All Forum Posts by: Kathleen Leary

Legally (in this state), they're yours. Period. But if she's been a decent tenant, I'd let her have them back & only charge her a minimum amount to either replace the original fixtures or put in new inexpensive ones. There's nothing to be gained by pissing people off if you can avoid it.

I've heard (often) that if you're not embarrassed by your offer, it's too high. That was certainly the case when I bought the place I'm currently working on - but they took it!

Can't say much about the actual numbers, but since I have daily dealings with those on the lower end of the economic scale (how's that for PC?), I'd say a lot of "poor" people fit those statistical habits. I don't know any "rich" people, so I have no idea what they do. Can't exactly quote Kiyosaki, but I truly believe "Broke is a temporary setback. Poor is a lifestyle." I see it every day. Where's my to-do list?!?

I have purchased several used & reconditioned appliances from a local guy for my own home. No problem with any of them. If I'm looking for a specific item (say, a stainless gas range), he'll call me when one comes in & he's usually amenable to playing "let's make a deal." One example: a Maytag Neptune front-loader - $125 - works great. If you don't have to have everything right this minute, this could be an avenue to explore & save some cash.

One of the smartest things I did in my C+ property was leave the electric stove receptacle in place & have the HVAC guys run a gas supply to the stove. I do provide the stove, but I can use whatever unit I find at a good price. Around here, gas is as popular as electric - either/or. I'm putting in a stainless gas unit for a little extra "kitchen bling" - believe me, it could use it!

Even if you had the exact color, it probably wouldn't match - paint fades, etc. Try to get a sample & have it computer-matched - & don't be too picky!

In my town there's a vacant lot that the local auctioneer leases. He parks his office trailer there & holds consignment auctions there every couple of weeks. It's just a dirt/grass lot - he keeps it mowed, as well. Just another idea - plus, folks attending auctions get hungry & thirsty!

It seems like you work & work & nothing ever gets done - keep at it! One day, everything will start to come together & you realize you're finished. Take pictures - sometimes it's the only way you can have any reassurance you've done ANYTHING. Good luck!

This state (and I'm sure many others) have a "party house" law which enables you to take action against tenants who routinely party-hearty (lots of people, loud noise, trash, liquor, drugs, etc.). It doesn't have to involve drugs. I know you want to stay out of it, but you may have to step in - you may be held liable for knowing what's going on & taking no action. Good luck!

All things being equal (which they never are!), I would go with the tenant whom you believe will be quieter. I think it's very important to keep not just tenants in the same building happy, but also neighbors. Kids, dogs, cars, motorcycles, parties, etc. all generate noise. I like to keep on the good side of the neighbors - why make life difficult?