Brevard County Real Estate Investing

by Sandy Shores, Brevard County FL Realtor & Landlord

321-253-4545

I have been investing in Brevard County Real Estate since 1996.  I buy, sell, rent, own and manage investment property here in Melbourne Florida.

I write blogs and post articles to them on a regular basis. Many of the investing articles that I write are based on my experiences as a landlord. Some experiences have been great, others have been not so desirable.  But, that's part of the business. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't learn something new. That's what I love about the investment end of the business.

Favorable Investor Guidelines From Fannie Mae According to the Florida Association of Realtors, investors can now own 5 to ten properties, instead of only up to four.

Things Aren't Always What they Seem at this Time of Year My phone seems to be ringing off the hook the last two weeks. But beware, a this time of year the calls coming in seem to be a little bit different, than at other times of year.

Rent to Tenants with Blemishes on Their Credit? You Bet! As a landlord would you rent to tenants with blemished on their credit, especially in light of the recent changes the real estate market has been going through?

Communication is Key in Dealing with Non Paying Tenants I recently wrote an article about my friend, who has had tenants renting from him, that haven't paid him rent in over 5 months.  Well, here's an update...

Tenant Security Deposits Can Be A Sticky Situation Florida landlords and tenants must be sure they understand the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Florida Statutes Chapter 83.  The law is very specific about the proper handling of a tenant's deposit...

Landlords, Do you Allow CoSigners on Your Leases? I got a call yesterday.  The polite young man was interested in a house that I currently have for rent. He indicated that he was looking for a place for himself.  He had previously rented a room from some friends, but really had no credit history.  Based on his current income, he didn't make enough money to cover the rent and utilities. He explained that he could have someone co sign the lease for him...

Tenants will Be Allowed to Stay in Some Foreclosed Properties Fannie Mae has been working on new policies for landlords in foreclosure.  The majority of time, in the past, a tenant was evicted from a property in the event of a foreclosure. They were forced to leave, often forfeiting a security deposit and last month's rent.  Even if they were current on their rent payments, which was the case, more often than not.  And, they didn't have any recourse...

His Tenants Have Been Living Rent Free for Over 5 Months Now  A dear friend of mine called me the other day to tell me that he has to get rid of his tenants.  They have not paid the rent in over 5 months now - OUCH! This friend knows that he is much more tolerant than I am of a nonpaying tenant...

Landlords and Property Managers - Do you Take Partial Rent Payments from Your Tenants I have seen the current economy take it's toll on some of my tenants here in Brevard County Florida.  A couple have been laid off. Some have had hours cut at work, Some have lost their jobs.  Good things happen to good people.  Some have less than desirable spending habits.  Regardless, of what the issue is...some rents, from some tenants, are becoming a bit more difficult to collect...

Should you Rent to Tenants with Pets? As a landlord or property manager, do you allow pets in your rentals?  For me, the answer to this question  depends on the rental and the type of pet.  Over 3/4 of my current tenants have a dog or cat.  Personally, I prefer dogs to cats.  But, I allow pets on a case by case basis.  I typically charge a pet fee of at least $150 to $200, upon signing of the lease, depending on the pet...

Landlord Steals Tenant's Identity and Ruins his Credit - What? Today we are hearing that identity theft is on the rise.  Yesterday I read an article in our local paper about a landlord and prior tenant that had a dispute over $200 in back rent...

Landlords Holding out For Higher Rent May Get you Less Than You Bargained For We see them all the time houses for rent 2, 3, 4 and 5 months and sometimes even longer. Some landlords are holding out for the "big bucks".  I have heard the same thing on many occasions, oh,"I've got to have 'x' amount of money per month to rent this place. I'm looking for the big bucks...

Are Current and Past Landlords an Accurate Source of Information for Screening Purposes?  In screening perspective tenants for rental properties, do you call current or previous landlords for references? Often times it can prove to be an exercise in futility. On the other hand, sometimes it can open a pandora's box of information...

Investors - Single family or Multi Family Properties? Investors always ask what kind of property they should buy. Many start the business thinking that a multi unit building is their best bet.  My recommendation to them is to start with a single family house...

Landlords - Do you Collect Last Month's Rent Upfront?  Be Careful if You Do! I see rentals advertised all over town.  Move in with first, last, and security deposit.  Hmmm.  That's a lot of money.  How many people can afford to do this?  But, does the landlord understand what they're really asking for? Not always...

I Could Have Bought That House 20 Years Ago for Dirt Cheap Don't we always hear the old saying that... Hindsight is 20/20? Hindsight allows us the experience of seeing things crystal clearly, since they've already happened! We can always look back at what happened in the past...

Landlords - Do you Take Move in and Move Out Pictures? A couple of days ago I met my new tenant at one of our rental houses here in Melbourne Florida.  She was bringing me the balance of the move in money.  It was time to have her to sign the lease and I was giving her the keys to her new house..

Reality TV and Real Estate - A Distorted View of Reality. Over the past several years we have seen Reality TV shows about every type of real estate imaginable...

Landlords, You're Gambling with Your Money In today’s tight times it is becoming increasing difficult for tenants to come up with the first month’s rent and security deposit to move into a rental. Some landlords also require last month's rent for move in...

MORE OF MY BREVARD COUNTY REAL ESTATE INVESTING ARTICLES