All Forum Posts by: Pam R.

I'm not one for "lavish" items, but I try to buy things that will make me happy long-term. Of course if I buy something I need to afford it. If I have to ask if I can afford it, then it needs to go on the "wait" list. My idea of being able to "afford" it generally means that I'm not going to notice that money being gone, and that I'm not going to change my day-to-day lifestyle to accommodate it.

I believe people should spend their money on those things that will make them happy long-term. So the right time to reward yourself is when you know what you want isn't a fleeting wish, isn't done to impress anyone, and adds value to YOUR life. And you can afford it.

Hi Josh.

Do you have a written set of criteria that a potential tenant must meet to be considered? Income level, credit score, bankruptcy/foreclosure history, rental history, term in their job?

I agree with @Account Closed - just keep track of it and pay them at the end of the lease. I also agree with @Bill Gulley that a phone call might solve the problem.

@Darren Sager - I don't agree with you. Charging a tenant to send a letter? I'm curious - when you've gone to court against tenants (assuming you have) - has that clause held up? Have you sued for fees related to the costs associated with the terms of meeting their lease, like letters and stamps?

Hi Yavor. Call them and setup a time to meet them to review everything.

Wow. Just wow. Some people have no limits. I wonder if you'll get any more calls. Good for you helping her out - and posting the message on your Web site.

I think @Ryan R. hit the nail on the head.

Question about tenants #2 - Is this the first apartment for both?

Tenant #1 has drama written all over it.

I had a seller refuse to turn over the tenants' security deposit, even though it was in the purchase agreement. I heard the news from the realtor - who had already worked out a deal for the two agents to split the security deposit and pay me. I don't think this was an attempt at a renegotiation as it was ignorance and stubbornness.

We've shown units while they were occupied - we haven't run into issues yet. Usually the place has been half-packed, so there is a little disarray. No half-naked homeless people :)

@Gerald K. - can you provide a little more detail on your inspections, and what you require as far as being "neat, clean, and sanitary"? Certainly I don't allow hoarders (or would nip it in the bud), but your post suggests your standards for tenant cleanliness are fairly high.

Question: have you actually talked to a broker about obtaining a mortgage?

If you really can't get a mortgage, there's nothing wrong with paying cash - you just can't empty your bank account on the purchase. You need reserve funds.

Good luck!