Know what you want

Let us say you want to trim some trees, cleanup the lawn, repair some roofs, or redo the kitchen, you can get competitive prices from different service companies if you list down what your really want or the specifications of the job.

Details about the project will not really give you one price but somehow know what is wild pricing from those which are reasonable enough. Service providers or contractors can bid and quote you more accurately if you can start the deal with the details that you want to see at the end of the project.

So make sure you have a complete plan and specs before asking for bids.

Invitation letter

Send out bid invitations and detail what you want to see on the contractors’ bid. Let everyone know of the deadline, format, details about submission, and any contact person whom they can ask.

General Conditions

Aside from the pricing, there are other details to consider which may affect your project. Some stuff like working hours , insurance, quality checks, and cleaning among others.

Quality bidders

Know which bidders to compare. You cannot compare a big contractor with its own office with a door to door handyman who can do the job with the help of some workers or friends. Do a background check and know what projects they worked for before. Ask for references so you can be confident that the person or company you are hiring can do the job they are supposed to do.

For example, you do not need a third party for courier, express mail and other administrative services; typically this is where the room for cost reductions comes into play.  You also want to ensure that you get a zero-point option for your interest rate.

This of course depends on your credit score, if you have good credit – this is definitely something that will help.

For one, you want to make sure that you shop around for the lender that you are going to be using.  While most lenders are pretty interested in getting your business, you want to make sure that you are going with the right lender.

In the next blog, we will talk about how a third party can actually cost you a lot of money!

In many cases, such as with closing and escrow, you can rely on a good property attorney instead. No matter what, do not ever let the real estate agent choose your attorney. There are no exceptions to this rule; your attorney needs to be totally on your side.

You can never really get guaranteed impartiality with a real estate agent, so it might be a good idea to talk to people you know about agents with whom they have worked, so you can at least get a solid recommendation.

The real estate agent might be depending on a commission generated by the selling or renting of the place in which you are interested. Thus, he or she might be tempted to pressure you into making a choice too quickly, before you really have time to think about it.

You see, there are so many things to consider when choosing a real estate agent, so many things you need to do to make sure you are totally protected.

This website is amazing for anyone who is not used to being a landlord.  You can set up payments, allow your tenants to have access to the database to request repairs – which you will be able to track.  Tracking everything that you fix or do for your tenants is very, very important … as you can probably see from shows like Judge Judy.

Being a landlord is not all that difficult, you just have to be organized and make sure that you truly know what you are doing!

However, do you know exactly what is entailed in becoming a landlord?  I didn’t until I became one and I have some advice to share with you within the next few blogs.

Firstly, you need to make sure that you have a screening for your tenants.  You always want to make sure that your tenants are something that are going to be very, very close to you and honestly – they are going to be living in your space unattended.

In the next blog, we will talk about pricing and how you can keep track of those repairs that you do to the house.

For instance, if you have had previous landlords who allowed your pets, have them write a letter of reference, attesting to the fact that you took care of the animals, that they did not damage the property, and that you were fully responsible regarding any mishaps.

Have your vet write a reference letter as well, describing your diligence in the medical care you provide for your pet, especially if your pet has been spayed or neutered — sometimes landlords prefer that.

If the owner of a property you love does not allow pets, ask why. If it is due to a bad experience with a former tenant, you may be able to prove that you will not make the same mistakes.

If you are conscientious, if you are responsible, if you are patient, and if you make the time to plan, it never has to be an option.

Going into this endeavor, however, you have to remember that some minds will not be changed. You may not be able to talk every potential renter into letting you have pets.

That way you can clear it on up and your credit score will improve so much.  After your debt is cleared up, apply for one more credit card and pay the balance on it every single month.  This will not only improve your credit score, but it will ensure that you are trust-worthy.

Dealing with credit is something that is difficult, however you can absolutely clear up your credit score and debt in no time at all with some dedication!