All Forum Posts by: Patricia Taveras

Hey Bryan,

What kind of LVP were you using that was giving you trouble? Something I learned - I used to use less expensive LVP - but those are coated with laminate and still have cores made of different materials that are not waterproof and can get damaged, which of course, I learned the hard way. I started using SmartCore Pro from Lowes which is vinyl throughout, so the whole board is waterproof. I have used that in my last three houses. It is not cheap, but so far it has been worth it. Thanks for the other tips you gave above!

You can contact furnished finder and they will tell you how many people are searching for housing in your area.

@April C.

Hi April,

It sounds like you have enough knowledge to comfortably buy this off-market. Why not give it a try? I've bought 5 houses (and 2 mobile homes) now without real estate agents. For the houses I bought, I called a local real estate attorney and asked him to write me an offer to purchase. (NC is an attorney state.) I have recently gotten licensed myself and now work in a brokerage, so I definitely see the benefits of agents. But in your case, if you feel comfortable with this particular deal, why not just get it done? Feel free to use an agent next time you want to buy something from a seller listed on the MLS. Good luck whichever way you go. There's always more than one "right way" to do things!

@Alan Taylor

I just financed two that I'll use as STR for 15% down through Atlantic Bay Mortgage. Message me if you would like contact info.

@Gulliver R.

I do all the time. Many people are new to Airbnb. I have been hosting since 2019 and have had very few problems.

@Harish V.

They are Better Homes and Gardens brand. They have held up the same as any other faux wood blind. Yes, they can be cut. I haven't always been able to find them there, though. Not sure if they have them now.

@Jared Hottle

How do you link your calendars?

 Hi Wilson,

I usually send something pretty generic - I have experimented with several different messages based on ideas from the forums, but I don't send them with enough consistency for them to work for me. I had sent a more personalized letter to a batch of houses in this particular neighborhood. The letter that got me these 2 houses read:

Dear (owner name),

What are your plans for your property at (address)? I am also a local investor, and I would love to buy another house in the area. Also, I would actually like to move into the (local high school) School district. If you ever wish to sell this house, please give me a call. If you do not wish to sell at this time, feel free to store my number in case you should ever change your mind, or you can call me if I could be of help to you in any way.

Sincerely,

Patricia Taveras

It is true that I would have liked to move into the school district. Once I viewed the 2 houses this gentleman was selling, I knew they would be a little too small for the needs of my family. But I told him I wanted to buy both of them anyway and use them for rentals. 

I have had he opportunity to send a small handful of personalized letters, and they have gotten a better response percentage-wise than the more generic ones. The only other house I bought from direct mail was also from a personalized letter. That house was a vacant house in my neighborhood, so I opened that letter with "I am your neighbor on (street name), and I noticed your home at (address) looks vacant. I would love to buy another house in that neighborhood..." 

Not sure if that will help you. Good luck!

@Bailey Kramer

Hi Bailey. I agree. I've been using instant book since I started in 2019. I love it. It's simple. Occupancy stays high. Most of my guests have been great.