All Forum Posts by: Mak K.

I am in Katy TX (Houston City). Tenant sent me photos and it looks like a clogged sewer backup issue. The Homewarrnty Landmark says they cannot get to it till Thursday end of the day?  

Also, kicking her out and finding another gambling on another one is going to cost me more.

Tenant was not at home and came at night. They told me that two toilet downstairs overflowed and sewer water is in the rooms. I am still waiting on photos and details.

I have Insurance at $3.5k deductible. Tenant also has renters insurance. I stay away from the property so do not have access physically.

1> How do I investigate and find out if it was tenant fault they clogged the toilet or a natural cause.

2> What is approx. cost to clean the lines and clean the carpets? Is it more than my deductible?

3> I have a home warranty ($70 Service fee) which covers clogged toilet. Should I open Home warranty first or open the insurance claim with mine or renters? Will insurance send the person to investigate the issue?

Newbie here so need guidance as I am running out of time.

@Canesha Edwards yes decided to pass it. It was high risk. To me it seemed like city was just waiting to take over the lots as people default on taxes.

@Mak K. I am sorry for grammatical errors on my post. Hate the spellchecks and auto correct on the phones.

I have a consistent situation and would like I some best advices. My tenant pays late (7 days -10 days late) but also pays the late fees. The issue is in few instances, the tenant rent plus late fees but keeps a small amount of $100-150 pending every time and pays off in next month cycle.

My late fee clause in lease states

- first day $75

- every other day $25/day

So if the tenant has $100-150, pending, do I still keep charging $25/day late fees as technically it’s still late as full payment is not received? If I go this route, tenant will have late fees way over the actual amount owned. So for tenants pending amount. If $150, the person may end up with $300-400 in late charge?

How to deal with this? I want to trend carefully as not to loose the tenant as except this, so far the person has been good tenant. I have a renewal in few months so do not want to anger the tenant.

Any suggestions on how to best deal with partial payments?

Bump

I am planning to take re exam. Goal is to use it for self & investment purpose. Any suggestions on online training. I want a site which is easy to navigate and does not force you on topics by time limit etc. any recommendations on 180 hr exam prep websites?

So this is what I learnt today. The lot was in flood zone waterways. Got in touch with City planner. Few points as below. I am sharing so that others can get a gist of things to consider when a lot is in flood zone. I hope this helps others too.  As many have said, just because a lot is cheaper, it can run into unknown issues. Rather pay premium and get a good property....

""This is the most restrictive floodzone in the community. Prior to accepting a permit application, a “No rise certification” derived from a hydrological and hydraulic analysis (H&H study) would have to be provided from a civil engineer. The H&H would have to be based on the proposed development plan for the lot. This study can be expensive based on the engineer and scope of work.

""There is a requirement to provide mitigation for any fill brought into the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). In essence, if a load of dirt is brought onto the parcel, a load of dirt must be removed somewhere on the same parcel. Given this requirement it is nearly impossible to do a slab on grade home. The space under the finished floor can be used for parking and storage only according to NFIP and City guidelines.""

** Google the terms to learn more...

Planning to buy a lot in Houston Area. Its the first time so I do not know what I do not know :). Here are few things and see what you guys think. Would love some brainstorming

1> Plan: Buy and develop something in next 2 years. May be a duplex and rent it out or Multi 4 unit to rent if permitted. It is residential zoned

2> No HOA

3> There is a creek behind. The area flooded and it is in flood zone. Neighbor has house on stills. Other houses are either on still or higher elevation (New homes). Last time it flooded 8' during hurricane.

4> Based on survey if I understand it correct is 79' front facing and depth 250ft. Total of 32k SF. Is front facing 79' good opening or narrow?

5> The cons are its in flood zone. Current elev is 15ft. Maybe I will have to raise approx 8-10' ft I do not know how easy is it to fill the soil and its impact on new construction layout etc.

I would like to get some insights from members based on their experience.

Is this just a NO NO. Please help me with the thinking process