All Forum Posts by: Tara Ballenger

@Derrick Aragon I sent you a PM, but my questions are in the OP. Wondering about whether outer east properties are sought after by quality tenants, especially in comparison to closer-in properties. Plus general experience with landlording these properties. Thanks!

Hello all. Do any of you have rentals, of any type, in outer NE Portland, east of I-205, west of 162nd? Gateway, Hazelwood, Glendoveer, Parkrose, Argay, etc.? I'd love to hear your experiences with the tenant pool - both in numbers (how many people are interested in the rental) and quality of the applicants. 

@Kevin Haskins did you have any luck with this?

@Account Closed agreed. I'm trying to stand out amongst the "I have a buyer" and "I work with investors!" lines that realtors use to get listings. Nothing wrong with that tack, but this is a different situation and I'd like to really woo these potential sellers. I imagine I'll be targeting under 100 homes total, that meet the parameters. People are so reluctant to sell in this market.  

@Brent Coombs I disagree - strategic purchases of primary residences can absolutely lead to "bigger pockets." 

@Antoine Martel awesome advice, thank you! I believe I have to disclose that I'm a Realtor in the letter, but I was planning on doing that at the very end. 

Do you think handwritten letter would yield more results? Or would it look unprofessional? 

Hi guys! So I'm a Realtor, and work mostly with non-investor sellers and buyers. 

But I'm in a low inventory market, and I'm looking for a property for a personal purchase (my new primary residence) with very specific parameters. I need to go beyond the MLS to find what I need.

I have tools to help me identify properties that match my criteria, even if they've never been on the market. My question is: what's the best way to reach out to sellers who aren't distressed and have not indicated wanting to sell? I'm a serious buyer, I won't charge realtor fees, I'm pre-approved conventional and I have a flexible timeline. And I'm willing to pay full value. 

I'd like my communication to stand out, since I'm not a realtor trying to list their house or a wholesaler trying to assign a contract... 

@Steve B. is it right off 82nd? Lents really is big. It doesn't have a consistent feel and can vary street to street. And 82nd can vary block to block, as well - it has some really dumpy looking stretches, then other stretches that are decent. Do you regret buying your lesser performing Lents rental? Any words of wisdom for choosing property in Lents? 

@Zach Davis Agreed. The good (A/B) pockets are expanding. East side is where it's at, in my opinion, even without the possibility of sharp appreciation in future years. And yes to overscreening. Put the in the work on the front end, to save yourself headaches later. I think going slightly under market is a good strategy when your goal is to attract and maintain quality tenants that won't give you headaches... 

@David C. thanks for sharing! I'm looking between 82nd and I-205. Good to know you were able to find good tenants. Is it single family or multi, and what's the bed/bath count? I'm considering a duplex.