If the look at the crime data across the USA, basically all major cities have crime rates well above national average.The areas with that are below national average are generally the small suburban towns.Florida is recognised as a good place for investment currently. Literally every neighborhood in Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville has double…[Read more]

Yes I noticed that. When I look at what the various companies out there are offering I just thought 'scary' and no wonder why there is a bad reputation assosiated with investing in US real estate among some.

Furthermore it would be appreciated if any replies to the above query were outlined as if addressing a primary school student. Yes I'm not joking.

I would like to add thanks to Jay who has also helped me.I can safely say two things-He has the soundest, most reliable knowledge of anyone out there.He is extremely generous with his time.If there was a medal of honour awarded for good service in international real estate, Jay would be the worthy recipient.

I paid the dues every six months in advance by check. I also emailed to confirm they were receiving the funds but no one ever replied (the funds were debited from my account so I assumed the HOA was receiivng it).It was from the very same email address that I was writing to that came the invoice for me to pay the $1000 in unpaid fines though.

To put an end to the story I sold all 3 properties at a profit of $50,000. However then you have to minus the $20,000 that the con artist tradesman stole which brings the profit down to $30,000. At the end of the day I came out on top but there is still a con man walking around continuing to rip people off on an ongoing basis.

WI Thanks; I was already thinking about Atlanta.

Why are there so many rude people on this forum ie ‘The Freckle’. People seem to think that they can hide behind their computer and come out with outlandish statements to make them self feel better or something.

Yeah I feel like my whole life is real estate. Now I’m spending all day everyday looking at houses online and organizing inspections. To state the obvious; real estate in Sydney inner city is expensive. It’s ironic you can rent a house for 6 months for the same price it costs to buy one is the US.

Yep you’re right on Terryw. Some people in the comments above did suggest following through with the matter legally. But ultimately you are correct that there’s nothin’ to stop the owner from selling. And one can’t expect to inconvenience the buyer who wants to take occupancy of their new house.

Terryw no I didn’t read the lease when I signed it. I assumed it was a standard NSW tenancy agreement based on the conditions that were already agreed upon via email. The email which approved my application said 12 months. The lease does in fact only state 6 months after I checked it. I usually double check all the terms and conditions before I…[Read more]

I would say I am an ‘over trusting people’. I can’t see any capacity in this situation how I could be blamed??

Thanks for that; nice comment. To clarify, I've made money overall and come out on top. A lot of first timers come out with a loss.And I bought properties at bottom of the barrel prices that are likely to be worth a lot more in 10 years time, whilst I still have monthly income from rent. I was scammed once because I let emotion interfere and h…[Read more]

I thought I should add further criteria that I usually try to stick to–Minimum 3 bedroom-Brick construction-No more than 20 years old-No HOA-Not a crime ridden neighbourhood.I’m thinking of buying in Florida again and engaging the same PM I have there who are extremely professional. The desire to branch out and try new cities is very alluring too.

Lawsjs I have definitely avoided HOA where possible. But you can’t buy a condo without a HOA- at least to my knowledge anyway. And with the low property taxes on the condos, the extra money you pay on the HOA equates to about the same as property taxes on a SFR anyway.
I have probably over estimated when I stated the PMs are getting 10%…[Read more]

Who the hell is Steve and can I have his number???

lawsjs wrote:
Owning your own will obviously get you a bigger return and 5-6 of these will get you a very good salary for the rest of your life – but you hold the can.

I would say you need about 20 investment properties to bring in a ‘very good salary’.I currently only have 3 properties bringing in anything.After I pay for HOA, taxes and man…[Read more]

I appreciate your wisdom and I fully agree with negotiating with many deals in life but not in this situation. If I were even slightly in the wrong I’d feel happy to pay a small amount but I cannot be blamed for being at fault at all wouldn’t you say? I was frustrated enough that I’d never been able to get in contact with them and my emails were…[Read more]

When I looked up home owners association on Wikipedia I read some startling information. They can apparently start adding interest to the amount and then they place a lien on your house. They’ve even forced some owners into foreclosure. It’s very scary. I prefer to sort it out ASAP. I feel the issue and the way it has unfolded to be unfair and unjust.

Please kindly consider accepting this tenant and their pet dog. I had a Labrador for over and decade and I can testify that they are generally fine indoor pets.The two major considerations are toilet issues and hair, which may lead to odour problems.As long as the owner is responsible and takes the dog out to go the toilet, there shouldn’t be a…[Read more]