All Forum Posts by: Jenni Utz

If you have hired a reputable company, especially one that has extensive training and understanding of how to run a profitable company, these fees are very standard. In order to run a property management company and hire the staff to handle the many day to day activities needed, adding ancillary fees such as this one, is a necessity to stay in business. If one employee is spending their entire day working on maintenance issues for several properties, they have accomplished nothing else. Some owners want multiple bids, higher oversight, etc. Following up with vendors, making sure the work is done properly, coordinating with the tenants....all of these things take time. (Especially if there are any hiccups on maintenance repairs.)

I do know Pennsylvania has done some interesting things when it comes to Real Estate during this time. Do you know if this is a new eviction, or one that was on the books prior to Covid that just wasn't completed yet?

When we create a lease for a tenant with a pet, we add an extra "pet addendum" to the lease. In this addendum it clearly states what will happen in regards to pet damage, pet rules, and what happens if they no longer have the pet OR if they bring in a non-permitted pet. With this, we also charge a pet rent. This is in addition to the regular rent, so there is no confusion what the funds are for. In this situation, I would not reduce the fee, but possibly not increase her rent to the full amount allowable at lease renewal.

I would speak to an attorney, but at this point, I feel as long as the Realtor showing the property is using the proper precautions while showing the property, it is safe to show. If the tenant wants to make it difficult, give her notice to vacate, and wait for her to leave.

I understand the motivation for low-balling, but if you are using a reputable Realtor, they will eventually stop working with you, as low ball offers are a waste of time. If the property is overpriced, by all means, offer a fair price. 

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Westminster.

Purchase price: $170,000
Cash invested: $60,000

This was a foreclosure. Needed to put $40,000 down and $20,000 in rehab.

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Westminster.

Purchase price: $170,000
Cash invested: $60,000

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Westminster.

Purchase price: $290,000
Cash invested: $3,000

4 Bedroom Cape Cod on 1 Acre

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $280,000
Cash invested: $6,000

6 Bedroom Single Family Home