All Forum Posts by: Robert Love

Kitchen - I house hacked with 4 people in two different houses. We had designated fridge and freezer shelves. Along with one common shelf. It forces people to stay organized.

Chores - we had a cleaning schedule where we would rotate each week what had to be done. Bathrooms, kitchen, sweep/mop, off week. If you didn't do your chores you got a strike and had to do them and buy everyone beer. If you didn't do it twice in a row you had to do everyone's chores the next week.

Excellent, Ryan, and thank you! It sounds like you had your systems down and fostered a fun but accountable culture.

1 Vote

Sacramento, California

Quote from @Julien Jeannot:

1 - depends what you are comfortable with and your strategy. Long term you get less vacancies. Short term will attract a different type of roommate.

2 - Facebook

3 - Check out their social media, other then that an interview and my typical rental criteria: 3x the rent, credit score, background checks, etc. Show them the house rules up front.

4 - 10 areas I'd consider:

Communication is Key: Regularly communicate about schedules, guests, and any concerns to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Clean Up After Yourself: Keep common areas tidy by cleaning up your own messes promptly. Wash dishes, wipe counters, and put away personal belongings.

Respect Quiet Hours: Establish quiet hours during which noise should be minimized, especially if roommates have different schedules.

Guest Policy: Set clear guidelines for having guests over, including limits on the number of visitors and advance notice for overnight guests.

Shared Expenses: Agree on how to split shared expenses such as utilities, cleaning supplies, and common area maintenance.

Chores Rotation: Create a rotating chore schedule to evenly distribute responsibilities like cleaning, taking out the trash, and maintaining shared spaces.

Respect Personal Space: Honor each other's privacy by respecting closed doors and personal boundaries. Knock before entering bedrooms.

Food Sharing Guidelines: Decide whether to share groceries or keep them separate, and establish rules about borrowing or using each other's food.

Security and Safety: Keep doors locked, and make sure all roommates are aware of emergency procedures, including fire exits and contact information.

Conflict Resolution: If conflicts arise, commit to addressing them calmly and directly. Use open communication to find compromises and maintain a respectful atmosphere.

5 - What do you mean by procedure? Who gets to use the TV when?

6 - Depends on the property, you have a good list there.

7. Set expectation up front, communication, and conflict resolution.

Julien, This is excellent, and I will put it to use. I appreciate your thoughtful response and time. I will let everyone know how it goes and what I learn from the experience I will share with others here in the future. Thank you!

0 Votes

Sacramento, California

Hello, BP friends,

I am new to real estate investing, and I am going to house hack a 4/2. I am looking for 2 roommates. I am also looking for additional roommates for a 4/3 home that I own. Currently, one person is there, and I will find 3 additional roommates. I have several questions and would appreciate anyone's insight.

1. Do you recommend midterm or long term tenants?

2. What platforms have you successfully used to find good roommates? I am in Northern California, Sacramento region.

3. What are some ways that you set criteria in your listings that will help ensure you get tenants who are reliable, responsible, tidy, and considerate?

4. What are some house rules you have put in place to ensure harmony and order in the home? I am especially thinking about the 4/3 because four parties in one home is a lot. What can make this work so everyone benefits?

5. What procedures are in place for the common areas of the house?

6. What extras do you provide so tenants are happy and order is maintained (e.g., hiring a housekeeper to come in once a week, providing internet, sharing or not sharing utilities, extra refrigerators, etc.)?

7. In general, what makes your tenants happy and satisfied with the living arrangement?

Thank you for your insights. Cheers!

3 Votes

Sacramento, California

Quote from @Scott Scoville:

Hey Robert,

Congrat's on starting your REI journey! I'm a real estate agent and investor in Sacramento. I manage our acquisitions, renovations, and property management. Would be happy to chat if you ever had any questions. Looking forward to connecting and best of luck.

Thank you, Scott. I would like to chat and learn about your experiences in this market. My cell is 916 -223-2295.

Warm regards!

1 Vote

Sacramento, California

Hi, Joe,

I am new also and living in Rocklin. I have one property in Placer County and a home in the Philippines. Would love to chat with another investor in the area.

Best,

Robert

0 Votes

Sacramento, California

Hi, Erik,

Thanks for your reply and insights. It sounds like you have a wealth of experience and knowledge. I have not nailed down financing and I am just getting started, but I would definitely like to build a relationship with a lender who understands and has practiced real estate investment.

Let's talk! Are you free this week to take a phone call?

0 Votes

Sacramento, California

Greetings,

First of all, this is a great community of people, and I am looking forward to being part of it, learning from others, and sharing any insights and resources that I can offer as I grow. I am grateful for BiggerPockets.

I am beginning my real estate investment journey, and I am going to try and find a property in the Sacramento area to house hack. I would like to purchase either a single family home, duplex, or triplex. The plan is to rent out rooms/units while I live in and rehab the property. This would be owner occupied (at least for one year). I have reached out to two lenders, and but I am open to suggestion if anyone has a really good one who works with real estate investors.

Once I find a property, I will need to find a reliable and honest contractor to help with the rehab projects. I have a job in management that keeps me very busy, so I will definitely need to hire contractors.

If you know of any good people (lenders, contractors, agents) in the Sacramento area who work well with real estate investors, please let me know.

Thanks, and God bless.

Robert

1 Vote

Sacramento, California

All Forum Posts by: Robert Love

Robert Love has started 4 posts and replied 17 times.

Post: House Hacking and Roommate Questions

Post: House Hacking and Roommate Questions

Post: House Hacking and Roommate Questions

Post: Building a Team in Sacramento

Post: New to the BP community and looking to network

Post: Building a Team in Sacramento

Post: Building a Team in Sacramento