All Forum Posts by: Christine Stone

@Marlen Weber 

The current tenants were willing to create a "virtual tour" for us. they basically walked around the house and took video on a smart phone. We made a video introduction for ourselves as the landlords and sent both videos to interested tenants. We've already got new tenants with a lease e-signed and deposit collected for the fall. Worked great and was way easier than in person, too 

@Cliff H. Thanks for your comments! As an update, the current tenants were willing to create a "virtual tour" for us. they basically walked around the house and took video on a smart phone. We made a video introduction for ourselves as the landlords and sent both videos to interested tenants. We've already got new tenants with a lease e-signed and deposit collected for the fall. Worked great and was way easier than in person

Great advice @John Underwood ! Will definitely start with

I'm about to list a 6 bedroom house for rent. We've owned it for several years now and know that our main market is groups of college students. We usually have an open house-style showing where up to 40 people may show up (usually staggered throughout an hour). Wondering if other landlords have come up against issues here, ie. current tenants not wanting strangers walking through their house, etc. Just trying to be conscientious here. (Located in Bellingham, WA)

Hello! My husband and I just bought a tri-plex in Oak Harbor, WA. We are looking to make connections in the area--particularly in need of a good handyman or woman, building contractors, lawn care, plumber, electrician, etc. Would appreciate your recommendations in the Oak Harbor / Whidbey / Anacortes / Mount Vernon area.

So much good input! Thanks everyone! 

In my case, I've already purchased the property in mine and my husband's name. I read somewhere that you can request permission from the lender to transfer the property to an LLC...Has anyone tried this?

Thanks for the input @Christopher Smith! We carry an umbrella insurance policy now. How much coverage do you consider adequate?

Hello BP Friends! I'm ready to look at starting an LLC for my properties, but I've heard mixed advice about their necessity and benefits. I would be starting the LLC as a disregarded entity and reporting my profit/loss on a Schedule C. My main questions are:

• What are the biggest benefits of LLC's?
• Are there any reasons I shouldn't start an LLC?
• Will I be subject to additional taxes with an LLC?
• Is it advisable to have a separate LLC for each property?
• Can I form an LLC for my primary residence? (I'm currently house-hacking.)

Thanks in advance!

Christine

- 

Thanks for the input @Heather DeGeorge. Could I decline someone because someone else was more highly qualified (such as more renting history or greater income)?

I'm screening for my first tenants and wondering essentially, must you always process applications in the order they are received? For instance, let's say I have two applications. On paper, both meet my minimum application requirements. However, I had "bad vibes" from the first applicant during the showing. Can I pass over the first application and begin processing the second, since I have a better feeling about that person? I've been seeing comments around BP about processing applications in the order they are received, but if I'm pretty sure I don't want the first applicant, doesn't it make more sense to put my time towards the second?