All Forum Posts by: Maggie Tasseron

 Thanks for a good laff, Bob! Sounds like you have the tough skin AND sense of humor required to be a really great (Sir) Slumlord.

 Hi David: Let's not forget that real estate investing doesn't necessarily include having tenants. I've been a landlord almost 40 years, but have also flipped properties and the latter is certainly more desirable and has made me better money. However, I do all my own rehab work so the profit is all mine. I'm just now selling my last rental and will never be a landlord again, but I intend to still flip properties as I love the rehab work as much as the financial rewards; wish I had just stuck to that long ago instead of putting up with some of the fools I've had for tenants, but you know what they say about hindsight LOL.

 Are you sure these people are your friends? Sorry, but I just had to ask... Sounds to me like you're doing just great!

 Do you ever have the feeling that people are especially critical of you because you're a female investor? I've been one for almost 40 years and to this day there are people who assume that some man must have given me everything I own. Fortunately I have a thick skin and care about the opinions of very few people.

 Good one, Lynn!

 It's always an exercise in futility to discuss anything with people who have not even a basic understanding of the subject. My rule of thumb is that anyone who does not support me in my endeavors to improve my life is not a friend of mine, whether they are related to me or not. You sound like a person of integrity and you have no reason to justify what you're doing. Probably easier to just avoid discussing your real estate business with them; it would be so much nicer for you if they would support you, but as they say, you don't get to choose your relatives...

The only part of this that may mean something to me is the fact that this remark was made by a cop, who may spend considerable time being called out to the area you're investing in. The fact is that in a less-than-desirable neighborhood, you do stand to get less-than-desirable tenants. Even if your properties in soso neighborhoods are in terrific condition, you probably won't be able to get top dollar in a less upscale environment. I do recognize the need for decent housing for ALL tenants, so don't blast me, OK? The question is really Are you prepared for the challenges that are likely to occur in a Class C neighborhood? Don't be deterred by the fact that anyone casually calls you a slumlord; a lot of people envy investors and believe me, in almost 40 years as a landlord, I've been called plenty of names by these folks. 

 Hi Jared: What is the reason he wants to break his lease? That would probably be a factor in my decision as to how to handle this. Hope you have time to let us know.

 You're so right Darren, tenants will not do this. Frankly, if a tenant is willing to live with dirty grout, I'm really not that concerned and having found a pretty simple way of cleaning it for the next tenant hasn't been too daunting. However, I sure would prefer a grout sealer that really works and intend to try the epoxy grout next time I tile. I'm really not fond of dark grout but as you say, it certainly is one solution. I always end up selling my rentals, so I prefer to use a grout color I like. Thanks for your reply.

I always provide a range and dishwasher. I've rented out properties both with and without fridges, depending on the circumstances. Whenever I provide a washer and dryer, I  specify that those are in the properties for the tenants' use, but specify that if they break down, repairs will be paid for by the tenants. This is because generally in this area a washer/dryer are not considered standard, but in cases where I've bought properties where they were included it's nice to be able to offer them to tenants.