All Forum Posts by: Adam Kecskes

I'm looking to have a sump pump installed for a drainage problem with a property I have in Texas; they offered to split the bill; half up front, half on a 12 month, zero interest loan. It's not a lot of money per se, but distributing payments over time, for free, is nice.  

The company called me to say they needed me to sign a deed of trust for collateral. Apparently they've been having problems with collecting money from folks, which I get, but I've never heard of having to sign a deed of trust for doing contract work. How common is it to request the deed of trust over filing a lien for lack of payment?

That's kind of the heart of the question, right? Mainly, in my last experience, I found not going through a realtor much more efficient, since I was the realtor. Lots of advantages there. But w/o an agent, commission comes into play for negotiations. Without getting to off into the weeds, I think relators are a great resource if you've never bought a home or property before, or time is not something have an abundance of. But after you've gone through the process a few times, you start (well, least I did) to see the how the system works pretty well.

I'm looking to buy a quadplex here soon; last time I did deal a couple of years ago, I was a REALTOR and was my own buyer's agent as a result. I'm no longer a real estate agent and I've never done a deal without two real estate agents before.

What's the protocol/etiquette for making an offer on a place where you're *not* an agent? I used to fill out the contract myself (for my clients) and submit away. How so for being a private negotiator? 

Wondering if anyone can make a recommendation for a foundation specialist in the Austin, TX area? I've had a leakage problem with one of my duplex units for quite some time now; even after fairly extensive drainage landscaping, the problem is still occurring.

Thanks!

Hi, all,

I'm seeking to purchase a duplex, preferably a 4-plex, in Austin, TX within the next three months. I'm trying to understand what I need, financially speaking, before I go to the seller's agent to express interest.

Traditionally, I'd just get pre-approved and what not. However, I have had non-traditional income (i.e. non-W2, options trading, public speaking and rentals) for the past four years. Do personal lenders and hard money lenders have a pre-approval type processes?

I have funding for downpayment, repairs, and 1st year maintenance s; the units that interest me should cash flow well with a little fixing up, but it all means nothing if I can't approach the agent with a meaningful finance solution, right? So what are my options? 

Thanks for the feedbacK!

Very cool! This is very close to where I live -- except I'm busy that evening, haha! I'll see if I can re-arrange my schedule to make it. Glad I found this. Just joined the meetup.

Ditto for me -- I did a custom tile install for a duplex that originally had inserts that had broken apart and were patched together with silicon and bubble gum. I seriously pondered installing a new insert, but wanted to offer something a bit more sophisticated for when the units were ready to market. I did the labor myself (with some inexpensive assistance) and managed to keep the costs down as a result.

And as a side note -- familiarity was key influencer. I know that my tile installs will hold up over time and I know how to install them. Based on the at least one of units, I was doubtful I could have the same level of assurance with an insert. That, or I'd have to pay someone do to the work for me (I didn't have time to experiment with something new). 

Sadly, the term is until Feb 2018. The old landlord had them resign a lease after the newest roommate came on. It's really weird he didn't just leave it at month to month.

Booting them seems the best option. I think I'm going to make them an offer to leave early; I could definitely use the vacancy time to rehab the place and get better tenants in for the long run,

I recently purchased a duplex in Texas and already having some troubles with the tenants (three roommates) in one of the units. 

Three major issues:

1) Two of the three tenants are smokers.

2) One of the tenants has a cat (which I knew of going into the deal) and another tenant brought a kitten into the unit (without notifying me or the other tenants, for that matter).

3) Two of the tenants are male and one (the one with seniority on the lease) is female. She didn't have a say in her two roommates (the old landlord just foisted them on her) and she states that she "feels unsafe."

The problem deepens: The old landlord chose to go with a non-standard lease agreement that does not cover the topic either smokers or pets in any way, not even a passing mention (and there's no addendum for either as well).

I want the two male tenants out; I have been told that they are smoking in the house (including marijuana), though at the moment I do not have any personal verification of this (I do know they smoke outside). 

Due to a clause in the existing lease regarding drugs, I think I have grounds to evict, but along with that there is another clause about being considerate of the "rights, comfort, health, safety, or convenience of others." I don't know to what level of evidence I need, but I am headed over there tomorrow for another purpose and will let my nose be by guide.

But rather than evict, I'm pondering simply offering them an out; vacate the dwelling within two weeks and I won't charge them the normal one-months lease-break penalty in the contract. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and any suggestions on how I might proceed. 

Hey, folks!

I'm a West Coast transplant to Austin (from San Diego via Portland, where I own homes -- now rentals -- in each city). I'm an ex-techie, having written much software and managed many software teams and mobile phone projects. A twist of fate in Austin left me gratefully unemployed. With no desire to get back into the corporate wage slave world, I recently got my Texas real estate license and learned how to do options trading to make some money.

Having been a landlord for a long time, I see the benefits of RE investing and I really would like to get deeper into the game. Austin is a bit out of my range, but San Antonio is just down the proverbial street, so that's where I'm going to start my new story.

Best to you all!

-=-Adam