All Forum Posts by: Tanya H.

Here in Colorado, I have tried the "no pets allowed" with one of my patio homes, to very disappointing results.

I had a difficult time getting it rented when I tried "no pets", even when I lowered the rent. So after a couple of months, I gave up, raised the asking rent back up plus some, allowed pets, and had it rented within days.

I do require a $500 pet fee, with $250 non-refundable for cleaning.

I do not place a size limit on the dog. I do prefer dogs to cats, and I've been lucky in that I've never experienced any issues with the couple of cats I have allowed. Anyone with any knowledge or experience with dogs will realize that large dogs are generally much more mellow and less troublesome. It's the small ones more likely to do damage - scratching doors, defecating in the house, barking, biting.

One of my tenants had a Great Dane, and it has been my best "tenant" so far! We have have breed restrictions in the city, so I don't really need to do anything about breeds.

I do my own screening of tenants, and I own dogs myself. So I feel that I can get a good feel for what type of pet-owner they are in just a casual conversation with them. I've never had any serious pet damage in my 17 years of owning rental properties. Call me lucky, but I think it's just good screening.

I think some states may be less pet-centric than here in Colorado, so it may be easier to get houses rented without allowing pets. But here in Colorado, I've learned my lesson.

Shoot - I missed last night. I didn't check the forum between Mon & now, so darn it! OK, I'm shooting for May now! And I should be in town that week, and hopefully these crazy snow storms will be done by then, but then again "springtime in the Rockies"!

Welcome, Steven. For recommended reading, I suggest this site. There is so much information on everything related to real estate. And if you run into anything you don't understand, just ask here on the forums. The experience available here on BP is invaluable, and everyone is very helpful.

Good luck - your enthusiasm is great and will serve you well!

We have noticed that when we do change out the entire house/apartment, it just gives it that more finished look. It's a cheap thing to do, and while it does take the time, I think it gives the message that you, as a landlord, take care of your places. Of course, it probably depends on the class of the rental.

Welcome Bill! Between BP and your mentor, you are off to great start. Keep reading, and start asking questions!

Hi Val,
Welcome to BP. One of the best things you can do while you are deployed is to keep reading! There is such a wealth of information here on this site. And everyone is so willing to help with any questions you may have.

I'm sorry that I don't have any recommendations around on-line courses. I did a course and a coaching with Rich Dad/Poor Dad. I think there is some great information there. It definitely is the thing that fed my appetite for REI and gave me the bump I needed to get more interested and involved. However, I think I've learned a lot more just from this site. And unfortunately, there's nothing like experience.

So keep reading, and ask questions about anything and everything. There are no stupid questions.

And hope to see you at the get-together in June.

I'll be in town for the 22nd, so I'll be there too.

Welcome, Chris. You found a great community here.

And Grant P. is right - pure craziness in the Denver market. My challenge is finding deals these days. When is the next get-together? I need to try to get to another one soon!

Hi Dave,
Welcome to BP! I went to your website and it looks great. I can see you are focusing on sellers. It sounds as though you are focused on wholesaling, is that right? Will you also be building a buyers/investors list? It sounds as though you have a great plan in mind.

I have been focusing on the South Aurora area, but as a buy and hold investor. And finding it tough to find any decent deals these days.

Anyway, just wanted to welcome you here.

Hi Mark,
Welcome! This is great site, and I can see that you have jumped in with both feet!

I'm guessing you stay pretty much in the Northern CO area. I'm just south of the Denver Metro area, and trying to find some decent deals. The market sure has changed in the last few months.

Anyway, welcome, and I look forward to hearing more from you!