All Forum Posts by: Christopher Keivit

I would say to ask the contractor for a detailed invoice of the additional work. Also, if you pay him as the work goes along, make sure you get signed lien waivers before you give anyone a payment. The lien waiver basically says that the contractor is accepting payment for the portion of the work done. Once the entire job is completed, you get a final lien waiver. These should all be notarized and that way, he can't file a lien on your property.

So today I dropped my first batch of yellow letters in the mail! It is finally the first solid action I have taken. I sent out 35 and am hoping for as high as a 10-12% reply. But even if I only get one deal, it will have been worth it!!!!

I couldn't agree more Chris! Reading both of the articles you posted made my eyes bleed!!!!!

Daniel - I am licensed in IL and have found that for Indiana, they require that you take an exam for the reciprocity. Check with the Louisiana real estate licensing division.

Tatyana - no matter how busy you are, you need to set the time aside to file the complaint with the real estate fraud unit. Otherwise, K will just keep doing this. The fraud unit has special investigators to handle this, and why wait to talk to your attorney? With all the problems that you have had? And if threats are made, then you report those to the fraud unit as well.

As for everything being fake with the renters, you probably have grounds for eviction just based on the fact that they entered a contractual agreement (the lease) under false pretenses. I am not an attorney, but that was my first thought.

James - I agree with the posters here. Jamie is correct in that withheld rent needs to go into an escrow account. I work for a company that handles distressed properties throughout the midwest, and we hear these stories regularly.

All residents over the age of 18 need to be signers on the lease. Also, how many bedrooms is the unit? With that number of people in the townhome, are they violating county occupancy restrictions? The fact is that you have a signed contract with them for $2200 per month. It doesn't matter if a cockroach was seen, or if the basement wasn't finished.

I am based in Chicagoland, and can provide you with a couple eviction attorneys. My contact info is in my signature block.

Hi Tatyana - sorry to hear about such a bad experience. One option you can do is check with the California Real Estate Board and search for info on K. It should show if she is licensed and any disciplinary actions. Also check her husband. If they are on there, you could file a complaint through them.

As for "cash for keys" I work for a management company that handles receiverships, and we deal with some pretty distressed properties. We do cash for keys frequently. Basically we tell the resident that, regardless of payment history, we will give them x amount of money (in one case, $500) if the unit is in good condition and they move out by a certain date. You must have the keys in hand before they get the money. If they are not out, then we proceed with eviction.

Yes, it will cost you, but it gets rid of a problem. Get rid of K., get rid of D., and get rid of the tenants!! Good luck

Hi Tony -depending on where you are check hotpads.com. I have had good luck finding 2,3, and 4 flats in the Chicago area.

Hi Anthony - check local zoning, and try to get on the neighbors good sides! I know of a location in Chicago that was opened, but then not properly zoned and the neighbors hated the place (primarily because it served the gay/lesbian population). I am unfamiliar with any of the requirements, though.

Hi Greg NJ - this is great! As a newbie with a current full time job, I really enjoy reading about your successes and tribulations. Count me in as a follower. I am located in Chicago, but find it interesting to hear what works in different parts of the country.