C Class - Woman owned (by Tris1968 [OH]) Feb 24, 2018 6:38 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Richard [MI]) Feb 24, 2018 6:54 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by WMH [NC]) Feb 24, 2018 7:20 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Vee [OH]) Feb 24, 2018 7:22 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by NE [PA]) Feb 24, 2018 7:27 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Robin [WI]) Feb 24, 2018 7:44 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Still Learning [NH]) Feb 24, 2018 7:49 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Nicole [PA]) Feb 24, 2018 8:04 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Amy [MO]) Feb 24, 2018 8:22 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by cjl [NY]) Feb 24, 2018 8:25 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by AllyM [NJ]) Feb 24, 2018 8:31 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Robert J [CA]) Feb 24, 2018 9:26 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by RB [MI]) Feb 24, 2018 9:40 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by J [FL]) Feb 24, 2018 10:28 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Feb 24, 2018 10:32 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by don [PA]) Feb 24, 2018 11:34 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Frank [NJ]) Feb 24, 2018 11:38 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by Ne [PA]) Feb 24, 2018 12:11 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by LindaJ [NY]) Feb 24, 2018 2:16 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by cjo'h [CT]) Feb 24, 2018 2:21 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by cjo'h [CT]) Feb 24, 2018 2:27 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by MJ [OH]) Feb 24, 2018 2:36 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by NC INVESTOR [NC]) Feb 24, 2018 4:09 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by Gail K [GA]) Feb 24, 2018 8:15 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by Britt [NC]) Feb 25, 2018 1:12 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by John2 [MI]) Feb 25, 2018 2:52 AM
C Class - Woman owned (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Feb 26, 2018 11:32 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by Ray-N_Pa [PA]) Mar 1, 2018 7:36 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by RentsDue [MA]) Mar 1, 2018 8:02 PM
C Class - Woman owned (by Tris1968 [OH]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 6:38 AM Message:
With the extremely low inventory, I've begun looking at properties in C-Class neighborhoods.
I (a middle aged woman) will be doing most of the demo, repair and cleaning work by myself. My other properties are mainly in B to B- (LOL) neighborhoods.
My question to other female owners is: Should I be concerned about being alone in the home while working?
I realize that precautions need to be made no matter where you own properties, but also don't want to be fearful any time I'm working at the house.
Thoughts? Things I should consider?
--174.104.xxx.x |
C Class - Woman owned (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 6:54 AM Message:
Carry a gun for self protection. Keep doors locked. If you are nervous have others there with you.
Scammers, thieves, etc will walk in on you, especially in C and D areas. They use questions like is this place for rent? Do you need help while they are If you are alone or if there's something to steal. Do not let them inside.
Keep your vehicle locked.
Just normal cautions. --96.94.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 7:20 AM Message:
I agree with doors locked. People have walked in on my husband when he is working on a unit, no knock just walk in. They "knew the former owner" or "Is this for rent?" or "I'm the neighbor next door." Etc. No one nefarious yet but if nothing else, they DO keep chatting, interrupting his work flow. Hard to get rid of some of them. --50.82.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 7:22 AM Message:
I suggest newspapers on the windows and if you don't carry yet you better get started soon, anything can happen in any hood. --76.188.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 7:27 AM Message:
I'm 6'4" 275 and I lock the doors behind me and carry a pistol.
Arm yourself and get trained how to defend yourself. Lock the doors behind you.
I have all sorts of grades of units and have worked for other investors in ghettos in philly and reading
Pa. (Reading is BAD!). You'll be ok.
Another thing I do after showing units is check the window locks and door locks incase they plan on moving in after dark.
Arrive early for showings and get the lights on and stay outside while they view the units. --50.32.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 7:44 AM Message:
I've done this many times with no problems. I always lock the vehicle and always lock the doors. Never, never hire anyone off the street. Keep the windows covered so nobody can see in. Put a couple of lights on timers. Have contractors coming and going. Put a big muddy pair of workboots outside the front door. You might consider hiring some cheap labor for the grunt work--it makes a lot more sense financially than doing it all yourself, and it's just good sense to have someone else around in case you fall off a ladder. I go around and introduce myself to the neighbors and give them my business card. I should probably do this with my 6'3" husband, come to think of it...
I don't personally carry a gun, but I suspect six years of martial arts training leaves a residual aura that has prevented a lot of potential issues. A gun isn't a bad idea, but a cell phone can be effective too. Never needed either one, though. --204.210.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 7:49 AM Message:
Anything can happen anywhere, but personally, I won't purchase in a neighborhood where I wouldn't feel safe walking to and from my truck during daylight or at night. I don't carry, don't want to and would sell if I felt I needed to. --24.61.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 8:04 AM Message:
I'm probably a little more than "middle aged". I have had the C properties for many years. When I was young, I was in the slums/hood. I've recently bought there again. Anything can happen anywhere. I personally am not afraid. I am cautious. I am observant. I don't lock doors if I'm working on the first floor... I seldom lock the doors in my own home. I can't recall anyone ever just walking inside a building. Yes, plenty stop me outside - neighbors mostly. Plenty are looking and gawking.
While I don't carry a gun, I absolutely believe in the right to do so. I have never, in approaching 40 years of landlording, ever wished that I had a gun with me ... situation just hasn't even happened. --72.70.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Amy [MO]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 8:22 AM Message:
I never go alone. Do you have a friend who works hard and wants to do what you are doing?
At least, lock yourself in and have a weapon and your phone handy. A bright yellow sign "smile, you are on camera" may deter some. A sign on the door for nosy neighbors," Do not disturb. Call XXX-Xxx-Xxxx if you are interested in renting. No showings without an appointment."
We worry most when loading and unloading materials out of the building.(even with two people) Your hands are full and you are distracted. --107.77.xx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by cjl [NY]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 8:25 AM Message:
I agree with Still Learning - anything can happen anywhere and I definitely would not purchase somewhere I wouldn't feel safe.
I (we) own a place in a solid C area that if you go up or down a block or two you are in a C- (at best). I have great tenants and this particular area is "ok" but safe? Safe is a relative term.
I lock my vehicles in my own neighborhood/ house and I also lock my vehicles in an area there are no neighbors. I don't care - I lock my vehicles. ALWAYS check your surroundings. That's how many people end up in a bad situation - being unaware and "feeling safe/comfortable" and they let their guard down.
I use to be an investigator for a company and would watch/video/ take notes and reports on activity. The amazing thing to me would be that I could sit on a house/property in a vehicle and the person I was watching many times didn't even know I was there. You know who else didn't know or see me? Other adults/neighbors in the area.
Do you know who DID see me? Kids. I was questioned a few times by adults (why are you here, what are you doing, etc) but it was typically after the kid saw me and would go inside and then the mother would come out (good for them). I typically thanked them for approaching me and told them I'm glad their kid said something.
I had one woman who tried to tell me it was her that noticed me (I didn't argue with her) but I know she didn't since she walked past me twice and didn't even look in my direction but it was her kid on the bike that stared right at me as they passed me. THEN she walked out of the house. Sad, really. --69.201.xx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 8:31 AM Message:
Hi. I will try to watch my "tone" here. Once people start noticing that you are alone and working alone, the danger can come then. My two four units were on my own street but across the street were some questionable people in other four units. I heard one say that they could "get my car" except for the fact that I had a club locked to the steering wheel. I heard: "when she goes in the building I could git that car but by the time I get that club off she would have the cops here". Do they not know we speak their language?
There are a lot of professional predators in C class neighborhoods. Some of them have been in jail and that's how they got there. They are the children of predators who taught them how to do it. They are not stupid, just lazy and afraid to be anything else.
I would try to dress more like a guy if I were you and wear a baseball or other brimmed cap. Don't try to look pretty or dress well. Have a can of pepper spray or mace if your state allows that. Wasp and hornet spray goes ten feet and spray paint will help also.
Make sure the blinds are down so you can be watched. Make sure the doors are locked so no one can walk in on you and I would change the locks to the inside immediately since one of the former tenants might try to come in if they see someone there. Park your car close as possible. Don't work there at night. Make sure your cell phone is charged. If the area is really bad, ask for a police car to do a drive by. Don't have long conversations with the nearby people. If you get questions tell them you have to ask your husband or brother or uncle or whatever. Make them think there is a male involved. If you see someone watching the building sitting outside and obviously doing that, ask the police to drive by.
I had a lot of contractors coming and going because my buildings needed window replacement, new heaters, lots of electrical work. My dad left them to mother and she couldn't manage them. I was downsized so I took over. So the bad guys never knew when a crew would be showing up.
Good luck to you. It's doable. I worked on twenty units for twenty years, cut grass, moved snow etc. because NJ took 37 K inheritance tax and I couldn't afford to pay someone to cut grass and move snow after that. Thanks gov mcgreevey. --73.33.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 9:26 AM Message:
A mother and adult daughter purchased a single family home next to one of my rentals. This was on a main street in a residential neighborhood. Excellent location! Their garage door in the back yard (alley access) would not stay open so they parked in front of their house while working on it.
I went next door to introduce myself and offer "free" assistance, showing them my contractor's license. They were not impressed and didn't take me up on my offer. Never the less I went to their rear garage and tightened the adjustment on their garage door springs and reconnected the door to the opener track so they could use their garage and close the door so no one would gain access while there were working late at night.
The next day I noticed their front door was open, one car was parked in front with a door open and tools were outside their car on the lawn between the street and side walk. And as I walked through my house to the back alley way, their garage door was open. I had grabbed my taser dart gun from my glove box and entered into their house to make sure they were okay. They were not! A group of drunk teenagers were in the process to get the nerve up to commit an assault on the mother and daughter team. The women were cornered in a small bedroom and the teenagers were blocking their exit in the hallway.
These women did NOT make a plan. They did not carry their cell phones while working. They hadn't gotten the phone number for the local police department front desk or dispatch so they could call in a problem and receive a priority response.
As a person who took self-defense and a former Jeweler who carried a gun for more than a dozen years, I was able to take control of this situation, even dealing with drunk kids, and get them off of the property without a problem. The women were so scared and they didn't even know what was going on. They were till processing what had just happened!
The next day they asked me what would have happened if one of thee kids pulled a weapon? I told them it depended on the weapon and their intentions. Since I was prepared for most contingencies, I could act within a few seconds or less.
I told them that if they produced a weapon that required contact to use, such as a knife, I would have held them back while I had the women escape through a window and run down the street to the 7-Eleven to get help and call the police...
The mother and daughter team decided to no longer work on the house at night and they tool much longer to compete the home before moving in but took their safety more seriously.
The kids saw I was confidant and required them to leave now, or else.....I had to raise my voice and make specific demands. Never showing a weapon (taser). But read to draw down and take action. (I had a taser single shot stun gun. A commercial large can of pepper spray. And a fire arm to use as a last resort. I do not want to go to prison and spend thousands to defend myself just because some home owner was careless when it came to personal safety). --47.156.xx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 9:40 AM Message:
Story Time, USA. --47.35.xx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by J [FL]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 10:28 AM Message:
I'm a male, and my rentals are more "class B"...but I still come into contact with people from a different walk of life than I'm used to frequently.
The main problem I've had is certain people in the neighborhood getting aggressive about wanting me to rent to their friends or relatives. I have one rental where the next door neighbors (owners) appear to be intoxicated most of the time on weed and alcohol. Years ago one of them got pushy about wanting to do work on my property and rent to some friend of his. It ended up in a shouting match finally, which is not ideal, and then the problems ended. My advice is to be polite but don't let them into the house or your business. --72.188.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 10:32 AM Message:
I don't want to deal with the type of tenants you get in that sort of neighborhood.
I'm selling everything in one state and moving to another state and I am combining sales so I can replace with much better properties. I'm tired of dealing with scummy applicants. My tenants have been fine, but I dread vacancies when I have to sift through so many cheats and liars.
Decent people don't want to live in a dangerous neighborhood.
I'm tough. I'd be fine working there, but I'm fed up with dealing with the people. --174.216.xx.x |
C Class - Woman owned (by don [PA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 11:34 AM Message:
Landlord Bible advises something that I have always done. Keep doors locked. If someone knocks on the front (or back) door, do not open it, go to the second floor window. Open the window and talk down to them (literally, not figuratively). If they want to see the property "Oh, it's not ready, the owner will put a sign up when he is ready (I am just the helper). Or, "my partner insists on handling the showings, you can leave your number and I'll ask him to call you when it is ready." --70.90.xx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Frank [NJ]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 11:38 AM Message:
I really like the suggestion of Miss Ally re: Wasp/Hornet spray...the kind that has that 10 to 20 ft. reach.
Perfectly legal to own and a great excuse to have something that will disable an attacker/interloper that can be explained as something that was needed because of a dangerous insect infestation.
Gotta get rid of ALL the bugs. --74.105.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Ne [PA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 12:11 PM Message:
I WOULD NOT spray someone with bear mace or wasp/hornet spray. You might be in violation of some serious laws possibly bordering on war crimes.
Maybe a stretch, but with the right lawyer defending your assailant, I wouldn't want to chance it.
Stick with approved sprays if that is your choice.
Life or death, use anything. Planned defense, stick with what's legal. --50.32.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 2:16 PM Message:
If you have to ask, you shouldn't do it.
I would not want to own anything in a neighborhood I do not feel comfortable walking in. Even if you have personal protection and are locked in the house, if you are not comfortable walking to your car, why be there. Also keep in mind the type of prospective tenant and tenants and neighbors you would be dealing with this area. You are not going to get A tenants in a C neighborhood no matter how you much you fix up the place.
--96.236.xx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 2:21 PM Message:
cjl, the woman knew you were there,and so did all the other people,you were only fooling yourself.Why do you think she walked past you twice,for the good of her health,and a little walk was good for her,get real.She may have had her eyes diverted,but she could describe you to the tiniest detail.......charlie............................................................ --174.199.xx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 2:27 PM Message:
Sorry Trish,got carried away.Yes keep the outside doors Locked and always carry a hammer...............charlie.............................................................. --174.199.xx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by MJ [OH]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 2:36 PM Message:
Tris 1968, as a female, I do work on homes in what some would say are questionable neighborhoods alone. I lock all the doors, keep my cell on me and I have a CCW. Never had a problem. I am about 5 foot 1 but carry myself with attitude, if you know what I mean. I am not a pushover and you shouldn't be either. I am extremely cautious and have a code word set up with a couple of close friends that if I text it or say it to them in casual conversation they know I'm in trouble. I see you are in Ohio and would love to chat with you off the forum, if you are interested. If you are interested, post a note here and i will let you know how to reach me. --174.105.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by NC INVESTOR [NC]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 4:09 PM Message:
Some states do have laws against mace and wasp spray. But if my life were in danger I would take my chances and use them. The problem with the "legal" sprays is you have to be close to the assailant in order for it to be effective. Bug spray has 20-30 FT range. Which would you prefer?
The taser flashlights are also effective more so than legal sprays but same problem...you have to be extremely close to use them. --71.75.xx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Gail K [GA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2018 8:15 PM Message:
We've got several houses in class C neighborhoods and I'm often the one working on them.
I do what others have already pointed out; lock my car, lock the doors, keep the blinds down. I don't like to answer the door when I'm working anyway.
It's rare for me to be working on a house at night.
I usually dress so ratty (or end up looking that way after cleaning/painting, etc. some of these houses) that I look pretty much like the folks who hang around the neighborhood.
Gail --71.203.xx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Britt [NC]) Posted on: Feb 25, 2018 1:12 AM Message:
I don't have high end properties but my rule is that I wont buy anything I'm not willing to live in. That doesn't mean the neighborhoods are stellar, but I have to feel like I can get from the car to the house without getting attacked. I use Simplisafe alarms, I keep doors locked when I'm there alone, I say hi but I don't really engage the neighbors. I also bought a $1000 truck I keep parked in front of vacant properties and I move it around when I'm at the property. It has no other purpose than to make the house look occupied. --99.182.xx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by John2 [MI]) Posted on: Feb 25, 2018 2:52 AM Message:
We have class b & c rentals. I have had all the above happen to me at class c rentals over the years. A few years ago, i attended a situational awareness seminar that was given by Detroit Police Dept. It was life changing... there is a lot of “stuff” going on around us that most of us would never notice. They gave us training based on bad things that has happened to officers and real estate people. For example, we you go to your rental the neighbors know what’s going on but are fearful to get involved... they can’t just leave like we do. Another pointer they gave us.... don’t park in the driveway... the bad guys could pull behind your vehicle to block you in. Also when showing your places keep doors open and unlocked. You need to have a way out if things go wrong. They gave us so much information and it wasn’t to make us afraid but informed so we can be prepared and not a victim. --24.231.xxx.xx |
C Class - Woman owned (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Feb 26, 2018 11:32 PM Message:
Tris,
I'm not a woman but I lock myself in even just to take pictures or check the paint job.
I ALWAYS lock my car even when it's empty.
People will just walk in without knocking or asking.
I don't like noise so I did not use a radio when working. I felt it was safer to hear who might be around.
Cover the windows or close the blinds. Outta site, outta mind.
We have a portable SimpliSafe alarm system we move from house to house while flipping. It has an outside siren and a keychain panic button which notifies the call center.
I LOVE Robin's muddy boots idea! Size 14!! I'll add: a BIG dog bowl!
BRAD
--68.51.xx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by Ray-N_Pa [PA]) Posted on: Mar 1, 2018 7:36 PM Message:
When working alone - always carry the correct "hardware" --24.101.xxx.xxx |
C Class - Woman owned (by RentsDue [MA]) Posted on: Mar 1, 2018 8:02 PM Message:
A lot of good advice here. I think we do need to remember that you need to use the same advice whether it is a class C or a class A rental. --66.189.xx.xxx |
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