All Forum Posts by: Paul J.

I was in a B of A branch today and they apparently continue to offer them there. I'll have to check with local banks in MI next time I'm there but the ATM card option is pretty solid compared to trying to coax a tenant into getting to a bank branch on regular hours... It certainly eliminates lots of excuses and hassle.

Thanks for the suggestion, Kyle. Unfortunately, Wells Fargo is in my home area of California but not in the area of Michigan where my rental is.

And you nailed it on the head as well - I have converted people who deal exclusively in cash to this system, the ACH or Quickpay just wont serve the same purpose. I have even heard of folks using a billpay system thru 7-11, even they are not very close to my rental, at least not as close as Chase's ATM.

I was in there today and pitched a fit to there business accounts person. I would be willing to pay a couple dollars for each of these cards, can't really understand why they would discontinue them...

They suggested that, too. The problem is my tenants are not web-saavy but they know how to use an ATM card. Also, having 24 hour ATMs eliminates the bank being closed or far away as an excuse. It really is a shame because it was a perfect fit for our tenants and created major convenience as far as receipts and processing went.

Apparently, if you already have the cards they will still work, but you can't order any new ones. Just venting here because I built a plan for my new out-of-state property around this system and now I have to scramble to find a new way to accept payments without the hassle of checks, excuses, or cash. Having them go to a network of 24/7 nationwide ATM's was just too good to be true, I suppose.

Any other suggestions out there for similar services or banks that offer such a service with branches in both California and Michigan?

In regards to the last-name searching on the courts website, I have been using this to pre-screen some of my callers on the newly-turned over apartment.. I had one applicant who had a unique last name and has been evicted from an apartment 1-2 times per year since 2006...!


https://secure.courts.michigan.gov/jis/ Thanks for the info, guys. I will look into the tax garnishment for next year. The judgement I have is attached to the eviction itself so I figured even if it's just worth pennies on the dollar, I think it's still worth it for the sake of warning the next landlord that goes to screen this person.

Thank you, I'll give em a shout...

@Rob K. or any other OC landlords have any other references or advice for what to do with this judgement?

Hi all,

Looking for a referral to a collection agency for Oakland County, MI.

I purchased an occupied Duplex and have a judgement against one of the tenants or non-pay. I am thinking at least one of the two of them on the lease are non-collectable, however half of my intention here is to make sure this gets reported to the credit bureaus and perhaps get a garnishment against their state tax returns. What are you doing and WHom are you calling when you leave eviction court with a money judgement? What is the out-of-pocket expense to start the process?



Thanks

Open to the idea of purchasing the house as two individuals and not an LLC? I'm sure you could make that happen, I purchased a home once with a person I was not married or related to... It was just titled and mortgaged to both of us. I'm not a lawyer and can't speak to the legalities surrounding that, but I would think it is another option if you trust the person you are partnering with and have some background agreements in writing...

Thanks guys...

We figured we'd put on a pot of flavored, snice smelling coffee and have the comps and list of updates set out on the kitchen bar. I replaced the kitchen faucet today to match the switchplates/light fixtures and we are going to clean up the cabinets and paint the only other room that we never got to this weekend. Then off to the Depot to see what kinda deal we can get on carpet for the guest room...

At that point, we will have fresh paint on every surface in the home, fresh carpet in all rooms, all new light fixtures and switches/'bling' oiled bronze switch plates... The place looks pretty solid outside of a 70's tile kitchen counter and somewhat sparse landscaping.

If anyone else has any other ideas for making an appraisal go well I'm all ears!

Hey all, I am preparing my home for an appraisal. Looking to open a HELOC to fund my continuing real estate adventure, and the higher we go, the more I will be able to do to expand the business.. So, I was wondering what folks thought the best tips for getting the most out of your appraisal. We have kept up pretty well on updates and repairs, but looking for things we can do in the last 2 weeks to present the house well. So far I have heard: *prepare a list of updates and costs that you have performed *have some pre-printed comps to present to the appraiser. *do not hover over him or her too much, point a few things out but mainly let them do their job *lock up your animals Any other quick tips for staging or getting max value that anyone knows of??