All Forum Posts by: Tamara R.

In the past I have made sure the icemaker was working when someone moved in, but informed them (verbally and in the lease) that once it quit working it wouldn't be repaired. Now, we just tell people that there isn't an icemaker (or that it won't be functioning) when any new leases are signed. We have had these leak twice--once causing some pretty major damage. So not really worth it. I could care less about having ice, but my husband can't live without it. It's probably the same with tenants--some absolutely need it and others don't care.

When my ice breaker at home broke, we bought one of those freestanding icemakers for less than $200. Is that an option for you?

As for "why" high radon levels lead to an increased chance of cancer (especially in kids) and is likely a detriment to health for other reasons.

I do. Radon is pretty common where I am in below ground basements. When I bought my home it tested high for radon. We negotiated for radon mitigation with the seller (which costs about $1000 and involves digging a pipe under the basement concrete so the radon can escape into the air rather than going into your home). We test peridically to ensure that the levels stay low.

I actually bought my residence by attending an open house--didn't even have my other home for sale nor was I looking to move. We stopped by and I said "hey this is a great location and not a bad price--lets put in an offer." We did and moved in 9 years ago. The realtor (who was hosting the open house as a favor to another realtor) ended up getting half the commisison on that house and we used her to sell our other residence so she got commission on that as well. We have used her for several other transaction since then as well. It can be a useful tool....

I get a around it by never discussing my investing life with people at work--unless it comes up in some context where it fits in. For instance, there was another investor at work and we would discuss our ideas once in a while. The reason I would think twice about discussing with people at work--especially the higher ups--is they might wonder if you are actually doing work at work or how you could possibly doing a good job with your 9-5 if you are preoccuppied outside of it with other ventures. I know this would be a concern where I am. In fact there is one person with a real estate side business who is always taking taking business related calls at work--sometimes even in the middle of meetings they are running!

My close family and a few friends know about our real estate investing, but I make a point not to just bring it up. I also don't do a lot of bragging about my accomplishments, because I don't really want anyone to know.

I have removed wall paper that was pretty tough before. One thing that works great is using a wall paper steamer (can be bought at Home Depot for less then $100) in combination with the paper tiger thingy mentioned and one of those flat plastic scraper things (can't recall the name). ONce you remove the paper you can wipe off a lot of the remaining paste. Turn on some good music and go to work and the time passes quickly.

The steamer works great for other things too--like steaming the gunk stuck in fridges, ovens,walls, door handles etc. I used a steamer once to quickly clean a disgusting fridge. Worked like a charm.

I understand that wall paper removers charge a lot of money for this pleasant task:)

I have had the most success with having a rental open house on Sunday between 11-2. People seem to have more time on Sunday and like to look at open houses after church. Besides advertising the open house, I put out a bunch of "rental open house" signs leading from the main road to the property. I have gotten many more people this way then just telling folks to stop by.

Does your tenant have tenant insurance? Their insurance should cover it. Also, here is some wording I use in my lease to address this in case it comes up:

1.Appliances in Unit: Washer, dryer, stove, dishwasher, microwave oven, refrigerator. For supplied appliances, Landlord will work to correct any dysfunction as quickly as is practicable. However, tenant agrees landlord is not responsible for tenant's financial or physical loss of food, meals, preparation or cleaning time, and landlord is not liable to replace any food or other product lost by tenant due to spoilage, lack of heating or cooling or any other reason or circumstance.

Just came across this. If there are notifications, I am interested in being added for the future. I am nearby in Vienna.

Only about 3 years seriously....not too long.