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All Forum Posts by: Petra M.

Petra M. has started 25 posts and replied 73 times.

Post: Gap in utilities

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

Closed on a property and got it rented out 45 days afterwards.

I didn't get utilities on the property during those 45 days so the gas company said I needed to pressure test the system before they'd activate new service since it was off for a month.  Are my tenants going to see a larger than normal bill to cover the minimal utilities that were used during the 45 days of vacancy?

How do you handle the "gap" between tenants?  Do you transfer the utilities (electricity, water, gas, garbage) to your name after the current tenant leaves?  What if you're using a property management company?  Does it go to the property management company's name?

Post: Claim energy rebate for replacing HVAC unit?

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

Makes sense.  Thanks!  I'll call the utility company!

Post: Claim energy rebate for replacing HVAC unit?

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

I'm replacing an HVAC unit in one of my rentals and want to get the energy rebate.  My local utility requires the following:

  • Active Energy Customer Account Number
  • Tax Assessor Property ID

Any ideas how a landlord can file when the utilities aren't under their name?

Post: 1st deal in San Antonio, TX

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

This is a smashing success!  San Antonio is HOT!

Post: A prop owners: Why do your tenants rent instead of buy?

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

Those with A properties, why do your tenants rent rather than buy? 

I'm relatively new to the game and have a couple of A properties that rent for $2000+/month.  My tenants all make a gross income of 3x rent and have great jobs.  I can't figure out why they'd rather rent than buy.  One tenant had a recent bankruptcy due to medical expenses, but aside from that, why do you're A prop tenants rent instead of buying?  Also, how long have they been renting for?  

I imagine the minute 7-years passes, they'll end up looking for a home...

Why not finance and leverage your money?

Post: benefits of home inspection

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

I see you're from Sunnyvale.  If you're buying in the NorCal market, the seller did a home inspection for you so that your offer wouldn't be "Contingent on inspection."   We're still in the "No contingency" seller's market here.

Post: Are contractors to be trusted?

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

Is that property in Sunnyside?  That's murder capital. Girl, I would steer clear especially as an out-of-state investor!

"Sunnyside, Houston, TX is the sixth most dangerous neighborhood in the United States and the most dangerous neighborhood in Texas."

Post: Replacing kitchen appliances - easy?

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

Thanks everyone. Dishwasher is forming rust in it so I was going to replace that.  While thinking of replacing the dishwasher I figured I should just replace it all. But, I may try to rent it out as is... Comps in the area have similar or nicer kitchens but I doubt I'll get a bump in rent that would make up the cost. Granite tops may be overkill and I may just leave the counters as is. Thanks!!! Love bp. 

Post: Replacing kitchen appliances - easy?

Petra M.Posted
  • Investor
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 73
  • Votes 49

Oh, and does anyone know what a ballpark price I should be expecting to pay?