission from the power company. There are no calls to the city to block the road. Bob has a guy who will wear an orange vest and hold up a flag. Bob's price: $1,800 only because it was a referral. If Carolsue had just called him out of the blue it would have been $2,500. You gotta love how work is done in the South.
Feeling rather loyal to Mr. 114, I called him and said, "Hey! I wanted to see about where you are in starting this process. And, I have another quote. Can you match this?"
Mr. 114 told me he was only planning on trimming the dying tree--not cutting it down. That would be too "expensive." Currently, he was still gathering what he needed for his quote. He said the bucket truck alone that he was planning on renting for the tree trim will cost him $1,200. Carting off the dead wood to the dump he said would be around $1,000 for all the dump runs he would need to make (ok, I am all for not littering, but couldn't oak wood just be put back in the forest?). As he estimated at that time, to trim the dying tree back so it doesn't fall on to the house, it will set me back around $4,500. When I gave him the other guy's quote he flat-out told me he couldn't match it.
Keeping Mr. 114 around is also important to me. He does a lot of handyman work in a pinch. He and I have similar values about business. But, I am not shelling out an additional $2,700 for good will.
I am pleased to say Mr. 114 and I parted friends, with the promise of more work for him in the future. I personally think he was relieved. If he needs to hire equipment Bob the Tree Guy already has, then Mr 114 was not a good fit. Mr. 114 and I will do more work in the future. But Bob is now my tree guy.
When I had gotten quotes about this tree in the past, they ranged from $1,500 to $5,000 to take care of it. And though $1,500 to $5,000 to trim a tree sounds absolutely outrageous, most of the quotes were closer to the high end of that range. They are called tree surgeons for a reason.
Mr. 114 was my first choice for my tree problem, as I have worked with him in the past. On Monday, Mr. 114 carefully assessed the situation. He called the electric company (the tree hangs over the power lines). He called the police department to see if they would block off the street for a while so he could work. He checked into permits. He checked into renting a bucket truck for cutting way up high. Then, he sent me an e-mail saying he was working on getting everything together and would be in touch. But, he didn't give me a price.
Meanwhile, Carolsue the paragon of efficiency and an all-around wonderful human being, called up a tree guy who had done some work for some work for her son-in-law. Bob came over, looked up, said, "Yep. That needs to come down. When can I start?"
In Bob's world, there are no permits. There is no permission from the power company. There are no calls to the city to block the road. Bob has a guy who will wear an orange vest and hold up a flag. Bob's price: $1,800 only because it was a referral. If Carolsue had just called him out of the blue it would have been $2,500. You gotta love how work is done in the South.
Feeling rather loyal to Mr. 114, I called him and said, "Hey! I wanted to see about where you are in starting this process. And, I have another quote. Can you match this?"
Mr. 114 told me he was only planning on trimming the dying tree--not cutting it down. That would be too "expensive." Currently, he was still gathering what he needed for his quote. He said the bucket truck alone that he was planning on renting for the tree trim will cost him $1,200. Carting off the dead wood to the dump he said would be around $1,000 for all the dump runs he would need to make (ok, I am all for not littering, but couldn't oak wood just be put back in the forest?). As he estimated at that time, to trim the dying tree back so it doesn't fall on to the house, it will set me back around $4,500. When I gave him the other guy's quote he flat-out told me he couldn't match it.
Keeping Mr. 114 around is also important to me. He does a lot of handyman work in a pinch. He and I have similar values about business. But, I am not shelling out an additional $2,700 for good will.
I am pleased to say Mr. 114 and I parted friends, with the promise of more work for him in the future. I personally think he was relieved. If he needs to hire equipment Bob the Tree Guy already has, then Mr 114 was not a good fit. Mr. 114 and I will do more work in the future. But Bob is now my tree guy.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Today's Therapy
There has been a lot of condemnation in my world of late. I don't really have much room for it, as I find when I get on my high-horse, I just slip off the back into whatever I might find in the ground behind Old Paint. As annoyed as I am with Mrs. C.,--and trust me, I am not pleased--I am having some trouble mustering up the energy to be totally pissed.
With a little self control, I have made it through the five stages of grieving in twenty-four hours. And, I even did it without vegging out in front of a baseball game. I am pleased to say I managed to get through anger with a considerable amount of work. Now, I have thankfully made a bee-line for acceptance. Hopefully I will stay there.
But I am not promising anything, especially after I found out Tuesday night the reason for their "sudden" move. They bought a home--which was another sucker punch I did not need. And yes, it seems they could have found time to let me know sooner than later--but I am really working on keeping my mindset in acceptance. Work with me here, it keeps me from jetting back into anger (though I can't say, as I write this, I am doing a good job of hanging out in acceptance).
The Cs, have left me in a bit of a financial bind. I am slightly panicked, because this was not the house I was expecting to be vacant this summer. I am practicing taking the anger and condemnation I am feeling for them leaving with NO notice and channeling it into more productive pursuits.
The rumor going around is the house is in good condition with some necessary adjustments needed to the back lawn. Carolsue will be holding the house open this weekend, in hopes of finding a future renter. I am looking at long-term solutions for this property. It doesn't look like I will be able to sell for much more than I bought it for, but it is a home in a good school district. The house is as cute as can be. Anything can be rentable.
I have no idea what the future holds for me renting this house. But I would rather go forward with hope than frustration.
With a little self control, I have made it through the five stages of grieving in twenty-four hours. And, I even did it without vegging out in front of a baseball game. I am pleased to say I managed to get through anger with a considerable amount of work. Now, I have thankfully made a bee-line for acceptance. Hopefully I will stay there.
But I am not promising anything, especially after I found out Tuesday night the reason for their "sudden" move. They bought a home--which was another sucker punch I did not need. And yes, it seems they could have found time to let me know sooner than later--but I am really working on keeping my mindset in acceptance. Work with me here, it keeps me from jetting back into anger (though I can't say, as I write this, I am doing a good job of hanging out in acceptance).
The Cs, have left me in a bit of a financial bind. I am slightly panicked, because this was not the house I was expecting to be vacant this summer. I am practicing taking the anger and condemnation I am feeling for them leaving with NO notice and channeling it into more productive pursuits.
The rumor going around is the house is in good condition with some necessary adjustments needed to the back lawn. Carolsue will be holding the house open this weekend, in hopes of finding a future renter. I am looking at long-term solutions for this property. It doesn't look like I will be able to sell for much more than I bought it for, but it is a home in a good school district. The house is as cute as can be. Anything can be rentable.
I have no idea what the future holds for me renting this house. But I would rather go forward with hope than frustration.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Sucker Punch
I got hit when I wasn't looking. I didn't see it coming. I am kicking myself. What signs did I miss? Would it have made a difference if I saw this coming? Was there was anything to see? I am still not sure.
After 5 years of renting from me, Mr. and Mrs. C. moved out. They told me Monday that they left over the weekend. And, where should they mail the keys?
Oh, she also added this sentiment: "I know it doesn't mean much, but I do appreciate all you have done for us."
Five years and I get an e-mail. I suppose that is better than no notice. But I am having trouble counting my blessings on this one.
Carolsue and Baseball Guy are heading over in the morning to check out the house. Mrs. C didn't leave keys, but I am quite certain Baseball Guy can figure out a way to get inside.
The Cs are older, in their 60s. Most likely there isn't much in the house to see or fix. Mrs. C. told me the microwave stopped working last week. She also told me about some of the great things she did to the home. She added a circular driveway. She power washed the exterior. She added a fence at some point. All these little extras. More blessings. I think.
Jack ran comps on the property. It turns out I am not upside down. Another blessing. But, I don't have a lot of equity with the state of the housing market. So, it is going to be a rental again.
Hopefully it will rent fast. I haven't decided if I am going to give it to Kirby or manage it myself. I will make that decision once I evaluate the rent rates.
But first I need to catch my breath and find a way to count my blessings.
After 5 years of renting from me, Mr. and Mrs. C. moved out. They told me Monday that they left over the weekend. And, where should they mail the keys?
Oh, she also added this sentiment: "I know it doesn't mean much, but I do appreciate all you have done for us."
Five years and I get an e-mail. I suppose that is better than no notice. But I am having trouble counting my blessings on this one.
Carolsue and Baseball Guy are heading over in the morning to check out the house. Mrs. C didn't leave keys, but I am quite certain Baseball Guy can figure out a way to get inside.
The Cs are older, in their 60s. Most likely there isn't much in the house to see or fix. Mrs. C. told me the microwave stopped working last week. She also told me about some of the great things she did to the home. She added a circular driveway. She power washed the exterior. She added a fence at some point. All these little extras. More blessings. I think.
Jack ran comps on the property. It turns out I am not upside down. Another blessing. But, I don't have a lot of equity with the state of the housing market. So, it is going to be a rental again.
Hopefully it will rent fast. I haven't decided if I am going to give it to Kirby or manage it myself. I will make that decision once I evaluate the rent rates.
But first I need to catch my breath and find a way to count my blessings.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Landlord Math
Artie and Candy pay late every month. They always pay. There are always late fees. But after a while, it gets old.
When I talked to Candy on Saturday about this, I mentioned I was growing tired of this game. In all fairness, they weren't the ones that tuckered me out. Mr. Sherwood and I had it out earlier in the week. But, that is for another blog.
Artie and Candy split the rent and send me one check. But the reason rent is late, is that Candy gets paid once a month. Artie gets paid twice a month, with the second pay date falling around the 25th. So, rent will never come on time. It blows me away they didn't say anything when they first moved in. I would have been happy to change the the rent due date and save the aggravation had I known up front.
During our conversation Saturday, I asked Candy if they planned on renewing the lease this summer. She didn't know. Money was tight. I suggested moving can be expensive too. I pointed out I could save them $50 a month right away by changing their due date if they wanted to stay. As much as I like the late fees, I would prefer happy tenants. They are worth much more than a few dollars.
What I didn't tell them is the home will probably go to Kirby if they leave. Kirby charges 10 percent of the rent to manage the home. I would rather keep Artie and Candy and take a reduction--if they ask--than start all over and take an additional 10 percent cut.
I figured it out. If Artie and Candy leave, between the vacant home, any repairs and/or refurbishments to make the home move-in ready as well as Kirby's fee, I will loose about $3,500 over the next year. And, that is if the home is vacant for one month only.
These figures don't doesn't include the liability of a vacant home (vandals, etc). Nor does it account for the phenomenon I have seen. Homes in property management in Birmingham seem take longer to rent. Additionally, my rents tend to be slightly higher than market to begin with. So, I have no idea if I would get my existing rent amount. My figure is based on my current monthly rental amount.
If I have to give Artie and Candy a rent reduction and they stay, I will loose somewhere between $600 and $1,350 in the next year from a reduced rent. I will have my home baby-sat by people who have put down roots and are established in the neighborhood. And, that is only if I have to reduce the rent.
I am motivated to work with them. But first, I will wait and see how motivated they are to stay.
When I talked to Candy on Saturday about this, I mentioned I was growing tired of this game. In all fairness, they weren't the ones that tuckered me out. Mr. Sherwood and I had it out earlier in the week. But, that is for another blog.
Artie and Candy split the rent and send me one check. But the reason rent is late, is that Candy gets paid once a month. Artie gets paid twice a month, with the second pay date falling around the 25th. So, rent will never come on time. It blows me away they didn't say anything when they first moved in. I would have been happy to change the the rent due date and save the aggravation had I known up front.
During our conversation Saturday, I asked Candy if they planned on renewing the lease this summer. She didn't know. Money was tight. I suggested moving can be expensive too. I pointed out I could save them $50 a month right away by changing their due date if they wanted to stay. As much as I like the late fees, I would prefer happy tenants. They are worth much more than a few dollars.
What I didn't tell them is the home will probably go to Kirby if they leave. Kirby charges 10 percent of the rent to manage the home. I would rather keep Artie and Candy and take a reduction--if they ask--than start all over and take an additional 10 percent cut.
I figured it out. If Artie and Candy leave, between the vacant home, any repairs and/or refurbishments to make the home move-in ready as well as Kirby's fee, I will loose about $3,500 over the next year. And, that is if the home is vacant for one month only.
These figures don't doesn't include the liability of a vacant home (vandals, etc). Nor does it account for the phenomenon I have seen. Homes in property management in Birmingham seem take longer to rent. Additionally, my rents tend to be slightly higher than market to begin with. So, I have no idea if I would get my existing rent amount. My figure is based on my current monthly rental amount.
If I have to give Artie and Candy a rent reduction and they stay, I will loose somewhere between $600 and $1,350 in the next year from a reduced rent. I will have my home baby-sat by people who have put down roots and are established in the neighborhood. And, that is only if I have to reduce the rent.
I am motivated to work with them. But first, I will wait and see how motivated they are to stay.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Out on a Limb
So, I have this gigantic tree in the front yard of my home on the busy-ish street. Last week during rush hour, a limb fell off. To put it in perspective, I hear the limb in question was large enough that when it fell it downed the telephone wires across the street.
Mr. 114 was kind enough to drop what he was doing Friday long enough to sympathize about my situation. He then was kind enough to call me on Saturday to ask something along the lines of how much money I am intending to spend.
My answer was pretty simple: enough to make sure no other branches fall down. And, I am willing to spend the money before the next tornado warning (storms scheduled for Monday). The way I see it, I am willing to spend a lot less money on Mr. 114 than I would if a branch fell on to the house or on to a person. Essentially, whether I intended to or not, I have given Mr. 114 a blank check.
I don't believe Mr. 114 is taking advantage. He and I have a history and I am confident everything he has done for me up to this point has been with integrity. He knows I am in a bind. But, there are permits to get. Apparently the police need to block the street long enough for Mr. 114 to do his magic. Mr. 114 also needs to coordinate with the power company and others to make sure everyone is aware there will be hacking and sawing taking place.
Mr. 114 wasn't quite sure how much of the tree he would be taking down, or if he would be taking the entire tree down. He was leaving that to his discretion. I told him do what needed to be done, keeping in mind I did not need a wrongful death suit on my hands.
Mr. 114 was kind enough to drop what he was doing Friday long enough to sympathize about my situation. He then was kind enough to call me on Saturday to ask something along the lines of how much money I am intending to spend.
My answer was pretty simple: enough to make sure no other branches fall down. And, I am willing to spend the money before the next tornado warning (storms scheduled for Monday). The way I see it, I am willing to spend a lot less money on Mr. 114 than I would if a branch fell on to the house or on to a person. Essentially, whether I intended to or not, I have given Mr. 114 a blank check.
I don't believe Mr. 114 is taking advantage. He and I have a history and I am confident everything he has done for me up to this point has been with integrity. He knows I am in a bind. But, there are permits to get. Apparently the police need to block the street long enough for Mr. 114 to do his magic. Mr. 114 also needs to coordinate with the power company and others to make sure everyone is aware there will be hacking and sawing taking place.
Mr. 114 wasn't quite sure how much of the tree he would be taking down, or if he would be taking the entire tree down. He was leaving that to his discretion. I told him do what needed to be done, keeping in mind I did not need a wrongful death suit on my hands.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
If A Tree Falls In The Middle of Rush Hour Traffic...
I have a house that is on a busy-ish street. Yes, I know about the whole, location, location, location thing. I didn't know it was a busy street when I bought it. I didn't know a lot about this house. The agent lied. She tells everyone she meets she is a "Christian." I have come to the conclusion--given her belief system--she can answer for it later. Meanwhile, I have a home on a busy-ish street.
The house has two giant trees in the front yard. One tree has decided to shed limbs, and did so into the street during rush hour on Friday. Here is what the aftermath looked like:
I am pleased to say nobody and no car was hurt. I am also pleased to say Mr. 114 moonlights as a tree surgeon. Hopefully he will take care of this before anything else happens. Will you all join me as I knock on wood.
The house has two giant trees in the front yard. One tree has decided to shed limbs, and did so into the street during rush hour on Friday. Here is what the aftermath looked like:
I am pleased to say nobody and no car was hurt. I am also pleased to say Mr. 114 moonlights as a tree surgeon. Hopefully he will take care of this before anything else happens. Will you all join me as I knock on wood.
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