All Forum Posts by: Courtney Huntoon

What kind of information are you looking for? Typically you would fill out the RFTA packet and have section 8 approve the unit and rental amount for that tenant. They do an inspection and a rent analysis to make sure it fits within the voucher. 

Find a company who doesn’t make exceptions. You should hire a company who does everything in their power to place a qualified tenant, however you won’t always have perfect tenants. Tenants on paper can be amazing, pass every requirement and still be poor housekeepers/tenants. Part of the fun being an investor ;) Maybe not fun, but definitely an aspect of it. You want a PM company that will do everything to protect you and your investment and in the situation that may arise from a bad tenant, you want a property management company that will collect lost rents, get the unit turned and rent ready quickly, and get new tenants in. Our goal is to place great tenants, we don’t get paid on vacant units ;) We guarantee placement for the initial lease term or we place the next tenant no cost.

Grand Rapids!! Would love to tell you more about the market, feel free to message me! 

@Antoine Martel No, not by any means. Just wanted opinions from others who have done it, tried it, or have at least thought about it. :)

Wondering your thoughts and opinions on offering incentives to current tenants? Incentives for referring a qualified friend or family member to lease one of our vacant units? Incentive of some sort for tenants who constantly pay their rent on time or are the "ideal" tenant? Incentive for good tenants during lease renewals in order to minimize the turnover? 

I'm torn with why reward tenants for doing what they are suppose to: PAY RENT. But I'm curious to hear other landlord's opinions or experiences! 

Welcome John! 

The market in Grand Rapids is crazy right now! Its an exciting time to be a part of all the action. What is your plan after the rehabbing? Flipping? Turn into rentals? 

I would suggest, if it isn't already, having it in your lease agreement that if utilities are turned off for any reason and you have to pay the bill in order the resume services then they will have to pay a lease violation and the bill. Not a good sign if they are failing to pay that but circumstances do come up so hopefully its a one time thing! Good luck! 

@Jake DeBoer Yeah, we had one city inspection during that time. The company sent over two techs and they moved our clothes out of one closet and we had two "guest rooms", city probably knew what was going on but they didn't make a fuss. Sorry for you're experience 

If you are ever interested in hiring or learning more about a property management company, I work for United Properties of West Michigan and would love to help answer any questions you have. 

I rented through a company who knew we had 6 people in our house but we only were allowed to have four of us sign the lease. Didn't have any issues and it was a win-win for us and the landlord. 

Do you use a property management company or manage your property?

@Jaime Sepulveda and @Tracy Streich Thank you both for your responses. We have entertained the idea of increasing the fee and it sounds like it might be the route to try next.