All Forum Posts by: Maria McCreless

@David Shapiro

I would strongly recommend going to the new system.  The price for R22 is so high because they are phasing it out so eventually all systems will have to be switched to the new 410a.  I wouldn't spend half the cost of a new system for a system that you're going to have to replace probably within the next few years anyway.  

I am sure your ac person already told you this but this is a huge amount of freon so you have a major leak or a leak that has been going on for quite a while.  I would guess with losing that much freon that the system had to freeze up which could have caused more problems that aren't evident yet.  

The warranty for the leak is only going to cover the certain spot they find and more than likely if another leak appears it will be in a different spot.  If you're trying to buy some time prior to replacing, you might want to see if they can put stop leak in and just add the R22.  If the leak isnt too big it would buy you some time. 

@Austin Carr

Yes.  As soon as application is approved, they pay security deposit to hold the unit or property. 

After move in, tenant does a move in checklist.  I explain to them that they are to note any problems they find - if anything is over looked then we fix and its also used to ensure that they agree there is no damages when they move in.  It helps when it comes to security deposits return.  

@Account Closed

We have used them for a little over three years and never had an issue.  I dont have their information at home, but will post tomorrow when I get into the office. 

@Austin Carr

Wow...I had not found that.  Thank you for letting me know.  I really like Straight Arrow.  The applicant fills out an application with all of the personal information and I input into the system. The straight arrow system returns the results.  It breaks out to be about $20 an applicant for criminal and credit reports.  I use drivers license to confirm identity and background company confirms identify by cross referencing dob, drivers license number, social security number, and address.   

@Austin Carr

Security deposit amount is completely up to you.  I do not charge a full months rent because of the screening I have in place, which will help eliminate issues.  

I would recommend looking for a real estate attorney. 

I am not familiar with Smart Move.  I use straight arrow to run background/credit checks.  

I would recommend at least a 12 month lease.  Over 12 months require an attorney to prepare the contract (at least in Florida).  The longer your lease the more your turn over expenses will be reduced.  Turn overs really reduce your profit so try to avoid as much as possible. I would also recommend your attorney at least looking over your lease to ensure that you are covered.  

Most important is screening tenants and sticking with your policies.  It's great to help people and be nice, but people take advantage of it, so sticking with your policies is hard but helpful.  Congratulations on your first property and good luck with management.

@Joe Conklin  Each state is different but here in Florida we are required to submit to the tenant a letter within thirty days (by certified mail) of move out explain why money was taken out of the deposit and how much. If is not sent within 30 days we are required to return the entire deposit.  How long was the tenant in the property?  You can charge for all of the items you outlined and if they arent normal wear and tear I would.  A ceiling needing touch up is not normal.   Did you try cleaning the carpets? 

I bought one to flip off of Auction.com in 2015.  By luck I won it at my max bid.  I have bid on several since then and have not won any.   I have noticed that since then, the ones that I have bid on have all been placed on the site by a realtor.  I have also noticed that the ones that keep popping up on it in my area, come back with a reserve.

Congratulations on your first Multifamily!! I am a Realtor, Flipper, and Property Manager in Tallahassee.  It's a great market.  

Whats your overall theme of the house? And more pics of the hallway and further down.

I would be happy to try to help. If you find something your interested in feel free to send me an area or street name and I can help give you my thoughts.   I would suggest most properties in the ne area of Tallahassee. This area has great schools  and will yield higher rent. Properties off of north Monroe and old st Augustine road good price points and solid rental area for families and young professionals.  It's hard to suggest certain areas by speaking generally but here are my first thoughts.