All Forum Posts by: David Woz

Just an update to this.   Although I live out of state, I actually flew into DFW and took care of some other business.  I made tons of notes, and really prepared for my protest with TAD.

I tell you, they made it pretty easy.   I was able to meet with someone within 20 minutes of walking through the door... they were very friendly... by just doing it myself, I got my evaluation down to 400K.... a HUGE victory.

I had looked at other companies that wanted 40% of the savings... Even going through them with the same results would cost me over 3500.00 just on this property.... while I was there, I was able to shave 50K total off 3 other properties... 

My advice for anyone when dealing with TAD would be do your homework... and protest yourself... If you don't like their offer, you don't have to take it and you can then employ one of the services... If I had gone straight to a service, I would be paying some big money.

Most places offer lifetime warranties... Assuming they are still in business.

It can be a bit more involved, especially if you are out of state.. but I have done it... I wouldn't shy away just because of that if the numbers work for you.   I have a good foundation guy if you head down that road, DM me and I'll send you his info.

Single family 3/2’s in the 1300 square ft range renting for 1500 have been very good to me.  

Do you live local?

That is horrible.  

You might be able to do the HELOC... but My guess is your rate will be much lower with a traditional cash out refi.

My first 5 are with a company who has issues... Recently bought two.... sent them to two different companies.. so 7 properties, 3 managers... The goal is to find a good one and move everything under one roof... but yes, nothing wrong with testing the waters with a new company... even in the same city.

I had a property in Tarrant go from 393 to 700K... I was shocked.   Fortunately I was out there for other purposes and protested in person... I got it down to 400K.    

You can protest online, and even on the phone (not sure about phone)...

But... with some basic research, you can protest yourself, and they will make you an offer.... If it is acceptable, take it... If it isn't, you can decline and then hire a company.

I saved about 9K in actual tax...The companies I talked to wanted 40% of the savings... So I would have paid them 3600.00.   

My advice, try and protest yourself first, then hire the company if you don't like the offer from TAD. 

Ask the tenant to produce the canceled check..... then switch PM no mater what....   Collecting a damage deposit is a core task of a PM that you pay for and they either failed to do it, or failed to properly record it... either way, unacceptable.   

Consider small claims court if the lease says it is due and it wasn't collected.   At some point you signed (or should have) signed an agreement with that PM to act as your agent to lease your house, including collecting that... and they failed to do it.

Good luck.

Be aware of this. http://www.ci.garland.tx.us/gov/cd/code/program.asp