All Forum Posts by: Jeff B.

I'm with Kevin I believe you need to consult an attorney or security expert to determine the risks and legality of the security cameras.  My understanding is that if someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy then there could be issues with the security camera.  
Also my understanding is that the camera shouldn't face any neighbors windows for obvious reasons.

Additionally if the camera has the ability to record audio this is a separate issue.  

Lastly if the camera is considered to be "hidden" then there are huge financial implications possible.

I agree with Sam that tenants will only use the accordion or any electrically actuated shutters.  Additionally I am sure there are huge possible liability concerns if the tenant is injured while putting up the hurricane shutters.

There are many different types of Hurricane shutters from the panels you fit and tighten, the accordion, roll down for sliding glass doors, and impact windows.

Depending on what story the window or door is located on and your budget will ultimately determine what hurricane mitigation device you choose.  You can also get a discount on your homeowners insurance after installing them and having a Wind Mitigation Inspection Survey performed.  

Lastly if a hurricane has Not hit Florida in the recent past that only increases your chances that a Hurricane will hit in the near future.

I'm sure you already checked but in some states you can't charge additional rent for a pet.
You may be able to charge a pet fee or pet security deposit, so make sure it is legal.

Otherwise like you stated I would just combine them for simplicity sake.

Lastly you mention "Fido" I hope you required the tenants to get "Renters Insurance" so if Fido bites someone, knocks someone over and they are injured on your property, or accidentally starts a fire that you have some protection for yourself.

Have your property taxes or operating expenses increased in the past year?   This maybe the statement you can use to raise the rent slightly and explain to them that it is just to cover the increase in expenses and that you are not making any more profit.  Additionally as others have stated start and end the request by thanking them for being great tenants and that you really appreciate having them as tenants.  

Additionally I have read somewhere and found it to be true with most tenants that you can raise the rent approx 5 - 8 % a year and most of them will still stay in the unit.

Sorry but your statement does not make since.

You state "he refused to take my rent and served me with an eviction notice for non-payment of rent."  Did he serve you the required 3 day Pay or Quit notice, or the with an eviction notice counts I and II?

You state "I sent the rent check to the attorney who sent the notice and was listed on the eviction document, so it was very clear I had paid the rent."  Did you send the check via certified/registered mail for proof of delivery? Do you have the check image from your bank showing the check has been cashed?

Mediation is where you present all your supporting documents regarding the accusations against you.  Did you not have the necessary documents that showed the check was mailed to the lawyer via certified/registered mail, the check was cashed/accepted by landlord.

You write "I then received a notice to go to mediation for eviction." Then that you did Not receive the summons to appear for the case regarding the judgement. You can appeal the judgement if you did Not receive the "summons to appear" and ask for the proof of service.

If you have enough evidence you can also consult an attorney to see what their opinion is on suing the landlord for Florida Statute 83.64 "Retaliatory conduct"

Lastly as Amy stated you can consider moving all your stuff into Air Conditioned storage, you will get Mold all over everything since we are in the rainy season otherwise.  Then look into a short term furnished rental until you return to the US.

I would not recommend trying to find, buy and close on a new house in your current mindset these quick purchases that are usually performed without much due diligence usually do Not end well.

"Whats your opinion of Maryland?"  Your target market needs to be a little bit narrower.
There are high crime areas in Maryland, and safe areas to live in.  Depending where and how far you are looking at from Washington D.C. will have an impact on the initial investment price.  

Beware the Maryland has some of the Highest taxes for income that I have ever seen.
I know a high income individual who moved to Pennsylvania and telecommuted because
of the tax burden Maryland puts on an individual.

I am not knowledgeable about "Auckland" and if they fall under the US Federal Tax treaty laws but Maryland does NOT recognize or abide by the US Federal Tax treaty.

Google "Maryland Income Tax Rate"  "Maryland Personal Property Tax"
"Maryland Real Estate Tax" for target area  check to see if Maryland recognizes
the US Federal Foreign Tax treaty between the two countries.

Then calculate your projected time requirements, potential tax implications, risk and reward for this investment.

Like others have said you need to know how diversified the employment market is in the area you will be investing.  If you have a major employer who supports 10% of the town then you could face serious pressures when there is an economic slowdown and they cut jobs, reduce hours, furlough employees or look to outsource work to cut cost.

You have done some reading on BP but are you ready for investing in the US.

What are your objectives, goals?
What sort of investing education do you have?
What sort of business management education do you have?
Do you know the Landlord/Tenant laws in your target area?
Do you have a reputable team or agent in place to act on your behalf?
What sort of profits are you looking to average and can they be obtained through
other financial instruments with less expense and risk?
Do you have experience in determining the FMV, repair estimates, and do you have the financing ready to go when a deal is found?

"Can anyone help by talking about how house prices behave before and during a" recession

Yes, I owned property in Virginia and Florida during the recession,  in my target areas in Florida we were crushed by the bubble bursting initially and then there was large profits found when others were on the sidelines during the recovery.

In Virginia my target area was supported by the military and there was No rent rate depreciation as we were at War at that time.  

What you are asking for is what real estate analyst do you trust.
Who's analyst opinion due you believe when it comes to the Interest Rate hike in the near future and the impact on loan demand/potential buyers.

Unfortunately most of these questions are only answered by having experience and knowledge, and using due diligence and deciding what is more probable to occur than not.

Sorry I couldn't write a one size fits all answer as the real estate markets are to diverse.

Sorry, I wasn't clear in my response.  Do Not install a builder grade HVAC "Payne" unless you are flipping your problems onto the buyer.  The installation by a skilled technician is a major factor in the performance and longevity of the HVAC system.  

I would install the Lennox with the reputable well reviewed company who is going to do a follow performance evaluation as well as the maintenance checkups.  I pay a couple hundred more from my trusted installer in Florida but I have piece of mind that it was done right the first time, I should have minimal expenses for the first 10 years, and added value with increased longevity with a well maintained HVAC system.

I live in FL so I know about having to use A\C year round.

As you know people mention a brand and price but not model which will ultimately determine the total cost.

I was in the exact same situation and due to the rusted coil tubing, and overall condition of the Air Handler decided for a total A\C replacement.

Payne is considered "Builders Grade" lowest grade and some A\C guys argue not to install them because it reflects on their reputation when you have problems with the system.

Look for the highest seer rated, quietest, best warranty HVAC that is fairly priced.
The installer is a HUGE part of the HVAC's life span, along with your regular changing filters, cleaning coils when needed, cleaning drain lines and vacuuming dust out of the Air Handler Cabinet.

I agree with everyone else that it should be in the lease.  Compared to the cost of insurance the landlord pays vs. tenant for renters insurance it is a small amount.

We all know that renters insurance covers theft, damages to property, and liability for the tenants property.  Additionally regarding liability if something happens inside the property that is Not caused be the negligence of the landlord then the claim would be on the Renters insurance.

I do Not see any negatives for a tenant to have renters insurance.