All Forum Posts by: James Barnhart

I prefer Lowes.  We have had issues with HD delivering items to a previous address, not for this rehab. address, due to their wrong computer inputs. 

Lowes has it right every time.  They have their own delivery people, not subcontractors like HD.

And, Lowes has a record of every purchase we make with the My Lowes card.  So, if we want to reorder a certain paint color, etc., it's in the computer records just what that color is.  

Also, I can get my 10% military discount online at Lowes, but not at HD.  

HD has online marked down items that are not in the stores.  

But, we buy at both stores, but Lowes is closer by.  

i like our small independent hardware store for odd ball items.  They are knowledgeable and have things that the big stores do not have, especially plumbing repair parts.

I have cleaned a non-self cleaning oven using a product called Ultra-Ion Green.  It worked great and was non toxic.

In rentals, it seems like a simple appliance, with less things to break, is the way to go.

My wife's washing machine is complicated to me with many colored lights on the panel.  I guess I am a simple guy, and don't see a need to complicate things.  

Our Realtor bid on a Hubzu auction for us.  That house was auctioned twice in 10 days.  The second time, the Realtor said a man from Hubzu indicated that we were the highest bid, but actually we were not.  There were 2 bids of the same exact amount that were $2000 higher than ours that we saw online in the bidding process.   But, then a man from India said we could buy the house for $2000 more than what we bid.  We declined, because in addition to the sales price, there were additional commissions and fees that would add about $6k more.  Hubzu seems to be non professional and maybe somewhat shady.  

I feel the same way as you about dogs in your house.    But, you can get more tenant revenue because of the dog.  It is small and if your tenants pick up after him, it probably won't be bad.  You probably do want to keep your good tenants.  So, I might say yes.  

But, I can definitely understand you saying no.  If you do, agree, just get a pet deposit and charge more rent income.  

If you have several applicants, review all of them, and you can select the one most qualified to be your tenant.  Be very sure to have all screened, and make your selection.  I use an online screening service that the prospective tenant pays to be screened.  That service will give you a recommendation as to whether you should rent to each one.  

The one with the service dog may or may not be the one that is best for your property.  After you choose your tenant, tell the ones that are not chosen, that you have chosen someone else, if they ask you.  Just don't get into any discussion why you made the choice that you made.  You made a business decision.  That is all they need to know and wish them well.

One of the things I consider is if they appear to be pushy and demanding when you talk to them.  So, it sounds like that person may be eliminating themselves, in my humble opinion,    Rent to good nice people and life is a lot easier.

 Thanks Mike.  This has never come up before with me, and I sincerely appreciate your comments.  That's why I was wanting to hear back from someone like you.  I see your points and don't want to be unethical or illegal.   I will call the agent that showed me the property in January.  She and her broker are good people.

 Whoa John.  You made a HUGE leap by saying that my offer was very low.  Did you know that it has had 3 offers pending and that all three backed away when inspections showed that it is past due for a new $8,000 roof?  Did you know that It has many nail pop ups through the shingles and there is a water stain on the ceiling?  

I was only asking for correct information to a legal question.  I am trying to learn the answer and do the right thing.  

Our comments can travel fast on BP.  

 I read a comment from a BP member in a forum that the listing agent probably will work very hard to get the offer accepted because she will get both the listing and the selling commission.  

This is especially true on this property because it has been for sale for 4 months, when MANY properties sell in 2 weeks or less.  The price is too high because it needs an &8,000 roof and already has nail pop ups.

It doesn't seem like you are getting much value from the property management co., so you might want to cut costs and manage it yourself.  When you agreed to install a garage door opener, that's when you might have said you will do that for an additional $15 a month.  Or, not do it, to leave the rental amount the same.  

It doesn't seem like the tenants are being unreasonable.  But, at the same time, you are not making any cash flow.  So, ask yourself why you are keeping the house.  I bet it's an emotional one, not a business decision.

A Realtor showed us a property in January.  We made an offer and it was rejected.  Later it was off the market twice and now is back on the market again.  Now, this is May, and we want to have the listing agent show us the property, to increase our chances of getting an offer we make, to be accepted.  But, I don't want to do something wrong.  Is the original agent still entitled to a commission  4 months afterwards, and after being off of the market twice?