Still Waiting

Another 10-day Ad went into paper today. This is my last try with them and then I'll go with a Realtor. The Ad has an eye-catcher so I hope more people see it and call.
I got 2 calls from Rental Agencies, but nothing else yet.

NO RENTERS YET!

OK - I've spent about $250 on Ads in three papers in three weeks and I have not had any calls?! I also posted my listing to local newsgroups and internet resource lists.

October mortgage is due next week. I hope that I can get a renter soon.

Everything looks good: new ceiling fan, screens are in place, cleaned up, etc.

Who are you?

The carpet guys are coming tomorrow. Cool!

I did get one call on the toll free number yesterday. Some woman called, then said she was not calling for herself but was a service that put renters and landlords together - at no charge to the landlord. She asked about my property, etc.

After I hung up I became concerned that she is obligating me to soemthing I didnt sign up for...Why would someone pay her $150 to find a place when all she does is go through the Newspaper Ads? I hope she realizes that I still have my own screening process and I WILL reject someone who doesn't qualify regardless of what they paid her. Not sure what the real deal is here...

No Messages

So I have an 888 number with a detailed recording about the condo where tenant prospects can leave a message. I ran a $120 ad over the 5-day weekend (labor day) and got just three calls, of which no one left a message. I checked the paper, and the ad went in correctly. I lookes at the other rentals in the same complex or general area and my rent was right where it should be I felt... There were quite a few that were higher, and only a few that were lower, but did not have the same amenities. I think it is better to get someone in, and do marginal rent increases each year. Most landlords I noticed never raise their rents. There are people living in these condos for 8 years and are still paying $695!

Anyway - I'm a little nervous about not getting any messages. After thinking about it though, it may be that the first week of the month no one is really looking for a new place. I think most people wait until the 2nd half (last minute) of the month. I may try again after my trip and see what happens.

I am also going to hand out mini-flyers to local businesses and see if they will let me hang them up. There is an open house on the 19th.

Paint is Done - Carpet is Expensive

The paint was done by an older couple who did the entire condo in a few hours. It looks much better. I used Sherwin-Williams Pearly White. I also cleaned and did a bunch of other stuff to make it look presentable. There is still a funky odor upstairs in the carpet. The carpet guy comes at 4pm.

The kitchen light is wired into a square outlet box, so I'm not sure I can use that to install a ceiling fan -- don't want to hire an electrician at this point. It seems very sturdy, but may not be a big enough box.

Carpet guy shows up at 4pm (this is supposed to be the cheapest place in town) and it turns out that I can't afford to do the downstairs - I'll just have to do the upstairs for now. I will need to make a note to find a cheaper place for next time.

Sign Stolen!

I put up a For Rent sign at the entrance to the condo complex. It was taken within 2 hours by the management association. Their policy is "No Signs." I would have known that if they sent me a package of their by-laws. I am not hopeful about the HOA as it is since the first day at the condo I got a letter from other residents asking me to join their "Complain about the HOA club"... I'll pass for now.

CLOSED!

I am now the proud owner of a condo. Now I have to get a tenant by October 1st or pay the mortgage! Here are the activities I will be doing in the next week or two:

* Get it painted
* Get new carpet (? if I can afford it)
* Get an Ad in paper
* Clean it and do a few odds and ends like hang shower curtain
* Look into a ceiling fan for kitchen
* Build window screens since they are required to get a C.O.

Here are the items I bought for the condo so far:
-- Fire Extinguisher
-- Plunger
-- Faucet aerator
-- Shower curtains and rod
-- Carpet Fresh
-- 2 For Rent signs