All Forum Posts by: Robert Curls

@Natalie Davidson I agree whole heartedly with @Scott Seaman While south Florida (Sarasota to Naples) population changes dramatically with the snow birds, as evident when you try and drive down the Tamiami Trail in January. While Tampa / St Pete does get snowbirds, it isn't nearly as drastic as your area. Because of the beautiful weather here you don't see the same seasonality as you would in a geography that receives snow fall, however I would still say that people don't like to move around the holidays so Spring and summer would be the hottest times to sell, but you'd probably get the best by around thanksgiving. That being said I've found it difficult to find a deal on the MLS in this area and believe that off market properties are they way to go.

Congrats @Lakeisha Black I'm going through the same self doubt, I'm in the process of purchasing my first duplex and quite frankly, I'm scared.  But remember what Jack Canfield said: "Everything you want is on the other side of fear."

@Jeffrey Sifen I'm supprised he hasn't commented yet as he is pretty quick with the key word alerts but reach out to @Doug Merriott He's an active BP member, agent and investor in the Tampa Bay area.

Hi @Fred Conway , I'm very familiar with Pinellas, I know where the nice parts of town are and where not to go after dark.  Also its the most densely populated county in the state, there are very little opportunities for new development because there isn't raw land.  This creates a sense of urgency in regards to housing inventory.  Homes in the area also command a higher price per sq foot than neighboring Pasco county both on sales and on rents.  Hillsborough has some very nice areas that will command stupid prices (South Tampa) but there are more undesirable, or rural areas than nice neighborhoods in my opinion.  All new developments in the Tampa area where built on Swamps or Orange groves out in the Citris Park or Brandon areas because there was raw land.  Pinellas offers some of the worlds best beaches, and industry with several large publicly traded companies calling it home.

The area was the first "suburbs" of Tampa, its a quick drive across the bridge to the airport, the Westshore business district and really down town Tampa.  Down town St Petersburg, the Carillon center, and several other large office complexes also offer employment opportunities for residents.  Additionally several of the municipalities offer quaint down towns that offer shops, restaurants and night life.  Many of these communities like Safety Harbor, Dunedin, and Palm Harbor all offer monthly festivities with street vendors, pedestrian safe areas, live music etc.

I could go on and on about economic growth, job growth, the number of people migrating to FL each year etc.  Don't get me wrong, there are negative things about the area too, the uncertainty of flood insurance, the tight market also makes it difficult to find deals, people from the NE or California who pay more for homes than they're worth and in turn drive up the market because... But it's where I was born and raised, and I love the outdoor activities that the area offers.  Every night, I'm able to walk my dog, look out over the inter coastal and watch the sunset, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Hi @Chris Heeren I would ask, what does your lease state?  I've seen leases that state in the event of early termination a liquidated damages clause protects the landlord.  My personal opinion is that a security deposit is to be used for damages / cleanings that have to be corrected after the tenant moves out.  This is why some people collect first and last months rent along with a security deposit.  

You could negotiate this with the tenant, when doing this offer them being released from the lease as a concession but if you do this then you want to keep the security deposit.  See what they say.  Remember, its not worth going to court over, a lease, just like a mortgage is the product of negotiation between two people.

That being said always consult a lawyer in regards to legal advice.

Hello @Chris Yorke I'm a fellow investor in the Tampa market.  I'm a native to the area and I'm targeting properties in Pinellas county for rehab or buy and holds.  If there is anything I can ever help you with please feel free to reach out.

Cheers

Rob

Hi @Logan Larochelle I hate banks, however I love credit unions.  I've had a great deal of success in working with local credit unions.  In your neck of the woods I'd look at Vystar or Mid florida.

Hi @Heather Medina You should be able to find most of the items you're looking for in your local court clerks records.  I know my county provides free online access to all records.  Its not pretty, and hard to datamine but the information is there.

Hi @Lakeisha Black I Agree with @Fred Conway in that it really depends on the area of town.  If you are in South Tampa your 2/1 will rent without a problem, if you're out in Brandon, it will probably be more of a challenge as there are an abundance of 3/2 and larger.  I also agree with @Doug Merriott that there is a buyer / renter for every home, The first home that I bought was a 2/1 with a Florida room (900 SQ FT) that was in 2003 when I was a single guy, after two years, adding a wife and a baby we wanted more space. 

Think about renters, you can rent a 1, 2 , or 3 bedroom apartment, If there wasn't a market for 1 or 2 bedroom homes why would someone invest millions of dollars to build an apartment community.  If you can offer your house for prices comparable to the rents in local apartment communities, and have comparable amenities (pool excluded) I think you'd have a competitive advantage in that you are offering a house which gives more privacy.

@Michael Leonardo Welcome to BP.  I'm just down the road from you in Dunedin.  I'll have to introduce myself at one of the many local meetings.

Good Luck!

Rob