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How To Properly Screen A Prospective Tenant (Attention First Time Investors)

Reblogger Gloria Todor
Real Estate Agent with Premier Property Sales & Rentals RS284559

Below is a great video that is dated but as David Kosmecki pointed out, still sound advice in this market. If you are considering buying an investment property and will need to find a tenant, do take a look at this video. Thanks David for this post. ---Gloria

Original content by David Kosmecki Corporate NMLS 1850

According to the the National Association of Realtors®, "distressed homes" represented nearly 2 of every fifth home sold in January 2010.  Clearly, real estate investors in Minneapolis and around the country are taking advantage of good deals on cheap property.  But there's risk involved.

This NBC Today Show interview first ran in March 2009, featuring real estate expert Barbara Corcoran. Despite its age, the message remains relevant. Today may be a terrific time to buy a bank-owned home - just make sure you do your research first.  There's plenty of ways for investors to get burned.

Some of the tips in the video include:

  • Buy in your own backyard
  • Start small, then build to a bigger portfolio
  • Watch receipts - rent rolls don't matter if tenants aren't paying rent

Corcoran also gives pointers on how to evaluate a prospective tenant.

Foreclosures should represent a large number of 2010's total home sales and will offer interesting opportunities to bona fide real estate investors. Before you jump in, make sure to watch the video. The rents you save may be your own.

Remember, the stats and the data are from 12 months ago, but the advice stays meaningful.

Comments(3)

Not a real person
San Diego, CA
You can always find tenants if you'll buy near a college or university. Just make sure you rent to the female driving the 2010 BMW 760Li rather than the male driving the 1970 Datsun B210 station wagon. LOL
Apr 06, 2010 10:49 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
For owners of rental properties, screening is the key to survival. I also agree that properties near a college or university can be really desireable.
Apr 06, 2010 11:56 PM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
Russel, good point. Mom and dad might be able to help out more with the female dirving the BMW, even though the "70 Datsun owner's heart might be in the right place. Myrl, Screening is so important! ----Gloria
Apr 08, 2010 11:51 AM