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All Forum Posts by: Melanie Thomas

Melanie Thomas has started 3 posts and replied 950 times.

Post: Started Section 8 in Joliet, IL but others are interested?

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

Yes. This is a common issue when dealing with these programs. Unfortunately, there is a lot of red tape involved. The extensive process required to place a tenant often leads many landlords to avoid working with subsidized housing. Good luck & happy investing!

Post: Help with figuring out commercial leases

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426
Hi Sam! Curious if you ended up going the attorney route or the broker route to help with the leases. Hope it all worked out. Good luck & happy investing!

Post: Renew lease or not

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

Hi Amanda, just seeing this post and wondering how it all worked out?

Post: Maximize Your Real Estate Returns with Professional Property Management

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

These are all great points on how professional property management can be beneficial. For me, the biggest advantage is legal compliance and risk mitigation. The best property managers know the laws inside and out and can help keep you out of hot water. From ensuring compliance with fair housing laws to navigating rent control ordinances, they make sure you're protected from costly legal issues down the road. Good luck & happy investing!

Post: Getting Tenant Out

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

I strongly recommend that you start the eviction process immediately. You’ve already given ample time for him to leave, and not receiving rent for three months is a serious concern.

It’s essential to follow the lease terms to the letter. The moment a tenant deviates from the agreed-upon terms—whether it’s non-payment or failure to vacate—you must take immediate action. Giving an inch often leads to them taking a mile. By starting the eviction process now, you'll be in a better position to protect your investment and avoid further delays or complications. Good luck & happy investing!

Post: Help! Looking for most effective platform(s)for starting new property mgmt company?

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

APM (All Property Management) has been a strong lead source over the years. For me, the best methods have been agent referrals and Google. Good luck & happy investing!

Post: Tenants lease expires in 2 days, Now She asks if she can stay

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

It sounds like you've been more than understanding and accommodating with your current tenant, but it seems that her financial struggles and consistent late payments are creating ongoing issues. Even though she has kept the property in good condition, the core issue remains: a tenant who consistently pays late is not ideal for your long-term goals as an investor.

In this situation, I would recommend sticking to your original plan and sending a formal notice of non-renewal. It’s important to prioritize your business and financial stability. While she has been respectful and kept the home well-maintained, the late payments are a significant red flag, especially since it’s become a pattern over the course of the lease.

You’ve found a potential new tenant with the financial stability to meet your needs, and I suggest you proceed with the screening process and hope the timelines work out for their desired move-in date. This will help ensure you're moving forward with someone who is more reliable, and it could be a smoother transition for both parties.

Good luck & happy investing!

Post: dealing with property management

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426
Quote from @Brie Schmidt:

What is your criteria that you are denying them on?

I have had professional PM for 10+ years and I have never seen a tenant application from them.  That's not my job as the owner.  If I trust the PM with my properties then I have to trust them with the placement of tenants.  Never once have I been asked to approve a tenant

Spot on, ma'am! As a professional property manager and investor, I couldn't have said it better myself. Trust the pros!

Post: Tenant Asking to Keep Rent the Same ,How Should I Respond?

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

Hi Tina, IMO never keep the rent the same. As investors, our taxes, HOA fees, and expenses never go down. I recommend increasing the rent every year, even if it's just a small amount, to set the expectation for tenants. As long as you're not pricing too far above the market rate, they're likely to stay. Good luck & happy investing!

Post: Non-Paying Tenant has cancer

Melanie Thomas
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • San Antonio
  • Posts 977
  • Votes 426

I might be a little jaded after years of hearing unbelievable excuses for why tenants can't pay rent. He's in default of the lease agreement, and the mortgage company still expects their money, no matter what’s going on. It's been 3 months now—how long is too long? Where do you draw the line? He's definitely tugging on your heartstrings, but I recommend you start the eviction process yesterday. Good luck & happy investing!