All Forum Posts by: Grace Esteban

@Michael Ablan Thank you. I didn't know about the $25 write off.  After reading the comments, I am now worried. I gave a $25 fruit basket as a gift. I think I did a rookie move. :(

In the spirit of holiday gift-giving. How many of you here give gifts to your tenants and why? TIA

Should I talk to a real estate lawyer or to a CPA/lawyer to help me navigate the complexity of this transfer? Please recommend a firm or somebody you have used to help me with this problem. Please? Thank you in advance. 

We both have stable jobs in SF and San Jose, Cali in education and tech, but we're both not Canadian residents. The property will be for vacation or rental. We want to take advantage of the low-interest rate or strong USD vs CND. We also want to retire to Victoria one day. 

@Katie Miller and @Brian Garlington I just signed up. I'll be scheduled for an inspection. Wish me luck. Thank you so much for the leads.

OMG! This is a brilliant idea @Todd Pultz. I don't know about this strategy. THANK YOU!!! 

Thank you @Brian Garlington. I just called and emailed them so I can get into their programs. 

@Ari Bachrach, I listed it on furnishedfinder.com. I received so many inquiries in one day. The nurses love my place but my HOA wants a minimum of 6 months. The nurses only want a month or 3 months max. I will attend the next HOA Board meeting to convince them to allow 3 months short term rental. Wish me luck.

Good questions @Account Closed. I paid a premium for my listing https://www.apartments.com/151...  I had more than 13,000 views but only three applications and all opted for no credit or background check. The market is saturated right now. I don't want to sell the property because I think when COVID is over, my place will be a premium spot. It is walking distance to Convention Center and close to hospitals. The 18-story Marriott/AC hotel which is only across the street will be done next year as well. I think like an investor, I just need to find ways how to survive this year. ^.^

I decided to rent my unit to supplement my income this year but the market in the Bay Area is saturated right now. I paid premium placement for my rental ads but I can't get any good leads. Can I start deducting, rental expenses (e.g. ads, mortgage interest, property tax, etc) when I file my tax next year? The unit is empty since March (basically the start of shelter-in-place).

I would love to schedule a meeting with a good CPA recommended by landlords here. Thank you.