All Forum Posts by: Paul Zofsak

I currently use InsureUs.  They are a broker and beat out all the others when it came to pricing.  Customer service is ok, would expect better.  I will say that I am currently looking for new carriers as well as insurance rates here have gotten insane and most major carriers aren't writing many new policies; especially builders risk etc.

I am getting ready to start flipping and doing rehabs after taking a few years off.  Still finalizing putting together teams and I am having trouble finding an insurance carrier that will offer builders risk or other policies to cover vacant properties during rehab.  My current agent doesn't offer this, Steadily had so many bad reviews I wouldnt consider them, and NREIG doesn't cover named storms (it being hurricane season in Houston that's not an option).  

I'm hoping the BP community can make some solid suggestions. 

Photos of the tree show it has been dead for some time, not hard to tell.

the tree fell from the neighbors yard through the fence.

I may need to check on this, but my insurance company told me years ago that a tree in good health falling is an act of nature and the responsibility of whomever yard it falls into.  A tree that has died is now the responsibility of the property owner as it can be considered neglect.  Maybe someone can clarify.

I recently had a neighbor's rotten tree fall through the fence and into the yard of one of my rentals.  I have asked the property management company to coordinate with the neighbor since the tree was neglected and he is liable.  The management company has replied that they don't coordinate with neighbors and just want me to cover the cost of all the repairs.  Is this an unreasonable request of my property management company, or should I expect them to be able to handle this with my rental's neighbor?

Russell, what's the advantage of filing on my insurance if the HOA is liable?

Not sure where this should go so I'm putting it here. I own a unit at a local condominium complex and am having issues with timely response from the HOA. In July of last year a roof leak developed and caused damage to the ceiling in my unit, to the point there was partial ceiling collapse. In December the roof was finally repaired, however the damage to the ceiling has not. Currently there is plastic sheeting covering the hole in the ceiling, about 4'x4'. My managment company has made more than a reasonable amount of attempts to get the HOA to have this repaired. I have reached out and spoken with the HOA management property manager myself, and just keep getting BS excuses and no sense of urgency on this matter. My management company has recommended sending in their own contractor to make repairs as the tenant has concerns about mold growth. I of course will need to be reimbursed by the HOA for these repairs. If they don't pay willingly, what are my options? If an attorney needs to get involved i currently don't have one, can anyone recommend one in the Houston area if need be?

Hello all, I am getting ready to rehab a condo unit and have been on a 5 year hiatus since my last BRRR venture. I used to use a Sears outlet locally that offered a discount to the investment group I belonged to; Sears is no more and I am no longer part of the group I was before. Other than the big box stores can anyone recommend a good place to buy appliances?

To clarify, the appliances would be for a rental unit, I don't want to rent appliances.

I ran into the same issue when I applied for a HELOC. I had to explain to the underwriter that they couldn't take into consideration my total debt from my investments as they did have positive cash flow; even at 75% of rents. Once the looked at my investment debt service on a monthly basis, offset by rental income, instead of as a whole, like my primary residence, I had a greatly reduced DTIR. I was also then approved for much more than I was originally seeking. I don't think I should have had to explain to the underwriter how to calculate this properly, but I guess not everyone has come across such scenarios. Give it a shot, never hurts to ask.

Finally getting back into real estate after taking a few years off. I've lost contact with all my previous contractors and need to find investor friendly contractors to work with on rental rehabs. If things continue to plan I should be ready to start work sometime in the first quarter of next year; maybe sooner. Please reach out with contact information and any questions you might have for me so we can get the ball rolling. I plan on working in the Southwest to North side of Houston as far out as hwy 99. Homes will likely have an ARV of less than $250K; and may do condos or duplex, triplexes if the deal is right.