All Forum Posts by: Jeff Ryan

Hi, In Muskegon more specifically, to note for seasonality of this. I've owned the house (SFH) for a little over 3 years, rented to the same tenant.

She's noted/complained about 2 of the far bedrooms floors 'sloping' and seems to be with the seasons, worse in the winter than in the summer, where they seemingly go back to normal.  Also, per the images, a crack develops in the kitchen, on the other side of the house where the wall meets the ceiling.  This also showing up in the winter, and the crack closes back up again in the nicer summer weather!    

I went into the bedrooms and don't notice the sloping floors so much just by 'feel' and admittedly haven't put any measuring device like a level to it.  She says she notices it in bed and has to put the bed a certain way (like with head on higher part).

This doesn't seem to be enough of a problem where any part is unlivable or that requires immediate attention, but the main jist of this post is, where would I start or what type of business or contractor could I start with to find out about this?

I had the house inspected when I bought it, and nothing really came to light about this.  The foundation was noted as good, and the foundation in the basement doesn't show any obvious signs of problems that you might typically see with foundation problems.  The basement is full, concrete walls that are very straight.  

Is it some kind of foundation specialist to start with to at least know what it is and know if there is anything reasonable that can be done, a general contractor, or is this something I just write off as seasonal shifting of the foundation that happens with some?  Thanks!! 

@Drew Sygit and @Rebeca Coleman,  thanks much both for the help.  As Drew stated in the 'stay away', I did, and the problem resolved itself.  (I believe she ultimately pursued the ppo).  And now self-managing, that eviction help will come in (but hopefully not needed) very helpful.  Thanks again.

  I haven't done before, and would prefer not starting with attorney help, at least to start with, unless absolutely necessary.  I need to do/create a notice of eviction for a person not on the lease, staying with the person who is on the lease.  The person on the lease has been overall good paying tenant.  This is mother / daughter situation, daughter staying there on/off, mostly on, from what I understand drama filled.  This is a request from the mother who is on the lease, saying 'she can't get rid of her', and as I understand through her is problematic.

  I am new to self-managing, but I haven't dealt with any eviction at all through former property managers either.  So, as title notes, I am looking for the steps/getting started.  Do I need to physically go down to the courthouse and fill a form out through a certain department, and who do I ask for?  The process is new to me.  I'll use legal consul if I need to, but again, was hoping to get acclimated to self-managing and doing this, as it is apt to come up again.  (State of Michigan, to confirm).

Thanks all.

@Drew Sygit  Thank you, that must have been where I saw it before and what I was looking for.  I was just looking for a point to that, thanks again.  @Caleb VanTimmeren, thanks for the reply, and I would be interested to discuss.

This question pertaining to Muskegon, Michigan specifically, but would be interested to hear if other locales might have something similar:

Does anyone know if it is a City of Muskegon law/ordinance having to use a property management company (vs. self management) for your rental property, if your primary residence is 30+ miles away?  I could have swore I heard that somewhere along the way, but not entirely sure now it is an absolute rule.  I am right on that bubble actually, and am considering options.  Thanks!

@Adam Martin, @Theresa Harris, @Nathan Gesner

Thank you!  Very helpful.

  I had tenants leave recently.  I had new carpet installed in 5 bedrooms and a hallway before they moved in 3.5 years ago.  (This a larger single family home rental).  I know, I know...now, carpet not a good idea in these houses...

  But, the carpet never vacuumed, cared for in the least, ripped and stained in several places, left utterly useless, and I had to tear it all out.  I am going to replace with LVP now.  When deducting this cost from their deposit, is it the original cost of the carpet (with installation) to deduct, or the replacement cost of LVP, (which I will do the install part myself).  Either one will entirely eat up their deposit, I'm just curious what to use officially.  Sorry if it's obvious/stupid question and/or asked before, but thanks! 

Hello,   I have to 'scramble' a little bit in to find a RRP certification course to take soon, to take care of an issue in one of my properties, another story.  I can't get into a course through my own local real estate association until later July 2022, and that is a little later than I was hoping to, to get this taken care of.

  An organization, Zack Acadamy, offers one in my town, as soon as May 4.  Has anyone heard of them to know they are good, OK, on the up and up, etc.  This course is $250 for a one day 8 hour course.  If not them, does anyone else have experience with other online offerings for courses to get this certification?  Thanks! 

Thanks for that info Bruce, that's helpful.  I got started with them, paid for my appraisal, but it happened to come back lower than I thought reasonable and decided not to proceed with hassle for the relatively little bit of cash out I would be getting now.  During the process I tried to contact my L.O. a couple of times with additional questions and neevvver got a single attempt at a call back.  Granted, I know they may be very busy now, but it wasn't unreasonable questions and would only take a couple of minutes.  I didn't get too far and only ate the appraisal cost.  Maybe I'll try again with who you suggest.