All Forum Posts by: Jason Cacioppo

I'm assuming you would have an option to work as a freelance software programmer if need be. You may want to ease into real estate sales. Ask agencies if you can start out as a part timer and see how they react. If they don't like that idea, move onto the next one. Im nearly in your shoes. Finishing up course work for exam and then will pass the exam early February. But I have a good job at the moment and I too intend to start off real estate as a part timer.

I would say that a face to face interview is a must. As a landlord myself, I know from experience that a common scam is to send a cashiers check of an overpayment that appears to clear. But then the individual asks that you send a few hundred back. There is a small chance that this person is simply using someone else's identity to fool you. Make no commitments until you meet them in person. It isn't worth the risk.

Its sad this was the pick of the litter. But what can you do? Here's what you should do. Evict her, she tried to pull a fast one on you (as you suspect), she assumed she could withhold future rent money by putting on a song and dance about a missing watch. That is an attempted theft, from you. And if the son is more reasonable, he needs to understand that her actions have consequences for him and grandma too. Don't let her get away with this. Ensure you request a copy of the police report. It no longer matters if she finds the watch and apologizes, the accusation of you stealing it is a trust issue (assuming she sincerely thought you stole it). If she cant trust her landlord she shouldn't be involved in a business transaction with him. If you cant trust your tenant, you shouldn't be in a business transaction with her. The damage is already done. Next.

Hold it, rent it out.

Nice work! Congrats. Its gotta be a good feeling.

Yeah I love the pics

Why would you lower the rent? You said you had to decline people based on applications? So you are still attracting renters. Its just a matter of time before the right person comes along. You could try lowering it, but it doesn't mean people will be chomping at the bit to rent it out. You could try sending follow up emails for people that never showed. Ask them " Was there something that turned you away from the property?" If several mention the price or parking issue, you know what to do.

I would have to see pics as well. But im leaning more towards it not being a huge issue. The color isn't going to be a determining factor for renters or buyers.

Two months into a lease isn't the time to negotiate new appliances, tv's etc. The tenant could have asked for that previous to signing the lease. There not getting fancy new things at any time throughout the year for no reason. Saying yes to a new TV opens the door for more demands. It's the principal of the matter, even if you had an extra new tv laying around, it wasn't included in the lease. Wait until they renew before agreeing to new stuff. If they try to exit the lease over it, let em go, I'm sure they will pay a penalty for that.

 She came off sweet during the meeting, but her background provides more evidence of what she is really like, irresponsible. If she has a DWI on her record it likely means that she has struggled with drugs and alcohol for months or years before getting caught. Without a solid rental history this likely wont turn out well. It sounds like you two got along great! This could actually be a problem in the future because she may view you as a friend instead of a landlord. I could already see her asking for extra time to pay rent. Next.