House #1: Tenant and House #2

House #1: Tenant

So, I get a call at work yesterday from the tenant of House #1 - the same tenant who seems to always have an excuse to get me the rent check a few hours before its late (and was even late the first time). I was in a meeting, so I had to let it go to VM. He just said to "call me back" on the VM, so I thought maybe he found a house and wanted to move out. Unfortunately, it was just the opposite. I called him back and he said that he is having a hard time getting financed (surprise!) and that people are telling him he needs to wait another year or two to improve his credit. Therefore, he asked if at the end of this lease term if he could sign a NEW lease for ONE YEAR. Before I could answer, he said he realized I wanted to sell the house, and if that's still the case he'd understand. I told him my wife and I were deadset on selling it, but I'd talk to her again about it and get back with him. Later, I told my wife, and she said she knew this would happen to the guy based on his dealings with us. We also agreed that regardless of this guy's situation, we would still be selling the house anyway. So, I'll call him later today to tell him the bad news.

House #2

I saw a posting in our local REI club message board about and agent that has a client looking for owner financing in the area where House #2 is located, so I sent her an email with the property's info. She replied back saying the guy has a green card (hmmmm) and is planning to get married soon. Due to a problem (supposedly not his own) about a vehicle getting repo'd last year, his credit stinks. She also said he has steady income and his soon-to-be wife has a steady job, too. I asked her what they could afford per month, and she said $1,000, but didn't say what all that entails. I sent her an email back saying the $1,000 would probably only cover the loan payment, and he/they would need to come up with another $325+ per month for property taxes and insurance. I'm still waiting on an answer.

Also, when I was over at the place last weekend, I noticed weeds starting to crop-up all over the yard, sidewalk, and driveway. My agent mentioned there was an "odor" in the house now, too, which I could smell. It's almost like the warmer weather and stagnant air inside has exacerbated the carpet smell. It isn't heavy, but definately noticeable when you walk in. So, this weekend I need to pull yard duty on the house PLUS try to get the smell nuetralized. I called a carpet cleaning company, too, and set up an appointment for NEXT weekend in case I can't get rid of the smell myself. A coworker suggested just spraying Febreeze in the air and on the carpet, which I may try. I might also try carpet deoderizer and vacuuming, too. We'll see.