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All Forum Posts by: Nathan Harden

Nathan Harden has started 20 posts and replied 540 times.

Post: Would I qualify as a first-time home buyer?

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

You can still utilize programs that will have a 5% or less downpayment program. You can utilize downpayment assistance programs (zero down but higher interest) and if you qualify, there is also a USDA program that offers zero down payment as well.

Post: First ever perpetually late paying tenant - help/ideas

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

As long as they're paying the late fees and you're still getting the actual rent, I wouldn't mind a little bit of extra money in my pocket just because they're late.

I hear you though, it's frustrating. The first of the month is like Payday for us landlords and when payday doesn't come or is short, it eats away at you. I get it. You're human. 

Post: Vetting an Agent for Flips/Value Add

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

My biggest question for anyone for any field that I am getting into, how much PERSONAL experience do you have?

I do not hire property managers that do not own rentals for example. I need to know that the person that I am hiring has been there and done that, PERSONALLY. 

It's like coaching. If I'm a Quarterback and the Defensive Line coach walks up to me and tells me my form is off, am I really going to value his opinion as I would of a Quarterback coach? I need someone who has been in my shoes.

All the best

Post: What amount of money do you need to begin?

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

I truly don't think you need all that much capital at all. Like you said, use your VA loan to get a live in flip. Just remember, you're going VA so the appraisal process is more strict so it's going to be hard to get something that needs real sweat equity. Think more of cosmetic fixers in your case.

I don't think owning rentals with little to no money is smart. You need to have "rainy day funds"

Post: Letter's to find Off Market Properties

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

The hardest part about direct mail is following up. It's hard to take money out of your pocket to send out mailers when the last 6 batches have only gotten you crickets. 

It's one of those things that you just have to keep on keepin on because at the end of the day, it only takes one seller to change your life.

Post: Concerned Lux Rental Listing is Attracting Scammers

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

Scams are not just in the luxury space unfortunately. They are everywhere and scammers will reach out to anyone anywhere. 

I've been getting scam texts/calls about 3 times a week for each one of my active listings. I heard that fraud is becoming more and more prevalent as AI continues to grow.

Post: Questions on mentors

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

Everyone is an expert, man. You have to be careful because there are so many "experts". Someone gets 10 deals under their belt and then they go out and try to sell courses. 

You don't need a mentor. There are so many things you can learn from on THE Youtube university. Podcasts and books will simply reiterate whatever a "guru" will tell you. You're going to make mistakes with or without a mentor. It's inevitable. 

The big question is, what is your goal? If you're just trying to do a traditional buy&hold or fix&flip, you absolutely do not need a mentor to do that. Everything you need is right here or easily accessible for free. Youtube literally holds your hand throughout the entire process. 

I know NOTHING about car motors. Just this weekend I hopped on Youtube for a half an hour, fixed everything on my own and now because of Youtube, I feel like a mechanic. Hahaha Not really but you get the point!

Post: Section 8 Rentals

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

Section 8 in the D?! 

It's already tough enough over there, then throw in section 8....

Sometimes the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

Post: Do I make an offer or pass?

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

As long as it fits your buy box.

But let me ask you this. What's the worst that's going to happen if you offer $30,000? He's going to say "No". 

Run your numbers where they work for you, offer it, then if the seller doesn't like it. Move on. Plenty more fish in the sea.

Post: Good tenant in underpriced unit

Nathan HardenPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Puyallup, WA
  • Posts 551
  • Votes 377

Just because a tenant is solid doesn't mean they shouldn't be closer to market value rent. Are you afraid that if you raise the rent, they will start to trash the place? You have to break down the numbers for them so they understand.

"Look, Steve the tenant. Over the past 7 years my insurance has increased 65% and property taxes another 20%. I need to raise your rent X amount in order for me to continue to be profitable. I hope you'll understand and if you can find a house of this caliber that is listed for less than what I am bumping you up to, then please bring it to me and I am willing to listen to what you find because you have been such a valued tenant to me over these past 7 years"