All Forum Posts by: Gustavo Delgado

Is the noise mostly in the morning before school? if so, welcome to living in a multi-family situation. Maybe the 5y/o is acting like 5y/o would? This is tricky because instead of talking with your tenants about their performance as tenants( pay on time, maintain the property, in good condition,ect) you are inquiring about their parenting or lack there of. For all we know, the child may have some type of autism that makes him/her be difficult and throw tantrums. The last thing those parents may need is someone asking them to keep it down when I'm sure they are well aware.

you can't. Too many rules and laws you need to be familiar with and you will ruin your friendship when things hit a road bumps.  

@Obed Calixte hit a key point. What loan are you purchasing with? Owner occupied or investment loan? Read what your loan states about occupancy time before you can rent the property. I want to say they at least want one year occupancy before you make it a rental. Your  property taxes will be higher since it won't be your primary residence and your INSURANCE will be much higher too, since your policy would be a dwelling policy and not home owner policy.

new grass and mulch if you need. Power wash the front of the home at least. Don't spend on flowers too much because your tenant will very likely  not take care of them. Make sure you add on your lease that tenant is responsible for lawn maintenance (cutting and watering) Summer heat in Houston is brutal and your new grass ( and investment) will be dead by fall.

I would check the market conditions and calculate your numbers. This is a business after all.

Maybe keep her on a month to month so you can increase accordingly later.

Rachel, you set your commission price. If you want to offer $10k to list and a commission % to a buyers agent you decided that. Look at the agents that have listings around your home. Call them to list your home and let them know what fee you will offer. Sure some are going to scoff at that so call the next one. If none take it, look for agents that do not have a listing in that area but surrounding an a lower price point. Present your terms again, I am sure you will find one that sees the value in having a listing like yours to break into that market. 

Title companies are everywhere in Houston. Do you have a realtor? If so, they may have a business relationship with a title company already you can leverage. What do you mean by a lenders policy?

security deposit are the tenants, not the owners. He needs to transfer these amounts at closing because your new tenants will ask for them if and when they vacate

no. just no.

You can negotiate with your realtor. Are you looking to list a property? If so, negotiate a fee with them. Flat fee or a % that's up to you. Assuming the numbers you gave, you are listing a home for $2mm 2.5-3% listing agent fee is $50-60K. You can negotiate this! have that talk with the agent that you will offer (blank, you decide). That agent will either take your business or not. Maybe accept their fee, but require a shorter listing agreement (3-6months) to see the results.