Paul

Real Estate Investing

Every now and then I get asked a question that I'd like to answer and bring to all the membership. I got the following question from Marie M. In California:

Hi Paul, I'm finding that I am having to evict more people for nonpayment of rent than ever before. What are you doing with this issue?

Well, Marie, I'm seeing this very problem myself, and from what I hear many other investors are as well. We're still seeing job losses and in some places rents have increased faster than incomes and people are still getting in over their heads. I had a big pow wow with my rental managers and asked what was the big factor, if any, for the tenants not paying (other than an actual job loss). And what we found was the ratio of income to rent payment was the deciding factor. Go to the archive section from my homepage www.pauljdacosta.com and read the October 2011 newsletter; I go into full detail there. You'll see that income was the deciding factor, even more than background checks or credit reports.

Marie, hope this helps, if you'd like, give me a call and we can discuss further.

It's that time again for our northern friends to get their homes ready for the winter. If you have not had your furnace checked out yet do it now before everyone else thinks about it and the price goes up. If you have tenants in your rentals get the furnace checked as well.  With the increased cost of oil this winter they are going to spend more keeping their home warm. And the more efficient the heating system the less they spend and the better chance that you get the rent paid on time. You know if they have to choose between a warm place for the kids and you getting your rent on time, you lose!

Last issue for the month: how many of you are using QR codes in your marketing? I have been using them and have been getting great results.

Check out the one I have

for you here. It's easy,

and you can send almost

anything. Go to QRBLASTER .com and start yours today.

I hope you have a great month and call if I can help you. Paul