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Articles by Nathan Gesner
[Requesting Advice] Duplex only has one water meter for 2 tenants
Forum Categories All Dallas, TX · Member since 2018 · 1 post · 0 votes Most Popular Reply Investor · Waconia, MN · Member since 2014 · 238 posts · 104 votes 8y @John Smith, do you know if the plumbing is already separated for each side of the duplex? Is it a side by side or top bottom duplex style? The largest cost is obviously the plumbing alterations and if you can avoid them.
Help with budgeting maintenance, capex, and vacancy for a SFH
Forum Categories All Rental Property Investor · Chambersburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 9 posts · 0 votes Most Popular Reply Rental Property Investor · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2019 · 530 posts · 511 votes 4y See this reply in the discussion Rental Property Investor · RVA · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes 4y Rental Property Investor · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2019 · 530 posts · 511 votes 4y Rental Property Investor · Chambersburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 9 posts · 0 votes...
Budgeting for capex and repairs
Forum Categories All Real Estate Agent · Boston, MA · Member since 2016 · 450 posts · 214 votes Does anyone have a set of criteria for how to determine how much to set aside for capex and repairs? I know it's generally 5-15% of the rent in each instance, but assuming a newer home needs less and an older needs more. Any rules of them that you follow?
No Tenants, Toilets, or Trash? It’s Possible, Through Self Storage w/ Paul Moore
Forum Categories All Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 4y 4y Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 4y Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
U.S. GDP Shrinks By 0.9% — White House and Experts Push Back On Recession Claims
Forum Categories All Rental Property Investor · Fort Collins, CO · Member since 2015 · 158 posts · 327 votes 4y Santa Barbara, CA · Member since 2015 · 644 posts · 17 votes 4y Appraiser · Rosemary Beach, FL · Member since 2009 · 30 posts · 28 votes 4y Santa Barbara, CA · Member since 2015 · 644 posts · 17 votes 4y Rental Property Investor · Fort Collins, CO · Member since 2015 · 158 posts · 327 votes 4y 4y Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 4y Member...
Did I Predict the 2022 Housing Market Correctly? What I Got Right and Wrong
Forum Categories All Member since 2021 · 28 posts · 5 votes 4y Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 104 posts · 180 votes 4y Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 4y Rental Property Investor · Clarkston, GA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes 4y Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes 4y Member since 2018 · 15 posts · 4 votes 4y CTO of BiggerPockets · Seattle, WA · Member since 2019 · 178 posts · 178 votes 4y Join the...
Rental Scams: How Landlords Can Spot and Avoid Them
Forum Categories All Technology · Dallas, TX · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 298 votes Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 4y Santa Barbara, CA · Member since 2015 · 644 posts · 17 votes 4y Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2016 · 60 posts · 13 votes 4y Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2010 · 27 posts · 7 votes 4y Investor · Bourbonnais, IL · Member since 2016 · 38 posts · 8 votes 4y Investor · Mims, FL · Member since 2013 · 13 posts · 2 votes...
Those of you on the sidelines
Forum Categories All Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes Most Popular Reply Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 1y See this reply in the discussion Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 1y Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes 1y @Nathan Gesner great analogy. I wholeheartedly agree.
Property management issue in Jamestown, NY area
Forum Categories All Most Popular Reply Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 6y See this reply in the discussion Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 6y Investor · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Member since 2019 · 1 post · 0 votes 6y @Shamsul Chowdhury I'm going to be investing in that area.
I’ll give you $1000 a month to tell me how to dress!
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes 3y Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 3y SponsoredBiggerPockets Find an investor-friendly agent in your market TODAY Get matched with our network of trusted, local, investor friendly agents in under 2 minutes Find an Agent Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes 3y Member since 2017 · 4 posts · 10 votes 3y I think it depends.
Los Angeles rent controlled cash for keys
Forum Categories All Member since 2018 · 26 posts · 12 votes Most Popular Reply Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 210 posts · 155 votes 7y See this reply in the discussion Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes 7y Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 7y Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 210 posts · 155 votes 7y Member since 2018 · 26 posts · 12 votes...
Who's Responsible for Flooding Damage - Toilet Overflow?
Forum Categories All Rental Property Investor · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2015 · 6 posts · 2 votes Most Popular Reply Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 7y See this reply in the discussion Real Estate Agent · Garden City, NY · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes 7y Professional · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 29 posts · 4 votes 7y Would a renters insurance policy have covered an incident like this?
Property Management Software
Forum Categories All Member since 2024 · 158 posts · 87 votes Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 1y Member since 2024 · 158 posts · 87 votes 1y @Nathan Gesner Thanks very much for the information...I never would have thought to check on Etsy. The biggest advantage of a software for me is they allow online forms and esign. I want to be able to do everything online since I value my time. Other than that I would be fine with a spreadsheet to start.
New landlord: Need advice on apps to manage your property and lease agreements
Forum Categories All Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes Most Popular Reply Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 1y See this reply in the discussion Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 1 vote 1y Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 1y Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes 1y Never said it was easy nothing in life is easy …thanks for your input.
Best landlord software for DIY landlords that also offers banking accounts?
Forum Categories All Member since 2024 · 11 posts · 0 votes Most Popular Reply Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes 1y Hey @Fabiola Noel - I use apartments(.)com and they're free below a certain number of units. See this reply in the discussion Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes 1y Hey @Fabiola Noel - I use apartments(.)com and they're free below a certain number of units.
Tenant's agent asking for commission. California. Is this normal?
Forum Categories All Member since 2021 · 4 posts · 1 vote Hi I recently put my property up on zillow. I have my own agent who I think listed on the MLS. Anyways my agent is being taken care of. However the tenant's agent who found the property for their client is asking me for a commission now. He wants me to deduct it from the first month's rent. Is this normal? I am not an agent so I am unsure. What do I do in this situation as we never spoke about commission prior to the lease.
My "Cash For Keys" Strategy For Dealing With 100's of Stubborn Tenants/Squatters/Fam
Forum Categories All Investor · Eugene, OR · Member since 2021 · 90 posts · 117 votes Most Popular Reply Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 3y See this reply in the discussion Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes 3y Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2008 · 99 posts · 36 votes 3y With the ascending political narrative, one should expect that in general Landlord-Tenant laws will become less friendly toward...
Recommendations for a Property Manager in the Atlanta Area?
Atlanta, GA · Member since 2018 · 2 posts · 1 vote Hi everyone, I have a portfolio of properties I'm looking to get a property manager for in the metro Atlanta area. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Family member offering to sell me house $100k+ below market.
I have a close family member who wants to move out of their home and offered to sell it to me for a major discount. I am wondering the best route to take on a situation like this. As far as paying the least fees since this is a person I know I 100% trust and home I know about (grew up in).
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REFERRALS
Investor · La Palma, CA · Member since 2021 · 71 posts · 19 votes Can anyone please recommend a good property manager for my fourplex? I'm currently using Real Property of Houston and not really happy with their communications and I've only been working with them for a year. Thanks in advance.
Tenants not responding to inspection repairs and maintenance
Forum Categories All Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 0 votes Hello, My tenants moved out 2 months early and requested that I help them to look for a take over for the remaining lease terms. I have been sending them requests via text and emails to fix the dented garage panel, patch huge screws on the wall, and prune trees (this item was written in the agreement).
Helping my tenants sue their previous management company , suing the seller.
Quote from @Nad Oli: Before you starting threatening to sue, you should at least have a conversation with the Seller and the Property Management company. Some of this doesn't add up. More than one appliance broke during their tenancy and they replaced them out of pocket? Did the owner/PM refuse to replace the appliances? Were they even aware that the appliances broke? Did anyone investigate to see if they could be repaired or if they were abused/neglected?
Anatomy of a rental phishing scam
Forum Categories All Huntington Beach, CA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts Here's an interesting post by a security expert who was initially fooled by a rental phishing scam: https://jeffreyladish.com/anat... It shows that the scammers are getting better and more sophisticated, where the applicant was sent a link that looked legitimate but actually sent him to a phishing site. And, now with virtual showings, its going to be that much easier for these scammers to trick and swindle applicants.
Virtual assistant needs internet phone number
Good morning, I recently hired an overseas virtual assistant in the Philippines to help manage my rental properties. So far everything is going really well, and its time for me to get her a US based phone number so she can more easily communicate with my vendors and tenants. I use Google Voice for my business number but it appears that service is not available in the Philippines.
Good Property managers around Birmingham area
I am looking to invest in the Birmingham area. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good property manager in the Birmingham area? I want someone who is pretty responsive throughout the home buying process also.
What is your biggest problem you face right now as a REI?
Hello Bigger Pockets Community:) What's everyone's biggest frustration/problem you face right now as a real estate investor? For myself, it would be deal flow. My partners and I will look at 100 deals and about 5-8 of those will fit our invest criteria. The more deals we have to analyze the better. I'd love to hear your answer. My biggest problem I face right now as a REI is..............
Tenant is dirty but Pays on time
Originally posted by @Paul Stewart: Hi Everyone So I currently House hack my home in Long Island NY. I have owned the property and lived in it for almost 3 years. I'm on my 3rd tenants that are a couple. They are very nice and always pay on time but being that I live on the premises I notice how dirty they are in many aspects. I have tried to speak on the issue with them before and they were receptive and apologized but yet its still the same thing.
Property Management Situation / Advice?
Hi all, I am a brand new investor just purchased my first 2 single family homes out of state. We got one last year and its been rented under management and everything has gone great on that one. We got the 2nd home this year, and we're having issues with the (same) property management company. They were going to finish up some loose ends (just small random things, haul trash, install threshold, etc) on the house for me through their preferred handyman.
Property Mngmt gone wild
Quote from @Account Closed: Why have you stayed with them when their license is inactive? Contact your tenant immediately. Find out if they paid by check. If they did, have them cancel those checks and send you new ones for them missing months of rent. Contact the Georgia Real Estate Commission and file a complaint against your current property manager.
VA loan, fully occupied multi family properties
Background: So I'm looking to get in to real estate investing by purchasing a multi family property with a VA loan and living in one while renting the other units out. I'm looking to invest in other properties (single and multifamily) that I'm not going to live in also. I'm currently in a 12 mo lease at an apartment.
One tenant wants off the lease?? help
Nathan Gesner #2 All Forums Contributor Real Estate Broker from Cody, WY Member since Apr 27, 2010 Posts 28,242 Votes 41,509 Experience 16 Yrs Investments 11 28,242 Posts 41,509 Votes Nathan Gesner #2 All Forums Contributor Real Estate Broker from Cody, WY Member since Apr 27, 2010 Posts 28,242 Votes 41,509 Experience 16 Yrs Investments 11 Nathan Gesner Real Estate Broker Cody, WY 41,509 Votes | 28,242 Posts It's extra work on your part so figure out a way to cover the expense.
Any rent collecting softwares that accept zelle
Quote from @Harita Konjeti: Most of my tenants pay by zelle. Are there any softwares that I can use to collect rent online. Any recommendations ? Software is a common question on BiggerPockets. Here are some things to consider: Most investors don't need software until they have 5-10 rentals. All you need is a single place to track tenant information, payment history, maintenance, and a few other things.
Text Messaging Requirements When Someone Calls You First
Good afternoon! I am looking for insight on the following scenario. We have a telephone number for our property management business. If a potential/future tenant calls our telephone number, how are we able to compliantly respond with a text message? Example: potential tenant calls our telephone number and asks for us to text them the address of the property. Does this potential tenant need to "opt in" to receiving text messages before we text them the address?
How to get into Real Estate at age 16, and how to make money.
I am 16, and I would love to get into real estate. I am going to high school, and don't have a job, so how show I go about getting into real estate? Thanks in Advance.
Prop Management Software recommendations
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Easy Street Property Management
Remember: cheaper doesn't mean you'll make more money. You can start by going to www.narpm.org to search their directory of managers. These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics. It's no guarantee but it's a good place to start. Regardless of how you find them, try to interview at least three managers 1. Ask how many units they manage and how much experience they have. If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications. 2.
Raise rent $200 or keep good tenants?
I have a single family home for rent (3 bed, 2.5 bath), current rate is $1300, the one year lease expires in December. Rent has gone up significantly around here, and assuming no major changes, I'm confident I could rent it for $1500. The current tenants have been good, always pay early and only complain if something needs attention. I was planning to raise them to $1365 (that's 5%) until I realized I could realistically get $1500.
Renting a Furnished Home
I just bought my first investment property and the home came fully furnished. I ended up selling and getting rid of quite a few things, but theres still enough items in the home to consider it furnished. What is everyones opinion on trying to rent a furnished home vs empty?
Should I allow pet in unit
I agree with @Greg Scott, to a degree. Pets present a risk, just like tenants, kids, unmarried couples, or any other possible demographic. You should think through the potential dangers and then develop policies to mitigate that risk. If you have hardwood floors, you may be concerned about dog nails scratching it. If you have carpet, you have to worry about odors or the dog digging it up.
Security Deposit Charges
Quote from @Cara Fazio: I just had tenants move out a week ago and have incurred some significant expenses getting it cleaned and ready for new occupants. This is a class A rental that was spotless when the tenants moved in 1.5 years ago. These tenants had a large dog that was the source of most of the damage. We did our best to clean the affected areas and avoid replacement, but we ended up having to go the replacement rout after spending considerable $$ trying to clean.
Paying the rent a year up-front?
I remember reading on here that's a red-flag , potentially? This potential tenant says she's in the middle of a divorce and so her mom will pay the rent a year up front ? The lease also will be in her mom's name as otherwise my property becomes an 'asset' ?
How to Handle Renewal of Tenant's Lease
Hey BP! I wanted some opinions on how to handle this. In our househack, our tenant (who's been great) wants to renew for 6 months while adding a roommate, but the roommate wants to stay for an entire year. How should I handle this? Would you just do a 6 month lease with the tenant and the new roommate, then another 6 month lease after the original tenant moved out?
He owns homes in the area. He sees your place may be for sale and is curious. Anyone can look up an address and find the name and mailing address of the owner. A few minutes of online stalking can typically reveal personal information. Based on your description, your interaction was rude. Why do you take offense? He's an investor in the area, you are considering selling, and the guy is offering you an opportunity for an easy sale, but you act like he's assaulting you.
Should I replace the roof?
I had my roof inspected after some recent storms in the area and the roofer told me he strongly recommends I replace the roof within the next year. Although no leaks were spotted, he said that because my roof is at least 15 years old (not sure of the exact age), the asphalt shingles are rough (petrifying) and suffering heavy granular loss. He said that one more hail storm with quarter-sized hail or larger could possibly destroy any remaining granules and leaks could sprout.
Should I replace hardwood floors
Hi guys, I recently had a water damage to the kitchen/living area of townhome which I was living in. That area has hardwood floors. I called insurance and the water mitigation and repairs were done on time. My insurance company has a policy to inspect hardwood floors only after 3 months from the damage date. Upon recent re-inspection, the insurance adjuster said that the hardwood is not flat enough compared to the other areas of the living room and needs replacement.
Trouble getting renters
Quote from @Jonathan Dagerath: Hey All! I have a series of Duplexes in a growing part of downtown San Antonio and I’m having trouble renting out 4 of the units. I’m having people express interest in the units and I schedule showing with them for the units, but no one ends up moving forward. These units have been vacant now for 2 months and I'm out of ideas on how to market the units to people who will move forward.
Looking for feedback on PCS
I had a meeting with a representative from Prime Corporate Services about their tax planning and strategies. They are charging $2995 one time fee $65/month for their service. This includes but business and personal filing and I'm curious if this is high, low, or right in line with what others are seeing. I'm a rookie and I'm looking for any feedback any of you may have.
What are the rules around self-managing?
Here in WI, as in most US states, you need a broker's license in order to manage other people's properties. But you can, ofc, manage your own. What does 'your own' mean when there are entities involved? What does 'manage' mean here? Clearly, you can pay some people for some things. What are the limits? If I own 2+ LLCs that own rental properties, and I wanted to self-manage, I assume that I can do that on behalf of each of the LLCs because I own them?
Rent our paid-off house or sell and purchase a rental property?
I am 37 and currently live in a home that is worth 500k and is fully paid off. I am planning to purchase and move into my next house of $650k. We have more than enough for the down payment. Would it be better to: -keep the house which is fully paid off and rent it. Use the rental income to help pay off the mortgage of the new house. -sell the paid off house, pay off the new purchase then purchase a different house and have a mortgage on the rental?
Remote Investing: How to know if the property is in good shape?
Nathan Gesner #2 All Forums Contributor Real Estate Broker from Cody, WY Member since Apr 27, 2010 Posts 28,242 Votes 41,507 Experience 16 Yrs Investments 11 28,242 Posts 41,507 Votes Nathan Gesner #2 All Forums Contributor Real Estate Broker from Cody, WY Member since Apr 27, 2010 Posts 28,242 Votes 41,507 Experience 16 Yrs Investments 11 Nathan Gesner Real Estate Broker Cody, WY 41,507 Votes | 28,242 Posts Quote from @Brad Brazier: If I'm wanting to buy a property on the other side of the...
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