Duplex Chick

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I spent a good part of my weekend cleaning a rental unit.

It reminded me just how important it is to be crystal clear with duplex tenants before they move in as to what you will accept as being clean when they move out.

I hadn’t been with this one.

As a result, I got to do things like scrub four years of dog nose prints off of windows, use every known bathroom cleaning chemical removing years of bathtub grime, inhale the fumes from two full cans of Easy Off oven cleaner, and scrub the exterior and interior of a refrigerator.

 Well, that and there was one working light bulb left in every fixture that required at least four.

Not to mention, I haven’t even started on the basement yet.

These were great tenants, and I know how much they need their security deposit back.

However, my time is valuable too. And I now find myself wishing I had written a dollar amount in the lease specifically for cleaning the duplex upon move out.

It will definitely be in the next tenant’s lease.

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I’ve been finding a lot of wolves in s Sheep’s clothing lately.

Not in my dreams, but rather, on Craigslist.

Every now and then I scan the list of duplexes for sale on Craigslist. As I’m familiar with most of the ones listed by Realtors and active on the MLS, I narrow my search to those properties offered for sale by owner.

I do this for several reasons, one of which is finding that elusive “perfect” property for a client who’s seen everything on the MLS.

But lately when I contact these sellers I am surprised to learn the seller herself is a Realtor.

Now there’s nothing wrong with an agent selling her own property without listing it on the MLS. S he has the same rights to sell it herself and advertise it anywhere she chooses that a seller who does not hold a real estate license has.

The difference is she has a legal responsibility to disclose this information from the start. In other words, her ad should say something like, “owner/agent”.

The reason this is required by law is to protect the consumer. It is assumed the agent has specialized training that makes her an expert in her field, thereby giving her an advantage over someone who doesn’t have the same training.

It’s kind of like walking into a fight with a black belt when all you’ve done is watch Jackie Chan movies.

If you’re aware you’re doing this prior to seeing the property, you have the ability to find competent representation to look out for your best interests.

And you should.