When the News is Bad, What Do You Do? - 06/14/09 05:46 PM
We recently had a house flood when a valve behind the toilet busted in the middle of the night.  A call to the owner had to be made to tell them that the house had flooded and the cleanup costs would be considerable.
Of course, no one wants to make that call, to tell the owner the bad news.  
But, when the call is made, I think it should be as soon as possible and with as much information as possible.  The information should includle the initial known costs and the likely future costs to complete the repair.  It should … (8 comments)

When the House You Rent Goes Into Foreclosure Don't Blame Your Property Manager - 06/08/09 12:23 AM
I am used to getting blamed for all sorts of things.  The air conditioner goes out and it is my fault.  The house won't rent, it is my fault.  The rent check bounced, it is my fault.  I don't return phone calls, wait, that one actually would be my fault!  But, most of the time I get blamed and yet I am just the guy you can reach.
The newest thing to blame me for is a foreclosure.  Tenants think that we should know what is going on with the house payment at all times.  Well, most of our clients make … (5 comments)

What Advice Would You Give a 15 Year Old? - 06/07/09 07:23 PM
My sister has a son who is 15 years old.  He is freshman in high school, B+ student, and an athlete.  His mother is worried about his choice of friends as they seem rude and headed for trouble.
I took him golfing this weekend and told him 
1.  Keep your grades up as it gives you options for college.  Your goal is to get into college.
2.  Stay in sports and do what is necessary to get better in the sports you like.
3.  Once you get your drivers license drive carefully and slow.
4.  Work on getting along with girls. … (2 comments)

Why HomePointe Does Not Allow Owners In On The Tenant Selection Process - 06/03/09 10:09 PM
Most of our clients come to us because they want to have their property managed to its’ best advantage. They know HomePointe will achieve the maximum market rent in the quickest time. They also know that HomePointe will get them good deals on maintenance and will not recommend unnecessary repairs. Finally they know HomePointe will be available to the tenant 24/7, pay the property’s bills and get them their proceeds in a timely manner. Peace of mind without having to be available for a very reasonable price.
Some potential clients do not have time to do all the work necessary to … (4 comments)

Tenants Catch a Break When House Forecloses - 06/02/09 03:03 PM
Effective immediately an REO Lender or buyer who buys a foreclosure must give a 90 Day Notice to Terminate any tenant where the lease is a month to month agreement.  It does not matter whether the buyer is an investor or owner occupant.  If the buyer is an investor the tenant can now stay until the end of any written lease they have.  
This applies to foreclosures of federally related mortgage loans or residential real property (FHA, VA, FNMA, FHLM).  
The law expires December 31, 2012.
… (0 comments)