All Forum Posts by: Jan Kerr

I am in Perry, UT, about 20 minutes north of Ogden. I do work the markets from Salt Lake to Box Elder Counties, but my favorites are Weber and Box Elder. There are lots of opportunities. It all depends on how you structure the deals. Get creative sometimes and what looked like a dead end turns out to be worth while. Always thinking outside the box. Welcome to investing in Utah! I've been investing here since 1992 and mentoring investors nationwide since 2000. I started as a business coach in 1995.

Hi Shawn, The way to tell a good Property Manager from a bad one is by learning how to be a good one yourself. Then as you start interviewing PM's you will know what you want done and how you want it done. You will be able to ask them the right questions about how they normally do things and then ask if they will do it your way if their normal way is not how you want it done. If they refuse to do it your way, find one that will.  

FYI there is a LOT more to tenant screening than just verifying income and checking the prospective tenant's credit score. Ask about their tenant screening process. If they just do those two things, it is not enough to protect you from "Professional Tenants" who work the system costing landlords a lot of money. Do Eviction Searches and Criminal Background Checks and speak to two PREVIOUS landlords, (Current landlord may not have been inside the unit since they moved in and may not know everything. They may also be trying to get rid of a problem tenant, so may not tell the whole truth.),  before accepting any tenants. My favorite questions to ask a previous landlord...

1. Did you have to deduct anything from their security deposit when they moved out? 

2. Would you rent to them again?

Let me know if you have any questions. \i am happy to help.

I've managed my own rentals and taught a lot of people the ins and outs of property management. Most property managers will charge between 6-10% of the rents plus additional fees during vacancies and you pay for all repairs and anything not expressly covered in the management agreement. Good property management can make or break you!!! Be very picky. It would be very wise to learn everything you can about property management before you start interviewing managers so you know what questions to ask and what terms you want in your contract. The wording of your contract should be very detailed because that is what is binding on both of you. Don't assume anything. Be specific and write it all out in detail. Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to give you some advice.

Hi Jeremy, Congratulations on being debt free! That's very cool.  I'd be interested to know more about this potential flip that needs a lot of work. I have done a few of those myself and guided many others through similar scenarios. Do you have any pictures? I can most likely help you avoid some possible pitfalls if you want to share more about it.