All Forum Posts by: Christopher B.

My computer is down and the @ doesn't work on my droid so I have to quote you.

Totaly agree, building it out now is smart. Your website looks good,very inviting and well written content. There are some property maintenance specific apps out there, maybe you can add a link on your existing site for maintenance requests, etc. I think the info page will help as reference and should cut down on some of the contacts but likely not all because pople just don't listen. An applicant recently submitted proof of income $900 less than what I verbally and in writing stated it needed to be at least 3x's. 

 I didn't mention collecting rent. I think you're on the right track for reducing headaches though. When I move-in tenants I spend a good amount of time going over the rules, procedures, what they're responsible paying for, what's an emergency and what's not, how quickly we will respond, etc. I think education and clarity up front is key, it creates expectations. It's worked for me so far but it sounds like you may have more rentals than me and need to move into the next phase. I plan to get an online maintenance request portal setup this year and then bring in a part-time assistant to handle various things including mgmt of the rentals. I'll be curious to see others responses. 

I like how your business is vertically integrated, it makes a lot of sense. Having that many businesses you obviously need good people in place to manage a lot of the day to day without your constant involvement. I'd be curious in how you've set these up, only so much time in the day. 

For example, you have a construction company, how did you get that rolling? Did you build a solid crew then gradually add layers like a project manager, office staff, then general manager, etc as you went, did you find a small owner/operator and bring them under your umbrella, maybe  partnered up with an existing operation and rebrand under your name, etc. 

Interesting question. I've never dealt with it directly but would say for some buyers it may bother them. You may want to budget a little for some extra holding time, maybe a little bit lower of a price but I wouldn't let it deter you. Look at what comps in the area near the same cemetery have sold for, days on market, etc and adjust accordingly. At the right price a house will sale anywhere. 

I would consider your long term plans as well as the immediate future. If you're adding more properties then build out a system that can scale up with you. Look into the project mgmt software, maybe it's a bit expensive now ($30/month or even free) but it will reduce headaches and will give you the capacity to focus on your business as you add more properties. It's only natural as you grow things will have to be adjusted but you may be able to reduce some of those headaches by looking forward a bit. 

Craig's system is interesting but I'm not sure if I want to give that much power to my tenants. I have a tenant now that seems to ask for things constantly. If they had access to my vendors I'm confident I'd be getting bills for random stuff constantly even though I keep very nice properties. 

Good for you Sunny. You're obviously intelligent, organized, and focused on what you want. You're right, it's easy to get pulled in multiple directions so kudos to working the plan and making it happen. To your continued success. 

Suit up

 There's some debate on if green/purple board should be put on the ceilings. It resists moisture but when moisture gets in it's tougher to get out thus creating a better environment to breed mold. 

 Exactly. Look into j Scott's book on rehab estimates for how to estimate costs plus some starting guidelines on what things cost, he worked out of Atlanta when it was written. It's a few years old now and inflation has probably adjusted some of the prices but it will be a guide starting point for you. 

If you don't want to do tile then get a 3 piece tub  system. The tub is sold as one piece and then you buy the 3 pieces together. Get the type that attaches directly to the studs. When your drywall comes in he can drywall to the edges and you are done.