All Forum Posts by: Art Warren

Tony,

I don't know if you are aware of this or not, but HHA has form in which they divide Houston zip codes out into two groups. One group the HHA will pay 100% of the voucher amount and the other group HHA pays only 95% of the voucher amount. I may have a scanned copy in my office on my computer. If you're interested in having that as part of your file, I will look for the copy when I get to my office and can email you a copy. Just let me know?

Happy & Prosperous Investing!

Art

Hello Tony,

I have several properties that are on Section 8 and have this same issue come up periodically. One property inparticalar comes to mind when I think of the problem you are facing. Here's what I've done in the past: 1. Determine what the markets rates are for the type of unit you own. 2. Talk with your tenant and get a feel for whether they are happy with their unit and desire to stay. I would do this in away that does not arouse suspicion to make them feel that you are considering changes. 3. If you feel the tenant is satisfied and doesn't want to move, I would discuss my findings about what the fair market rent is in the area along with the fact that the HOA has raised the rates on your unit. 4. Next tell the tenant that HHA often times allow for annual increases in the voucher and that you would like to contact HHA and see if the tenant is eligible for an increase. Most times the tenant is okay with this suggestion. 5. Call the caseworker and find out if they will pay for increase and how much. 6. You call tell the caseworker that the HOA has increased the rates and that the tenant is happy and you are looking to offset this increase by the HOA with an increase from HHA. You can further explain that this is the first time you've raised the rent and the tenant has been with you for at least two years. I think you wll get an increase and not have to absorb the entire increase implemented by the HOA.

Good luck!

Hello Joel, Renee, Henry and Joe!

I really appreciate you guys taking time out and welcoming me to the community. Henry, good guess but no I'm not a pilot. Actually, I work on the ramp with the guys with the safty vest who load the airplanes with luggage. I'm the person that take the luggage from one plane to another. For example, a passenger leaves LAX and is traveling to ATL as her final destination. I pick up her bags from the LAX flight and make sure it is delivered to the plane that is headed to ATL. It's been a really cool part-time gig over the years as I work about 24 hours a month from April-Aug. Then I'm off for about 3-4 months from Sept-Jan. Then start back up Jan-March when I have to put in about 44 hours a month and then I start the cycle all over again. For this, I get to have full medical for my family since I'm self employed and we get to travel all over the world for free. It's been a great gig over the years but I'm ready to retire and not have to go back to the airport part-time. lol I would much rather have the benefits without having to work part-time. :-)

Hey Joe,

I would love to meet up with the group in midtown in March. Please keep me posted so that I can plan accordingly. I'm anxious to get out and network with other liked minded people. Thanks for the invitation!

Hello everyone, my name is Artiquewa Warren! Most of my friends call me Art Warren for short. I know most of you might think that my name is foreign, but it's not. My mother's friend that it was a cool name and suggested to my mother that she name me that. I was told years later after it was Eskimo by my mother. Not really sure how true that is, but I can tell you that it's always been a good source of conversation when I initially meet people.

Professionally I'm an practicing Criminal Defense lawyer and I also handle Personal Injury cases. I tried working in some of the more common areas like Family Law but I couldn't handle the drama that goes along with Family law. For some of you who might have a distaste for lawyers or more importantly Criminal Defense lawyers, I don't defend people who commit murder, child molestation, rape, child abuse or anything of the sort. Not that I don't feel they deserve good counsel, I just choose not to represent those types of defendants. In addition to law, I do a number of other projects throughout the year that relate to real estate. I've built a home, I've done several remodels for friends or relatives and I've also built three in ground swimming pools. I enjoy getting away from the grind of judges and other lawyers and focusing on stuff that is not so adversarial. These projects allow me to get outdoors and get some fresh air. :-) By the way, I have one other part-time job that I do periodically and I've done it going on 12 years now. I'm looking forward to my retirement soon and I will have the benefits for the rest of my life. It's the main reasons I applied for the job in 2002. I'm going to give you guys a hint and see if anyone can figure it out? I work part-time for United Airlines, formally Continental Airlines.

Any who, probably enough about work already! I'm now going to move on to why I'm here in the first place:

I'm new to the community but I've been listening to the podcast cast for some time now. I decided I should do it the right way and join the community because I believe it what BP is all about. Additionally, I enjoy real estate so much and I feel that I have a lot to offer and can also be a contributor to the community. I look forward to becoming actively involved in the community and building relationships with other members. However, I'm still trying to figure my way around the site and trying to figure out the best way to use the site. I'm really looking forward to this experience and hope that I'm able to help people with their goals and I'm certainly looking forward to making new friends.