I really do not know how you do it. If I could get a dollar every time someone said this to me, I may not have to do it. Being a landlord that is. Truth be told, it really isn’t that hard. What it is is incredibly stressful and heart hardening. Yes, you need a very...
Melissa Swanson
Private landlords. Why are so many tenants seeking them?
I am often asked if I have rental vacancies or if I know of any other private landlords that may have units available. My first question is why are you seeking a “private landlord” and what exactly does that mean to you? A “private landlord” is the owner of the...
So little time yet so many thoughts have changed
It has been a while since I sat down to write. My life as a landlord has been a complete chaotic mess in the last 60 days. I purchased my duplexes in Hidden Valley and built two because I knew there was a need for affordable and workforce housing. I wanted to bring in...
Should we be forced to accept housing vouchers? The other side of the coin
As many of you know I am a housing provider for Inlivian (Section 8). I read the article yesterday in the Charlotte Observer, “Developers Taking Public Funds Should Accept Rent Vouchers-CEO of Inlivian states.” I would like to agree with the article but I cannot. I...
Why I Accept Vouchers (Section 8) and Rent To Nonprofits
People ask me all the time why I rent my homes to the Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV) or to local nonprofits. Trust me I ask myself why sometimes as well. There are a couple of reasons why it works for me. First let’s discuss what the voucher program and...
Lessons Learned Building New Construction and The Special Date of August 3
August 3-the sign of the loyal Leo. It is a special day for me and has been for the past 23 years. I started my catering business on August 3, 1998 (which I sold in 2018). Martha Stewart was born on August 3 (I always felt that was a bit nostalgic considering she...
For the Love (or not) of Real Estate
I made a comment in one of my first blog posts that I have never absolutely loved any house I owned. I was questioned by a friend about this statement and she asked if that really were true.
Tenant Occupied Real Estate
Purchasing tenant occupied real estate can be a smart move for an investor whether you manage your own property or not. There are pros and cons…
Property Management – manage myself or hire someone?
Do you want to explore investing in real estate but you are not sure if you want to be a landlord? Well let’s just face it whether you actively manage your properties or if you hire a property manager you will be considered a landlord. What you are not sure of is if...
The CDC Eviction Moratorium Explained
Crazy and unknown times are still prevailing. Because of the moratorium ordered by the Center for Disease Control (strange I know) I have had a client…