All Forum Posts by: Rob Gribben

Awesome, thanks Nicole.

Nicole W, please pass along contact info for your lead tester.  I paid $185 last time for the lead safe test, and turnover for me has been pretty slow, so to date this hasn't been an issue.  But if I can get my 2 properties that are now required to be registered, certified lead free, then I definitely would consider doing that.

Thanks.

Flexibility, especially for younger people is a major motivation to rent instead of buy.  I think 20 and 30 year olds are in no rush to buy these days, and really I can't blame them.  Being able to pick up and leave for a new job somewhere across the country is nothing to discount. There's an economic security in that for many people, that outweighs the economic security of owning a home.

Certifying lead free can be a huge expense.  I have not found it to be a big issue or overly burdensome to just make sure you don't have any flaking paint, and get it tested and certified lead free between tenants. 

I do have a house built in 1954 that was previously exempt, and now has to be registered.  I got clarification from MDE.  I have to register it before the end of the year, but I don't have to have it tested until the next tenant turnover.  I made sure I got that in writing from MDE. 

I have two rowhomes in the Eastwood area of Dundalk, a really nice area IMO, super convenient to 95 and Bayview Hospital.  I've had no problem renting them to good tenants too.  I am hoping the red-line project to Bayview Hospital will really make Eastwood an attractive area to live.  Dundalk does have a stigma attached to it, but Eastwood is such a great location, and for the most part houses are well cared for.  Wondering where others are investing in MD.  I've also contemplated Pigtown, but not sure that's ever going to turn around anytime soon, if ever.    I do like HdG as well, but probably no bargains there right now. 

No, your crazy for being there in the first place!!

Hi Ashley,

I may try and schedule a trip after Thanksgiving, will let you know.  Are there areas of the city that you like, and/or try to avoid?  Do you own properties FS as turnkey, or more a facilitator of the process?  I wasn't sure exactly what your company offers....

Thanks,

Rob

I do everything myself, but I use www.clearscreening.com to run credit/background checks.  It's a really good resource, IMO it takes the liability out of running someone's credit report, and the price is very reasonable.  You simply setup the accept/reject criteria in your account, and CS runs the check, and sends you the results, and a recommendation to accept or reject based on your criteria.  

For me, anything received after the 5th of the month is considered late, and a 5% fee is assessed.  So, they would have been charged the 5% late fee plus the fee for the bounced check.  My lease is setup similar to Kyle J's, once you a bounce a check, I reserve the right to change the payment form to ensure it doesn't happen again.  

Another reason I hesitate to improve more, the higher the rent, the more likely you are (at least in Canton), to have 3-4 roommates sharing the house.  I like to target singles or young couples who can afford $1,500, but at $1,900, it's too much for many.  If I add another bath and finish the basement into a BR, sure I get more rent, but more people living in the house = more potential for headaches (potentially anyway).