All Forum Posts by: Alyssa Wright

We use Appfolio to collect our rent, manage lockboxes, scheduled repairs, and pretty much anything else that you could think of. I highly recommend Appfolio just simply because the tenant interface portion of the software is super easy to use and it has a built-in messaging system that makes communication so much easier! Last I checked, I think there has to be a set unit count that you have before you would be able to use it, not too sure on that though! 

Hello!

So I would consider this to be a red flag but I don't necessarily think that this would be a case of identity theft. It's definitely hard to say without knowing more about this situation but when I have had renters who've dealt with identity theft in the past, they had filed a claim, and there would be something clearly noted on the report that a claim of theft had been filed or their credit would've been frozen. I don't necessarily think the enquires themselves are a huge red flag but rather the fact that it doesn't seem like they are being entirely truthful. I think I would also take into consideration on where these enquires are coming from. Like if they are trying to buy a vehicle, there would be an uptick in enquires. 

If you have more leads/applicants for the property I would recommend looking at those first before making a decision for this applicant. 

I completely agree with what Michael is saying here! Overall, providing the option to buy in the lease can be a great opportunity for both you and tenant; provided the quality of the tenant. But I've had a lot of issues with the accuracy of Zillow's estimate in terms of accuracy as it really isn't; in my opinion, structured to predict changes in rent over time or take into consideration any additional amenities or upgrades. Like Michael mentioned, your best bet for this would to be to have either a CMA done or have an appraisal done.

Hello Mark, 

I'm a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, specifically concentrating on the Western Pennslyvania market. I've been doing a lot of work with Section 8 housing recently as the Property Management Company I work under has been trying to turn more towards to Section 8 approved housing than standard rentals. The amount of people looking for Section 8 in my area right now is insane! In my experience, if you have a property accepting Section 8 in this area, you can expect to have a renter within the week; granted you market it correctly. 

I would be happy to provide some more information on my and the other agent's I work with experience with Section 8 in the Western Pennsylvania market if you'd like, but overall I highly recommend considering turning your eye to the Pittsburgh/Allegheny County market right now!