All Forum Posts by: Galen Bricker

I am flipping a house that a previous owner smeared a bunch of concrete on a part of the basement wall. I assume they were trying to keep water from coming into the house but it didn't help.  I fixed the real problem but now I'm left with this ugly concrete patch on the basement wall.  I painted the wall but it still sticks out.  The biggest complaint that I get from buyers is this patch.  They are afraid that it is hiding something or there is a problem.  It is stuck tight and I can't remove it.  Any ideas what to do with this?

Thank you for your answers. I thought to that there wasn't much I could do without hurting myself.  I'll talk to him about possibly getting another roommate if needed.

I have a property with two tenants sharing a single family house.  The original tenant had a girl friend living with him for a while and when she moved out he had another friend move in. I had him complete the new tenant process and he was approved.  They both owe the rent and utilities together.  My original tenant is now having a difficult time getting his friend to pay his portion of the rent, however he always makes sure that I am paid the full amount.  He asked me if there is anything that I can do to help him get the other tenant's portion on a more timely basis.  I want to help him if I can because he is such a good tenant and really takes care of the place.  I know that since I am being paid the rent it really isn't my problem but I don't want it to become my problem if the original tenant starts to have problems making sure the rent is paid.  

Do you have any ideas how I can help him?

Thank you for all of your comments! These have been very helpful! I'll look around the area and see what color will match the red brick and paint the siding. I like the idea of extending the porch area too. I will definitely add plants and mulch and remove the satellite dish. 

I just purchased this foreclosure and the outside is a bit underwhelming.  I would love to hear your ideas on how to make the curb appeal, well, appealing!  Any ideas on what to do would be helpful!  I'm not very creative and would appreciate your help.  What color should I paint the front door?  Paint the garage door?  Remove the long shutters, replace with shorter ones or just paint them?  Ideas on the concrete pad at the front door?

I recently rented a single family home to a couple who checked out well.  Unfortunately, they broke up and she moved out and they still have 15 months of the lease remaining.  He has a buddy that wants to move in with him to help with the rent.  Right now, she is still on the lease.  How do I handle this situation?  Do I write up a new lease?  Do I need to get something in writing from her to drop her from the lease?  I've never had this situation and wasn't sure what the best method for handling this is.  Thanks for your help!

Thank you for your help!  I have gone ahead and accepted them even though their credit ratings are low due to lack of credit.  They have no debts and their past landlord gave them a great review.  I really do appreciate having a place to ask questions like this and get feedback from other experienced investors!  I love BP!!

Thank you for your help!

Thank you all for your help!

I have three applicants (wanting to live together) for my single family home that are very inexperienced. They moved away from their parents last year to move to another state and are moving back to this area (home). They have new jobs at very good employers and make well beyond three times the rent. They have 500-600 credit scores due to lack of credit as opposed to bad credit. Their only landlord from when they moved away says they are great and wishes they would move back so he could rent to them again. Says they take very good care of the property. Here are my questions:

1. Two of them are a couple and have been together for only a year. How should I handle it if they break up and one leaves. I know that they are all still responsible for the rent but specifically what do I do? I've never had a situation like this to handle before.

2. Should the low credit score and lack of previous landlord references concern me? The one they had made them sound ideal so I don't think it should be an issue but curious of your thoughts. BTW, I used a tip I learned here: when I called him I said I wanted to speak to him about his rental property on "x" street. I could tell he was legit!

Thanks for you help!