landlords: Don't Make A "Big" Investment Mistake
- 02/19/10 12:58 PM
As a landlord here in Brevard County Florida, over the past 14 years I have had my fair share of ups and downs. And, I've made mistakes and learned from those mistakes. Often, we have people call us with an interest in investing in real estate. Real estate investing isn't for everyone. Some people don't have the disposition to be a landlord. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. The first property we bought was in 1996, a 1700 square foot home, 4 bedroom, 2 bath. We kept it rented for 10 years, with the same tenant for 8 years. But, as property values increased, … (18 comments)
landlords: Landlords Stop Holding out for Those Extra Couple of Bucks, You Might Just Be 'playing the Fool'
- 02/16/10 04:30 AM
Here in Brevard we are seeing a growing number of homes for rent. According to a recent report, in the past 10 years, there have been over 40,000 new homes built in Brevard. Many of those homes currently sit unoccupied. Property taxes have increased and insurance has increased, but rents have decreased. People are out of work. We are seeing families moving in together, Grandma and Grandpa, their children and their grandchildren. People are doing what they can to save money today. So, what happens when a rental sits on the market for 2, 3 or 4 months empty? No … (14 comments)
landlords: Communication is Key in Dealing with Non Paying Tenants
- 02/01/09 01:20 AM
I recently wrote a post about my friend, the one that every tenant loves, that has tenants that hadn't paid him rent in over 5 months. Well, here's an update. The article indicated that my friend is the most lenient landlord in the world. He has a weak spot in his heart and lets tenants go for months without paying. He's too nice to be a landlord, and he knows I feel this way about him because we've talked about it. He has tenants that haven't paid him rent in over 5 months now. Yes, they've sent him a payment here … (9 comments)
As a landlord or property manager, do you allow pets in your rentals? For me, the answer to this question depends on the rental and the type of pet. Over 3/4 of my current tenants have a dog or cat. Personally, I prefer dogs to cats. But, I allow pets on a case by case basis. I typically charge a pet fee of at least $150 to $200, upon signing of the lease, depending on the pet. This is a fee, and NOT a deposit. It is not money they get back at the end of the lease term. … (40 comments)
landlords: Investors - Single Family or Multi Family Properties?
- 11/14/08 03:18 AM
Investors always ask what kind of property they should buy. Many start the business thinking that a multi unit building is their best bet. My recommendation to them is to start with a single family house. I do not invest in small multi family complexes. I prefer single family houses for rental units. I have had many investors that have experienced the best and worst of both types of properties.
I find that single family properties are easier to buy, sell, rent, own and manage than multi family units. Single family units typically: (the following comparison is single family vs. … (19 comments)
A couple of days ago I met my new tenant at one of our rental houses here in Melbourne Florida. She was bringing me the balance of the move in money. It was time to have her to sign the lease and I was giving her the keys to her new house. While she was reviewing the lease, I walked through the house, and took pictures inside and outside, being careful to include all the rooms. We swapped money for keys, she signed her new lease and as I was leaving she was already moving items in. I think … (111 comments)
landlords: I Can't Pay the Rent Because I Have to Pay My 16 Year Old's Cell Phone Bill!
- 10/04/08 05:09 AM
Well, here it is, the 4th of the month already. My tenant's rents are due on the 1st of each month. I have a provision on my lease that allows each tenant a grace period, until the 5th, to still pay without a $35 late fee. I enjoy being a landlord. However, I don't like it when tenants aren't honest with me. And, they all know that. I tell them at move in, "If you ever run into a problem, and you know that you aren't going to have the rent on time, just call me and we'll work it out. … (23 comments)
landlords: My Tenant Moved in the Night...the House is Full of Their Stuff, And it's a Mess!
- 08/30/08 06:54 PM
I've been a landlord for almost 13 years. I have placed 100's of tenants in rentals. I have only had to evict a handful of my own tenants. I have been so blessed and never had any real tenant issues. I've never gotten a house back in deplorable condition! Now, I'm not saying that I haven't gotten plenty of them back that were really dirty and desperately needed paint. Well, I have to say...I've just had my first EVER tenant that left in the night. They left on the 23rd of July and their rent was paid until July 31. I had … (84 comments)
landlords: Landlords Facing Foreclosure
- 04/01/08 08:39 AM
Today, some people are in favor of renting, rather than buying. The Brevard County Florida housing bubble is creating new risks for some tenants. In addition to some other areas of the country. Many houses and condos are available for lease. Owners are forced to rent them out. They haven’t been able to sell them for the peak prices they paid in 2005. Landlords are renting at a deficit. They are paying more in monthly mortgage payments, taxes, insurance & association fees than they are receiving in rent. Their sentiment…some money is better than no money. But, how … (5 comments)
Brevard County Real Estate on Florida's Space Coast
Residential, Relocation, New Construction & Investment
19 Years in Real Estate / 39 Years in Brevard County
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As a landlord here in Brevard County Florida, over the past 14 years I have had my fair share of ups and downs. And, I've made mistakes and learned from those mistakes. 
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