All Forum Posts by: Seth Todd

 @Barbara G. Ya, that was my initial plan was just to get some different contractors in there to give some advice and estimates. Figured I could get some good recommendations on here in stead of going to CL or yelp first. Thnx

Hey guys,

I have a condo that needs to be pretty much completely rehabbed. Tenants trashed it before I got them evicted. I haven't rehabbed one before so looking for a great contractor to help me streamline the process and get me the best bang for my buck. Any suggestions in the Denver are would be appreciated. Thnx

I have had tenants with bad credit scores and past evictions that turned out to be some of my best tenants. On the other hand, I have had tenants with great credit scores and job history turn out to be the worst tenants that I was constantly chasing for rent. Personally, I don't take the credit score to seriously because I was once the guy with terrible credit but always paid rent before it was due ha. My 2 recommendations are 1. Past rental references and 2. Get a big deposit in case you run into unwanted issues.

 Sorry for not clarifying. I am sure that the power co would love for him to pay the bill. I think what they're trying to do is stick it to the utility company by her not paying and then set up a new account with him as the new tenant..which isn't going to happen. Thanks for the post.

Long story short, I purchased a condo about a month ago in Lakewood, CO and there were already tenants in there. They have a lease through February of next year. Just got a call last week that they are now having a bed bug issue (not surprised after visiting the unit and seeing how filthy everything is). I also found out that in the 2 bedroom unit there is another couple with a baby that has been staying there for a while now. The original lease just lists the tenant and her boyfriend. Now it looks like there are 5-6 people living in the unit. Just received a call yesterday that the washer is now broken ( I'm thinking that with an extra 3-4 people using it, of course it would break faster.)

I called to get an exterminator out there at a cost of $900. From research, I believe that Colorado does not have laws to say exactly who is responsible for bed bug issues. Now I just received another call form her "friend" that is asking if he and his girlfriend can move in there and be put on the lease as well. Apparently, the couple with the baby are moving out later this month. (I was going to give a notice to cure anyway for that issue). The reason the friend wants to move in is to help pay the utilities since, I just found out, the tenant has not been paying and the utilities are now set to be shut off tomorrow. The power company will not let the friend pay since he is not on the lease. 

By this point, I am planning on evicting and have been researching exactly how to go about that process. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Welcome to Denver! I'm sure you know his crazy the market is! I would love to connect with you guys locally if you get a chance.

Land Title is my go to. Had a few issues with Homestead, but I think everyone has good/bad experiences with any title co. Hope that helps.

Hey Shawn,

I agree that Denver has to have some change soon. Prices can't continue to go up the way they have been forever. I can understand the hesitance about buying and then being stuck with a high mortgage payment and no cash flow. But, if you're planning on staying in it for a few years I wouldn't worry about the cash flow aspect as much at this point. I'm in a 900 sq ft apartment for 1400 a month that's set to go up soon, so definitely trying my best to get out of that situation and feel your pain.

In regards to finding a home as soon as it hits, I'm sure you know but I can't stress enough to simply avoid Zillow and Trulia etc. They are usually outdated and not always accurate. Best way locally is to get hooked up with an agent who can set you up with auto alerts from the MLS so you'll be notified as soon as something hits. Aside form that, just go on recolorado.com to look on your own. That's all from the MLS so should be accurate.

Hi Shawn,

I'm in the same boat you are in right now. I moved from Boulder to Denver about a year ago and have been renting but decided start looking to buy because my rents were going up. I've found that around your price point (mine is similar), about the only things avail are condos and town homes in my price range. Anything in the Denver metro area is super high, so you may be better off looking around the Westminster/Broomfield area like you said. You get more for your dollar and the commute on 36 really isn't that bad. I lived in Superior for a while and commuted downtown every day (get satellite radio ha).

I'm a realtor, so fortunately I have instant access to what is hitting the market and it's still very hard to find something before 50 other people have found it as soon as it hits the MLS. Best of luck. Shoot me a message if you have a question or anything that I may be able to help on.

Ill make this one..I promise!