All Forum Posts by: David D Painter

Yes, you can write it off as it's an expense.

My property management was one woman. She was a fireball and handled my properties plus hers and a 24 unit complex as her part time job. She was great and even the tenants loved her. She kept my checkbook and signed checks until she retired. She knew what contractors were reliable and who was the most reasonable. Property management doesn't have to be a company. Go for it!

I also have never heard of a value assigned to being lead free on an appraisal.

The leak I would hire someone to fix if it actually does exsist. Renovations, tell them NO. They are trying to take advantage of you. They are crazy.

Call your insurance agent. I own a SFH used as a group home. In 2005 my policy increased from about $600 a year to $10,000. It took lots and lots of looking to find a company that now charges about 2,000. This is still about double the cost of my other similar homes. There are lots of local regulations that will apply to zoning. You should inquire locally. You should be able to negotiate payment of any changes or improvements needed with your prospective tenant as these can be very costly. It has worked out well for me. Good luck!

What do you mean by renovations? If it's something structural typically the owner pays for repairs.  

@Jessica Kegler  

It sounds as if this particular is trying to get rid of you. Find another.  I viewed and or bought properties in 8 states (including Lafayette, Louisiana) and have never had a realtor charge anything to view a house. I hope you find a good realtor as they are often worth their weight in gold. Good luck!

Obviously they are trying to find a reason to raise your tax value.  I wouldn't reply to it either.  How are you supposed to know why the former sold, etc.   

I am perfect at loitering. Also a pretty darn good complainer if I say so myself.  Let me know when to start.

I disagree that little has changed in RE with the use of technology.  They way I am able to search properties daily from my sofa is a big change from even 10 years ago. I can access more information such as pictures, tax websites, recent sales comps, etc in a few minutes as opposed to hours in the past. I have a RE agent that I use and depend on. He doesn't waste my time and makes me money.