All Forum Posts by: Mathew Wray

Welcome to BP! I love Oregon and have thought about buying outside the Portland area so I'd have an excuse to cover more of the state. There's something intensely satisfying about discovering new places and roads you didn't know exist.

Keep us updated on flipping in Salem. I'd love to hear more about how it goes.

Mathew

Adam,

I'm really sorry you're having such a rough time with your property manager! Regarding your specific questions, it will depend on what your state laws are and what your contract says. You may have some recourse depending on what those specifics are.

If I were in your shoes I'd two things: first, I'd call your property management company and ask to talk to the managing partner, owner, supervisor, etc. I'd let them know in no uncertain terms that you are incredibly concerned with how they're managing your property, are disappointed in their results, and feel that your manager has been negligent. If they're not willing to deal with you then maybe you'll have to drive to them.

I'd document all conversations and attempted communications with them and call the real estate board. I'm positive that there will be some sort of complaint system in place to handle just this type of thing. I know that our real estate agency is very helpful.

It might also be worth shelling a few dollars and talking to a local lawyer familiar with contract law in your area.

Best of luck and keep us updated!

Mathew

Also,

I'll get my linked in connection fixed (thanks for pointing out that "minor" flaw!). As for the blog, I agree that it'll do me well. I'm planning on starting one once I get a handle on keeping my facebook and website updated. I don't want to take on too much too soon. I think I'll link to a separate website for a blog. There seems to be a lot of back and forth about if that helps with SEO or not but the general consensus at least seems to be..."it doesn't hurt" to keep the two at arms length.

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it...

I'll definitely add a contact page on the for rent page to help build a renters list.

I'll also get more pictures of Portland properties up. It's funny that my girlfriend and I had a discussion as I was publishing the site about testimonials. In my eyes they aren't worth a damn and unless I'm on Yelp skimming through tons of reviews I don't even bother. But she said she is really drawn to them and so perhaps I should reconsider given that and the advice given here.

If your meeting with the tenant was a sci-fi/military thriller movie then giant air-raid sirens would be going off like crazy right now!!! Definitely pass on him and then check your lease to make sure it has the fraudulent claim equals automatic disqualification.

Best of luck,

Mathew

Hello BP!

I just wrapped up and went live with my first website. I know that down the line there will be multiple changes but I wanted to get a basic platform out there instead of spending all my time trying to get "the perfect" website finished but having lost all that time.

I went with a basic, simple layout and tried to not overload it with information while still getting my message across.

I'd love feedback on what is working, what isn't working, what could be done better, and what I forgot to include!

Check it out at,

www.wraypropertymanagement.com

Thanks,

Mathew

Welcome to BP and Oregon Linda! Sounds like you've got a good handle on what's going on in Bend. I think it's been a pretty big roller coaster ride out there for the last few years. I'm not sure if diversifying across the board up front is the way I would go. Better, in my eyes, to focus in on one area and get as much market penetration that way. Knowing that you've got a limited time-frame I'd think you'd be better off focusing on whatever strategy will make you the most money in the next 3-5 years to take back to Spain with you. But that's my .02 cents.

On the other hand, if money isn't a big issue then there is something to be said for diversifying and not getting caught by a market change. Have you considered out of area investing?

Also, be sure to check out the Portland Meet-Up Forum...A number of Oregon and Washington investors will be meeting up in Portland on Friday the 26th. It might be a good opportunity for you to meet some fellow investors.

Welcome!

Mathew

Thanks for the tip Raymond B.! I'm sure that'll come in handy!

Bill Gulley, Yep! Those are the style and type I was talking about, but still a beast! Raymond showed me how to do links but I don't want to stray into an area where it looks like I'm trying to peddle a property so if you're interested google "Portland houseboats for sale" and you'll get a whole spectrum of properties. Thanks for your insights! I'm new to the site and have been amazed by the creativity and desire of our members to figure out ways to make a buck towards our futures as well as the patience and helpfulness of all the experts that are on the site helping out with their time and experience!

Ann Bellamy Thanks for the tips...I really like the sleep afloat company model. Seems great, like a combination of vacation rentals and marinas although I'm coming more and more to have a healthy respect/caution for losing your hat by not being the owner.

Bill Gulley You definitely bring up great points about the cost of boat ownership...it's actually what dissuaded me from getting a live aboard when I first moved down to Portland. Although there is a big difference in the quality of houseboats here in Portland they are far more house than boat. They're not like a covered party boat so haul outs and motor repair aren't concern. And if it is, Portland has a large port and all the surrounding facilities catering to moorages and marine services. Although you're totally right, here are certainly concerns about floats and other maintenance issues. I used to run a dive shop in Seattle and we catered to a number of professional divers who specialized in just that kind of maintenance.

Here are some sweet examples of floating homes in Portland...these don't pencil out:

http://www.jbsfloatinghomes.idxco.com/idx/14818/details.php?idxID=037&listingID=13171805

http://www.jbsfloatinghomes.idxco.com/idx/14818/details.php?idxID=037&listingID=12006300

http://www.oregon-floating-homes.idxco.com/idx/13783/photoGallery.php?idxID=037&listingID=13615232

Hadn't thought of the critter factor! I'm still on the fence, seems like even if you own the slip you end up getting hosed on HOA fees. I really kinda am enamored with the idea of owning the whole marina. That's a project and a dream for the future though. Alas.