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Tsk - The Season!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL 481.010183

Being in Property Management BY ITSELF is a huge chunk to deal with especially at this time of the year.  No matter how well the tenants have been screened, it seems to NEVER FAIL that managers report a lag in payments in this season at a rate of 10 to 20% of late or NO collections!  From the rents expected to recover, some may not be seen until income tax refunds come in from rapid filing!  Tsk The Season!

Typical Rent Delaying Excuses Heard: 

  • Uh, you UNDERSTAND, It's CHRISTMAS!! - Interpretation:  Y'all DON'T deserve to have one!
  • Calling to say, we will be late, but we WILL pay the late fee! - Interpretation: We overspent!
  • Something came up, but we will catch up next month! - Interpretation: Y'all jes hafta wait hunnie!
  • We will be out of town for the Holiday! - Interpretation: We will spend the rent money for our trip! 
  • We have out-of-town guests!  - Interpretation:  We gotta spend the rent money to impress them!
  • My car is down! - Interpretation: - We will be renting a car for the Holiday with the rent money!
  • I was laid off my job! - Interpretation: - We're getting ready to lay up on YOU!
  • We have a repair issue!  - Interpretation:  Use this "smoke screen" so you can overlook the rent!
  • Our lease is up next month! - Interpretation:  Y'all ain't gonna receive another dime outta us!
  • We are expecting a BIG income tax refund! - Interpretation:  See ya when it happens!
  • I had to help a relative pay their rent, so mine is short!  Tsk The Season!

Of course, we deal with it by bracing ourselves to face the owners!!  It is NOT always a pleasant task being squeezed on BOTH ends!  We have to be experts at cracking the whip on one side, while earnestly pacifying the other!   Rectifying this as swiftly as possible is what we strive to achieve!  Tsk The Season!

One MUST be anointed and CALLED to handle this grueling task year after year!  We, at Rice Property Management & Realty, console ourselves by applying lessons learned and using the right tools to offset these occurrences!  With 15 years of experience, keen discernment, and continued training, we KNOW to keep our antennas up during this time.  Tsk The Season!

There are plenty of prospective tenants with MUCH respect toward property managers, knowing that in these days and times, having a place to stay is a priority!  It's these mature, responsible renters with home owner mentality that we covet after!  Tsk Tsk on the others!

There  are desperate owners facing this dilemma alone, intimidated, NOT KNOWING how to properly handle this, and have conceded to being victimized!   We are saddened whenever we learn of these pleas for help, but are cheered and humbled to hear the accolades of gratitude coming from many we have freed from this burden!

In spite of these "seasonal" challenges, we actually LOVE being in the Property Management field.... And so does our EVICTION ATTORNEY!

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

"Where the RIGHT Price is the RICE Price!"

© Copyright 2010 Rice Property Management, All rights reserved

DISCLAIMER: Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC, servicing the South Suburban Illinois and Northwest Indiana Areas, in Residential & Commercial Real Estate, located at 423 East 158th Street, South Holland, IL 60473, 708-862-7423,  disclaims all liability for any damages or losses, directly or indirectly that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog or for accuracy of comments or opinions of visitors to my blogs.

 

Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Good post and good luck with handling this issue once again. It sounds like you folks have an excellent handle on how to handle these difficult payment issues...

Nov 28, 2010 10:32 AM
Patricia Aulson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH
Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Thank you for the time to post this today.   I enjoyed the read.

Happy Holidays!!
Patricia/Seacoast NH & ME

Nov 28, 2010 11:51 AM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Diane -- Property management is one tough field to be in.  I recently sold my very low-end priced used car on Craigslist and I couldn't believe some of the stipulations buyers were asking me for. Made me really realize how much stress, etc., is out there.

Nov 28, 2010 03:58 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Wanda:  OH MY!!  I feel like a CELEBRITY!!  And to think... this started off being an email note to someone.... GOODNESS!  THANKS to whoever is responsible for this!!

Nov 28, 2010 05:22 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Lanre:  YEP!!!  Been chasing the rent! (Actually it's me chasing ME!)  Missed YOU too, of course!

Nick:  You have always believed in me from the beginning.... just hope to live up to all these expectations!  Thanks again!

Carol:  You know, Property Management was not MY idea!  And YES, there is a great need for it!  Regarding the differing situations to face, it's the GRACE... now, just add all of the agents, a myriad of personalities, vendor dealings, etc.... ONLY a GOD who grants us a place to rest in HIM could ever help us get this done...  WHOA... did we mention the 2nd business??  About time for us to book into one of those get-away seclusions in the mountains that you have awaiting!!  (Thanks for wanting this featured!)

Christine:  Thank you... honestly though, we are never satisfied with the results we give the owners if the rents are delayed.    Tsk!

Bob:  Thanks for wishing us well!   

Patricia:  No, thank YOU for reading it!

Chris:  So, you experienced a tad bit of it eh?  No fun!  Thanks for reading!

 

 

Nov 28, 2010 05:48 PM
Jason Watton
Realty One Group of Scottsdale, AZ - Scottsdale, AZ
Realtor - Scottsdale Arizona Homes for Sale

Fun but scary post.  As a landlord myself, I'm hoping I don't hear any of these explanations in the coming months.  All the Best of the Holiday Season to you!

Nov 28, 2010 06:01 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Jason:  Hi there!  I hope you don't either!  Thanks for wishing me the best... you too!

Nov 28, 2010 06:47 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

HEY!!  I'm Featured!!!! WHEN Did that happen?  WOW!!!  Thanks Active Rain!

Nov 28, 2010 08:16 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I can just envision your eviction attorney being dressed as Santa and knocking on people's doors., :)

Nov 28, 2010 11:19 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

LOL LOL LOL @Fernando!!!!!  That was a good laugh for me today! (Great idea for the 5-Day-Notice server though)

Nov 29, 2010 03:52 AM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Diane, 

Interesting, my clients seem to forget about the upcoming new year - Jan 1st rental payment due.

All the best, Michelle

Nov 29, 2010 12:50 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Hey Michelle!  They DO don't they?  (After all they DID pay last year, right?) 

Nov 29, 2010 12:55 PM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

Diane, just stopped by to say Hello & wish you a wonderful season of Blessing and Celebration with your family.  Also enjoyed reading your blog laced with insight and good humor. :)

Dec 02, 2010 03:11 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

HI LOLA!!  May you and your family also experience the desires of your heart this season!  Thanks for the blessing and for reading! 

Dec 03, 2010 02:15 AM
Debbie Malone
Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA
From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

Oh Boy Oh Boy, can we relate Diane! We've heard it all by this time.... I loved your interpretations! Being a landlord is a challenge.

Dec 05, 2010 02:49 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Debbie!!! Hiya!  Happy Holidays! I knew YOU would!  Getting it out places everything in the right perspective.  We cannot give ourselves unrealistic expectations.... at least not at THIS time.... TSK!

Dec 10, 2010 04:27 AM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Great post .I'm gonna share it with my class !!!!!!!!! I think I've also heard a lot of these excuses !!!*L*

Jan 21, 2011 12:34 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Hey there Michael! Go right ahead and USE it!  Appreciate you reading and sharing!

Jan 21, 2011 03:09 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

I am thinking about starting a property management company and after reading your post. . . maybe I should think again! :)  It was fun - thanks!

Jan 21, 2011 10:01 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Hey Joy!  That's so FUNNY!!!- Be encouraged PM's are greatly needed... it has to be a fit though! 

Jan 29, 2011 01:11 PM