Pushing Forward Against the Current
I am making progress I think...maybe...I hope. It feels like 2 steps forward and 2 steps back. My post from a few weeks ago is no longer #1 on Google but it is still #1 or high on other search engines like Bing and Yahoo.
I wrote a new post on pets and coronavirus which does not rank well at all on Google but went to #1 on the others.
Last night I was about to go home from work when I saw someone had sent me a message asking if they could see the apatment we are trying to rent at the 6-plex we manage. It was late but we have to get it rented so I agreed to meet them there and show it. I went early to do some more cleaning. They were very interested and filled out the application right there and paid the application fee. They were hoping move in today. We have to run background checks and call references first. That is not going well. They said the man owned a local business. I checked the state's business licenses and he does not own the business. I found the name of the person who does own the business (actually 3 shops around town) and tried to call him. Each of the shops I called said he was not there and that I should call a different one. I tried numerous times and found him on Facebook and sent a message. I still have not heard back. I asked if he had a cell phone. He does but they will not give out the number. We really want to get it rented but saying you own a business when you don't is kind of a problem!
The other inquiries on the apartment are pretty sketchy. The good qualty renters who have come to look all say they like the unit but they are worried about the location. It is a very dangerous part of the city with a high crime rate. The last renter we got there has been pretty bad. She is late on the rent every single month and often short. She makes a high salary but seems to blow her money. I have stood there talking to her while her husband is ripping the price tags off all their new purchases. They items are stacking up in piles covering almost all of the floor in the apartment. Framed paintings, endless toys for their daughter and whatever else. They have a nice TV, they both have jobs, they both have vehicles, they go out to eat, she has her hair dyed and nails done...yet they will never pay the rent on time or in full. They think if they pay the late fee then they can pay whenever and whatever they want. There is an endless string of stories every month about why they don't have the money. I have learned the sob stories are often lies. I wanted to give her a chance since she seemed to be someone who was turning her life around at first.
I am happy to accept someone who may have some blemishes in the past but it is hard when they just keep lying to you. They smoke pot inside though they signed the lease saying they would not. They have pets when they signed the lease saying they didn't.
Anyway, I don't know where things will end up with these new people. Hopefully tomorrow I can reach the owner of the shop and find out if this guy really works there.
On a more positive note, I have had 19 sales so far this month from Amazon. Yay! Not bad for the first week of February. I hope I can keep the momentum up.
It is hard to feel upbeat after all the sickness and death around us lately.
Recent Comments
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Good afternoon Jessica,
I have no problem with people who tell you straight away they are having problems.
I do not like people who lie.
Super you had so many sales already, well done.
Greetings from the south of Spain,
Taetske
You're in my prayers, Jessica! 🙏🙏. I did the "landlord" thing in the mid nineties, so I feel your pain--was out of that business foray by the 2000s.
Thanks Jeff! Our own building here has been great. It is a very different community however and attracts great renters. Location, location, location.
That's good to know, Jessica--I'd hate to think that you had to deal with bad tenants on top of everything else!
Sorry you are going through this enormous stressful time Jessica:) I hope you will find closure and comfort in the weeks ahead.
Kaju
Thank you Kaju. It has been one of those times when it seems impossible for so many people close to us to have so many struggles and illnesses.
Thanks Kaju. I didn't want to repeat it all here since I spent the last two posts explaining all the problems and deaths my friends and family are facing.
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I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Unfortunately (or fortunate for you, however you look at it), I have heard much worse horror stories on renting, and for that reason I have stayed away.
Stick with concentrating on the good. 19 sales at this time a year is great! And remember, spring is just around the corner, and things will get better.
Bless you Swangirl.
Thanks. We own and manage another building in a different community and it is the opposite situation. All our renters pay in full, on time and we never even have to say a word. It is a military community and all the renters have been great. Location really is everything in real estate!
I am thrilled with the sales. i hope they continue and I am thrilled with the longer days coming.
I always like to concentrate on the good. I do know others that have never had problems with renters; unfortunately I haven't been one of them.
Yes, location is everything in real estate, and am glad you have a great building to make up for any bad in the other building.
I have followed you for some time, but only recently became a premium member where I can respond to your posts. I have been to your website, and as a cat lover, I truly enjoy it.
Your professionalism shows in your website, and I'm sure it will help your sales grow!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. I learned a lot doing my last post on coronaviruses in pets.
I look forward to to seeing more posts from you here and hope you are doing well on your website.