All Forum Posts by: Cailyn Aune

Trulia crime maps.. Great place to start...!

Hey Charles....! When I read this, I started thinking about all the stories I've heard of people who felt like they were missing out right around '06, '07.... And how many people jumped in so they wouldn't "miss out," and well, we know how that ended. Those who weathered the storm of the last downturn were already in it for the long haul, and had some (or a lot) of experience to help them get creative and look for diff opportunities. Occasionally I can feel like this- when it seems that so many people are busy investing, and we are just getting started... It can feel like slow motion. But I try to immediately think of all the positives and be thankful.... I.e.: I'm thankful I have time to learn REI before the next downturn so when it comes, I will be so ready to capitalize on it! Additionally- I think about how Brandon Turner says that often times people who don't have the cash are forced to get more creative and look for better deals than people who do you have a lot of extra cash and can maybe buy things easier… But it doesn't mean they should've. I agree with what has been said before… Network, network, network. It cannot be underestimated! There are people who have been very successful in real estate investing – and used almost none of their own cash. You can do it! Stay positive....! Ask yourself "how can I...." :)

What's the address or cross streets roughly? I'm generally familiar enough to give you an idea of most of the areas around there...

@Bryan O. - Brian, I love what you said. I think that mentality goes a long way regardless of what business you are in... PEOPLE are the real investment, and they know when you are genuine or not. Well done. (And yes, I know there are probably a few threads about screening...but I did want to hear specifically from people who came at it with positivity... that really puts a different spin on things, so thank you!

@Account Closed - LOVE this! I just came up with this idea last week... that I wanted to have a welcome basket and was wondering if anyone else did this with their renters. Yahoo! LOVE IT. Love all of your ideas. This is fantastic! Especially the well being text after storms. I think those things make all the difference. Keep up the good work! You're going to be added to my "Landlording List" - for when I need advice! :o) Report cards- genius. I was considering doing something like this as well, and if they had good payment history, etc, of writing a thank you and popping a little amazon gift card in it to incentivize. What do you think?

@Michelle Fenn - Yes- agreed.... desirable properties is a key place to start. And how people love their pets! Do you feel like the $500 is enough to cover the damage a pet can do? I just feel like animal urine on carpet smell is hard to cover up... (Obviously sometimes it will need new carpet... but I"ve been wondering how to be pet friendly and cover the cost. I can look that up too here on BP... :o)

@Sarah Larbi - Okay, I have some questions for you! :) I love the gift basket and cake idea. I LOVE to bake. :o) It sounds like you know how to establish relationships... WELL DONE. Okay... can you explain what you mean by you work with a tenant to find a place they want to live that works for both of you....? Are you saying that you purchased an investment home like this? Maybe I'm confused. :o) ?? :o)

Lisa Braaten - you're in good company! I'm pretty new as well... There are a lot of folks who find BP in hopes of making changes in their lives. Keep learning, reading, taking small actionable steps.... And keep coming back. A lot of people pop on here for a month or two and then disappear. If you stay focused, build relationships, you will be amazed at what you learn and what you can do. I hope you can come out of the discouraging season you've been in, and know that YOU have purpose, that you can bring value to others lives, and know that YOU ARE good enough, just being you. I have a feeling that many a person like you will sign onto BP… And they would love nothing more than to find a testimony of someone who came out of the same situation they are in – someone they can look to and be encouraged by.....You can be that person. If you think you can, you will. Welcome!

@Account Closed - Wish I could help you...! I was just going to post and ask this same question!

I look forward to hearing anyone else's experience with local banks in the Tacoma area.... anyone know of good local portfolio lenders? Thanks all!

@Andrew Fielder @Alex Franks @Michelle Fenn @Ryan Billingsley@Bryan O. @David Roberts @Thomas S. @Mark H. @Ian Walsh @Michael Noto @Account Closed @Aly W. @Kimberly H.
Being new to real estate, it's encouraging to hear these good reports. Sometimes when you read through the threads and hear about all the disasters, you think, "Wait, why do I want to do this?" :o)  SO, each of you said something that gave me the impression you have been able to navigate finding good tenants as your norm, or fairly regularly. Could you please share with us HOW you do that?! :o) 

1) What does your screening process consist of.... or

2) What are the most critical factors to look for or avoid when screening tenants... and/or

3) What key factors about your property and your management attracts and KEEPS good tenants?

I look forward to hearing your answers....!

@Alex Chin @Steve Wynne - No, it is DEFINITELY NOT a war zone. I have gotten more and more comfortable with "Tacoma" as the years went on. When I was in college at PLU (Steve- fond memories of Sprinker and the whole area!! Where are your rentals?), the Parkland Rapist was on the prowl, attacking systematically around the campus. Nice. Anyway... that started to toughen me up real quick. If I was a MAN, I don't think I would be afraid of much of anything around that area, not at night either I don't think. As long as you are on the lookout and probably don't drive up in a fancy car. Ha ha.... No, not a war zone, that's for sure.

@Andrew Nevins Are you doing this through a local bank? That feels like a really low rate right now... is that pretty common? We were quoted at 4.875 two weeks ago on a conventional loan... 20% down, we have great credit. 3.875.. that's a whole percentage lower than what I was told. How much do rates vary from place to place? 

Andrew Nevins 30 years at 3.875... That's great. How much down? Are you working with a portfolio lender at this point?