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I can do that..it's up to the moderators to decide whether it should be a sticky however.
FYI: Realtors will say anything to close a deal, because it is the only way to get paid. NEVER use a broker..they don't cae about you or the type of tenant they put into your property..they get paid and you never hear from them again and then it is your problem. I live in an area notorious for housing projects and crime (The "South Bronx"), and I have no problem getting young, educated, middle class tenants with high disposable incomes..usually roommates. Secondly, never accept locals...you are setting yourself up for epic failure...because they will bring all the garbage from the community into your home..when you are in these types of communities, you want to keep that crap outside, and best to target outsiders who will not be involved with, or have any interest in, the "local element."
I hope you make the right decisions, cuz once they are in, that is it.
You also might consider asking potential renters to supply names and phone numbers for previous landlords. The current landlords information should be taken with a grain of salt, as he will tell you anything to get them out if they are a problem. The landlord prior to the current one is who you want to talk to to get the real skinny on your prospects.
The problem with that strategy is that nobody is ever going to give you a reference that doesn't speak highly of them...it's useless. You can only go by the legal info (pay stubs, bank statements, credit reports) as well as your gut instincts, ask the right questions..how do they respond? How they speak to each other and you? How are they dressed? How do they walk? All of these involuntary cues are the key...
Sobroguy, hilltopjay Why don't both your guys create a sticky on the nyc for land lording in nyc? You both have a lot good information and experience for new land lorders. Many nyc property owners could benefit from your info.
I agree, your advice has been immensely helpful, my last question is, do you advise an amended boilerplate lease agreement (ie , something off nolo that I amend to my needs) for the month to month or should I use a lawyer ?
The problem with that strategy is that nobody is ever going to give you a reference that doesn't speak highly of them...it's useless. You can only go by the legal info (pay stubs, bank statements, credit reports) as well as your gut instincts, ask the right questions..how do they respond? How they speak to each other and you? How are they dressed? How do they walk? All of these involuntary cues are the key...
Yea how they walk is much more important than speaking to their prior landlord...
Yea how they walk is much more important than speaking to their prior landlord...
Actually, you can really tell quite a bit about someone from their posture and their walk. Especially in NYC where there are some people who have this funny kind of limping swagger when they walk. This kind of limping swagger thing indicates to me that the person has a background I wouldn't want to be associated with.
There is also a walk that some urban people do (usually men) that is some kind of walking from side to side thing, as opposed to walking normally. It's hard for me to describe, but it's kind of like when they walk, their whole body including the shoulder will go to one side, and then to the other. This is opposed to someone walking normally who would have a more forward movement and less side-to-side.
This side to side walk also indicates to me that the person has grown up in a rough neighborhood.
I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, but this is what I have observed.
Actually, you can really tell quite a bit about someone from their posture and their walk. Especially in NYC where there are some people who have this funny kind of limping swagger when they walk. This kind of limping swagger thing indicates to me that the person has a background I wouldn't want to be associated with.
There is also a walk that some urban people do (usually men) that is some kind of walking from side to side thing, as opposed to walking normally. It's hard for me to describe, but it's kind of like when they walk, their whole body including the shoulder will go to one side, and then to the other. This is opposed to someone walking normally who would have a more forward movement and less side-to-side.
This side to side walk also indicates to me that the person has grown up in a rough neighborhood.
I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, but this is what I have observed.
Yea those funny, limping, swagger walkers cant be trusted. This is the guy that you want to rent to;
Yea those funny, limping, swagger walkers cant be trusted. This is the guy that you want to rent to;
I made a valid point. It's ok if you don't agree. I'm not really into British humor so I only watched a few seconds of the video before turning it off. I'm not sure how a British comedy with a laughtrack that shows a guy with a tall hat walking in an extremely ridiculous, exaggerated manner for the tv camera has anything to do with NYC, and in particular, a landlord screening NYC tenants.
I agree, your advice has been immensely helpful, my last question is, do you advise an amended boilerplate lease agreement (ie , something off nolo that I amend to my needs) for the month to month or should I use a lawyer ?
I got my attorney to draft mine up. Its almost 30 pages long! Very detailed. Has pictures of the apartment as well as a move-in inspection report which the tenant signs.
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