All Forum Posts by: Kelly Bellini

@Matthew Paul thanks for that perspective.  Aaaargh, why isn't that getting easier?  I'm so impatient; I think I need to step back and keep looking through applicants...

OK, so I got some new info.  On couple #1, after using "MySmartMove," it turns out that for the male, who is the breadwinner, there is inconclusive info, since he barely has a credit history.  Granted, this is because he never opened a credit card and always paid cash in life (I totally respect this, but it doesn't bode well in this situation).  But he also appears to have one item that went to collections (started at $1000, but he paid down and balance is now $100).  For the female, her stuff turned out ok, as far as showing 4 years of on-time payments on two credit items.  BUT, she has $5000 in medical bills that went to collections.  Should I just keep looking?...

@Billy Daniel I feel ya.  Those are good considerations--lots of changes for them...

@Stephen E. you make an incredibly good point.  It's been 1.5 days (I'm now making an embarrassed face.).  Honestly, we got so many responses (though we only showed to two couples), it felt like I had to hurry and act.  But, you are right.  I need to take my time.  Why didn't I think of this?!  I feel like you just talked me off a ledge :)

@Derrick E. thanks, Derek!  I had definitely thought about that, as well.  I guess I was thinking since the income was the same for both parties, it may not be a huge consideration.  But that definitely can change a lot when your housing payment jumps by so much.

@Mike Lauer, I'm so happy to hear you say that!!!  I like so much about both applicants; I just wasn't sure if I should try to be pickier (I'm so new to this).  The last thing I want is analysis paralysis, considering we want to do this long term.  Thank you so much!

@Russell Brazil thanks for the heads up.  I knew that, but I suppose I was just trying to paint the whole picture.  As much as we try to be completely objective when choosing, it's basically impossible, since we're human.  Once we meet the applicants, objectivity is really hard to hold on to.  I think what I'll do though is write out the comparison of the two, without those factors, and see how they line up.  Granted, it may not help me at all, since they are basically the same age, same sex and same familial status.  Oh man, this doesn't get easier.

@Jonathan Taylor Smith thank you so much for your insight.  That's a really good idea on the "sprint" to the security deposit.  I hadn't thought of that.  I agree with you on the collections thing.  I wanted to chalk it up to just being young, but then I suppose that impacts everything else they do...since they're still young.  Maybe I should ask what that was all about.  Couldn't hurt.  Aargh, I so wish there was an easy way to decide.  My gut instinct is not being helpful, as it has swung back and forth as far as who is the better choice!

@Julie N. that's a good call!  Do you think these seem pretty similar?  There's definitely pros and cons to each.

My husband and I just finished up the renovation of our first investment property, which we'll be using as a rental.  Our dilemma is choosing between two couples we met today.  Please help us!!!  Keep in mind, this house is located in a rural/suburban small town in Georgia.  It's a 3bd/2ba, 1500 sq. ft. house, built in 2005, 1.5 acres of flat land.  House is worth 135,000.  Rent will be $1200.

Applicant 1:  28 year old male, works as foreman at sandblasting company, earns $6000/mo, doesn't have much credit, credit score is 530-ish.  23 year old female, stay at home mom to their 2 year old daughter, female will start nursing school soon, she says, she has no credit history.  Together, they currently pay their landlord $500/mo.  They are engaged.  They were very nice people (part of why making the decision sucks!).

Applicant 2:  21 year old male, insurance salesman, college-educated, earns $4000/mo, 3-4 open credit cards/student loans, all paid on time for the last 2 years, 1 cell phone bill ($500) that went to collections.  21 year old female, works full time as a tech at hospital while attending nursing school, earns $1800/mo, 3-4 open credit items, all paid on time for the last 2 years, 1 medical bill ($160) that went to collections.  They currently pay landlord $1100/mo.  They have a dog, and agreed to pay the extra security deposit.  They are not married, and they were also really great people.

I'm going to verify employment and landlord info tomorrow.  What would you guys do???  I didn't realize how much I would hate making decisions about who to rent to.