November 2023 Island Trip – Day 1

This trip’s purpose is to see the current tenants off the property. Today’s goal was a the ‘pre-walk through.’

The meeting went optimally. I am sure it’s because a friend accompanied me. The tenant who, has gone sideways, had the slightest shadow cross his face when my friend came in with me, and then was as smooth as could be. As we walked through the house he showed/pointed out things he was concerned about, asked questiones etc. I pointed out, gently, areas that I expected to be cleaner… Cobwebs at floor level, mildew on the shower grout, etc. I require a large deposit, and they want it back. I will go so far as to do the actual walk through, and give them the opportunity to remediate anything left undone.

While the above was so much better than I anticipated, I confess to still being a tad worked up… I’ve already confirmed my other wingman for the final move out walk-through. Oh, and he’s a behavioral health guy… So, double help! He’ll shut down the tenant should he not be able to maintain his composure, and is/has been a great resource during this interesting business interlude.

I posted a free dining room table, left behind by a friend who stored it in one of the barns for years, (and then told me to sell it and keep the cash) on Facebook right before the meeting. A gal is coming to look at it tomorrow afternoon! That makes me happy! If she doesn’t want it a thrift store, who supports the animal shelter, is interested. It has been enough to work through all of my parent’s belongings… To find a home for Doug’s table feels like icing! Fingers crossed.

I have many line items to wade through during this trip, including several improvements for the house. I am also going to pace myself.

In terms of the house, I know that finding the right tenant is more important than filling the vacancy. And I am not willing to go the social media route to find that tenant. It opens up way too many applicants… Friends referred a couple who I met and showed the house to today. They were lovely, seemed to enjoy the property, and we’ll see what happens.