All Forum Posts by: Michelle S.

Thank you Jason! 

Houston TX- I obtained all my landlord insurance through Matic, with their partner being State Auto. Last year, after a storm, my tenant reported a crack in the wall and floor. I contacted State Auto, and they initially said that foundation issues were covered and provided terms and conditions for that. However, after the assessor's visit, they concluded it wasn't covered, interpreted the terms and conditions differently, and I received no payout. State Auto assured me that my insurance premium wouldn't be affected because there was a zero-dollar claim.

At the end of last year, State Auto was acquired by Safeco, and my insurance premium increased by around 190%. According to my Matic agent, this hike was due to the change in insurance companies and a reduction in insurers willing to cover the Houston, TX area last year. However, when I asked about this again today, they mentioned it might be due to the change in the company and also might be related to my zero-dollar claim from last year. Throughout this process, I received inconsistent information from different representatives at State Auto, and my Matic agent's responses were often vague and noncommittal.

Recently, another storm hit Houston, and a tree fell on my roof. I spent a lot of time finding reasonable quotes, and it took a lot of effort. The tree removal quotes were extremely high, with one company quoting $19,000, citing that I would go through the insurance company. Most roofers wouldn't provide a quote until the tree was removed. My deductible is high, around $4,200.

I'm confused about whether I should try to keep the costs under budget and avoid using my insurance. My concern is that even if I don't file a claim, my insurance premium will still increase dramatically next year because of my neighborhood's claims. On the other hand, if I do go through insurance, they might find reasons not to pay out, resulting in another zero-dollar claim.

Do you have any recommendations for where to find a reliable, trustworthy, transparent, and accurate insurance company or agent? Also, how would you handle a similar situation? Any recommendation will be appreciate!!! Thank you.

The limit of one bank is $250k. Correct? 

@Ali any good PM to recommend? 

@Nick Brubaker Did you find any good ones? I am also looking for PM now. 

Does anyone have recommended property management companies in Houston TX/ Spring TX area? 

I have been using Mynd but the experience was not good (hard to get into the property manager and she was not delivering anything as she promised). I talked with First Class Realty, since they charge a flat fee monthly no matter if they get the tenants. I tried to negotiate it to the fee charged based on the collected rent and then the owner hung up on me and said we are not good fit (Looks like you can not negotiate at all). I tried to call her back but no response. Marketplace Homes has been recommended to me. Does anyone recommend this company in Houston TX area?  Also, do you recommend any other property managers? How is your experience? 

I would not recommend them, especially the one in Houston TX (I heard the one in Dallas is ok, at least the manager will return your call). The sales and onboarding team (the team who collects your documents) are good, however, after they pass you to the actual property manager, it was very bad experience for me. My house was closed on 11/30 and since then I asked the property manager to pick up the house key from my local realtor, and do an inspection on the house to make the house rent ready. I emailed her, scheduled calls in her calendar, no response and no callback. I had to escalate the case over and over again. She called me back eventually and promised me to pick up the key but until 12/15, the key is still with my local realtor. Nothing happened. In summary, I think no matter how good sales is, in the end you have to work with the the property manager. The person needs to be responsive and get things moving. If she promised you to do certain things, she needs to deliver it. If you schedule a call with her in her calendar, she needs to call you instead of ignoring them. Best luck!  

Any lender recommendation with low closing costs and good rates? I feel my closing cost is always quite high and wondering which lender you are using. 

I use excaliburhomes. I am happy with their service so far. 

Has anyone ever worked with Southern Title LLC in the Woodlands TX? How is it? Can you please share some feedback? I cannot find much information on line. Need your help. Thank you!