All Forum Posts by: Kate Jones

 I do not have my first property yet but I plan on self managing my first few properties because I am moving states and getting finances in order.

What happens when your tenants does not report a leak and your pipes break. It creates a lot of damages to the yard and the house. Then, you need to find plumbers and whoever you need to call asap to fix the damages but cannot afford to pay the hundreds or thousands in repairs?

Hi BP.

So my husband and I are working on buying our first property. We are planning to house-hack our first few properties. As we continue to grow, how have you and/or your significant other deal with tenants? For example, when a tenant wants to contact you about a minor leak, do you have them call you or your partner? How do you keep yourself organized and easy to reach? I was looking into getting Google Voice and have office hours but in case of an emergency, what is the best way to reach you?

 I am sorry! I meant to mention I am looking to house-hack my first property. In that case, what would the solutions be?

How often do you guys check on each of your properties? Do you give notice to the tenant once a month or every other month to make sure there are no unreported leaks or damages?

Hey BP.

I am currently looking to move from NY to Louisville. I read on the landlord-tenant laws that the landlord is in charge of paying the utilities. That is around 350 a month. From my understanding, some tenants know that they are not the ones paying for those bills. Therefore, they take advantage by not turning off the lights or the water and turn up the heat whenever they want. That increases my bill and creates an issue. There are no incentives from a tenant point of view regarding utilities. Has this happened to you? If so, what was your solution?

Thanks so much this helped a ton! I will definitely look into it.

Hey BP!

Right now, I am a full-time server in a seasonal/high-end restaurant. I am trying to make as much money as I can this summer to move out of state, make a downpayment on my first home/investment (planning to house-hack) , as well as getting approved for loans such as an FHA and conventional loans. However, restaurant work is my only experience. When the restaurant job gets slow this fall, I plan to get a job that is real estate related so I can gain experience and it can create more cushion for a steady income (for loan purposes).

-Do you have any suggestions/advise for me regarding what job I should consider? For example, should I look into applying for brokerage companies, management companies, or just focus on being an assistant to real estate agent companies?

Side note- I am not handy but I am very organized and like schedules. Management is an interest. I am a newbie. I am looking to be a strict investor not an agent. 

*I would consider getting my license if that job was looking to train me but I would be moving out of NY shortly after. I am not sure if I would be affected by moving out of NY and/or not using my license if I ended up getting my license through this job. 

Hi everyone.

Side note- I am working towards getting my first property and I plan to house-hack. 

Personally, I do not know how to repair anything. I can paint but I don't have skills to even change a door handle. My boyfriend is very handy but I cannot rely on him all the time.

What do you suggest I learn to fix/deal with before buying my first property? Do you suggest learning the tiny things such as changing a door lock/handle and then have plumbers+contractors names on the side? When is it more efficient to call someone? I know you can write off these things but I am on a tight budget so I need to save all I can!

Any tips and pointers are useful!