BDF Realty’s Blog

“You think ‘Rent-To-Sell’ is the best way to sell in this economy? Why is it better than just listing my home for sale?” (Skeptical Charlotte Home Seller) “My son will have a date to that darn prom if it is the last thing I do…” (Rueful rallying cry from the father of “Ugly Kid”) A father had a problem. Rather it was his son’s problem, but he couldn’t stomach the thought that his offspring...

“Oh, I wish a buyer would buy my house now…” (Many anxious Charlotte home sellers) “Oh, I wish I could buy a house right now…” (Many anxious Charlotte renters) Retailers are getting a really bad rap these days. Their sales figures are low, profit margins are terrible (they have to discount everything to move it), many are going into bankruptcy, and Wall Street is punishing their stocks.

“The real estate market is coming back!! Did you see the news last night? The Fed and Obama say the recession is over. They’ll be buyers for my house in no time!” (Charlotte Landlord) “…When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the...

“I’ve had my home listed with my real estate agent forever! I didn’t figure it would sell in this market, but he has it up for rental and rent-to-own as well on MLS. Still, there are no takers yet. What gives???” (Charlotte Landlord) Dennis Rodman was one of the most prolific rebounders in NBA history, a 2-Time All-NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and an integral member of five...

“If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” (Johnnie Cochran- OJ’s lawyer) “If the tenant doesn’t submit (payment), you must evict?” (Anxious Landlords) From a drama perspective, OJ Simpson’s (first) trial was great theater. It had a thrilling beginning (who could forget the white Bronco chase on the interstate?) and it immediately captured the nation’s attention. The story was televised...

“No, we will never allow pets in our rental home! They are destructive, the arch-enemy of nice carpet, and borderline evil. In fact, my Uncle Jeb’s ex-wife got a dog and ran away with Fido 6 months later!” OK- this conversation might not have happened. McDonalds’s stock in the mid-1980’s was struggling

“I know the market rent is $1,195/month, but I need to bring in at least $1,300. Can’t we list my home at $1,400/month?” Allen Stanford, the founder of the now disgraced Stanford Financial, had a fail-safe method on how to bring new clients into his firm.

“When I used to rent my property out, we had tenants in it paying $1,495/month. You have it listed for $1,195/month. What’s wrong with you?” First of all, if things were so rosy in $1,495/month self-management land, I don’t think you would be talking to a property manager. But I already digress…

“Rental Denial” is costly! And why your daughter may not be as good-looking as you think…

Worried Charlotte landlords are asking, “How do we keep the rental cash flow coming in? My tenant’s lease expires in a few months and I don’t have the cash to spare for the mortgage payments if they leave. What to do?” The answer lies in the timeless story of true love. Much like a tearful Val Kilmer in the movie, “Heat”, when his wife is about to leave him says, “I can’t let her go. My sun...