All Forum Posts by: Luke H.

@Sha'miah Lindsey, I found some 'questions to ask a contractor' online, and I met with about 8 general contractors. I did due diligence and had other people also meet with the contractors to get a feel for them.  Since i got a construction loan they had to pass the lenders process as well. I also added my own terms into our contract, deadlines, penalties, exit strategy, etc. 

good luck

Hi all,
1) I'm searching for Houston residential architects for a remodel and possible new construction.  If you have any contacts that you would recommend please send or post them and please let me know why you recommend them.
I'm looking for inexpensive, experienced, innovated people to work with. I prefer to work with people that have some experience with Houston residential building codes and understands/researches deed restrictions.

2)Does anyone have experience with getting copies of other blue prints from the city of Houston? If so please send any related information.

The project will be inside the 610 loop in the Heights area.

Reach me with any questions.

Thank you!

Hi, there are some construction/building websites and there are video classes that are offered.  Thing is I've found that they are all lacking since there are so many fine details it is probably not practical for the sources I've found to cover them all.  That and each city has different codes.  Anyways, I'm follow this post as I want to learn more myself :)

@Carl Fischer - I'd like to take you up on that offer. I'd like to 'pick your brain' about the current state of the market. Mutual funds versus other investments. Self directed IRA for real estate investing. I'll send you a private message.

@Carolyn Morales - Here in Houston there is a big group that does Self directed IRA for investing in real-estate. If you want their information please PM me. There are lots of videos on youtbe as on this subject.

Thank you!

@Kim Meredith Hampton & @Linda S. & @Matthew great advice, thank you both! So glad I asked.

I have 3 tenants on lease. I got a money order for the security deposit.  At the end of the year 1 tenant leaves and a new tenant is added.  How should I handle the security deposit?

Thanks

@Mark Updegraff - like your approach here with the social media. Could you send links to some examples? I'd like to use this approach.

@Greg B. - interesting way to get past tenants to pay what they owe.

I mainly use CL and communicate via email only, until we meet at the property then I will use the phone (probably going to trulia next).  My AD states, "I will only reply if you leave a valid phone number " (helps screen out scammers) and I delete any email without a phone number!

I have a standard email that goes out, it includes the attached rental application.  The rental app has the 'typical qualifications' and some of them are 'gray areas'. I ask them to review the typical qualifications and reply to the email if they think they qualify.  I ask them to bring a photo ID to enter the property upon showing.  

My system is setup to funnel down to only serious, qualified applications.  It helps save me time, money and not have to answer tons of calls. It might take more time to rent, but if the people can follow along and get through they are the types of tenants I want. 

The yard sign just gets me tons of unqualified calls, all day and night.  Once, a woman did not stop calling until I answered the phone.  Literally 30 calls back to back...

I never take the, "I have the cash now, i need to move asap..." types.

Yes interested in the forms. I couldn't fill out the survey, kept asking for gmail login. I'm curious to know how often the forms would be updated?

@Jason Hirko - great information.  I'd really like to buy 1 or more with the hopes of making it a rental.  

I'm curious to know if you are still buying them,  or why not? 
Do you have a process you can share?
Experiences you've had?
You're take as an investment property?
Any other interesting information would be great.
Thank you!

@Ron S. "they like guns in Texas right?"-- Too funny, but a serious thing to consider.  Thanks for the link, I'll take a look at it.