Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lessons Learned About Leasing
I'm constantly surprised by the binds my clients get themselves into because of a lack of understanding about pretty basic things. Not having the proper knowledge about leases, tenant rights, and real estate in general can cause very costly mistakes. I’ve put together a list of things that every renter should fully comprehend and make note of when looking for an apartment complex.
1. Notice to Vacate: If you are currently leasing (especially from a corporation) you are more than likely required to give at least a 30 day notice to vacate and in some cases 60 days are required. You are required to provide this even if your lease is expiring or you are on a month-to-month basis. You must provide this notice in writing. I suggest hand delivering your notice and receiving a receipt from the complex manager or mailing it thru the USPS and paying the extra sixty cents for delivery confirmation. Click here for an example of a notice to vacate letter.
2. Pets: Before you go out and shell out hundreds of dollars on a new puppy it is a good idea to check with your apartment manager to see if they accept them. You should also be prepared to pay a pretty hefty pet deposit and in some cases pet rent every month. Most complexes in Austin will not accept Pit Bulls and only 2 pets per apartment. Some apartments don't accept pets at all and most have weight limits (around 75 combined pounds) and have some breed restrictions.
3. Roommates: Especially in these turbulent economic times having a roommate is a good idea...or is it? It is a great way to lower your monthly expenses and save on rent but if they bail on you it might mean you are in hot water. Even if both parties sign the lease you will (in most cases) be responsible for the entire rent if they run off to Japan. It is hard to determine a good roommate because sometimes even close friends and family members will put you in a bind but it is good to know the consequences before you sign on the dotted line. My suggestion: If you aren't sure if you can trust a roommate - go for an efficiency or super inexpensive 1 bedroom like the one here.
4. Your Past: If you've ever broken a lease or owe money to a collections agency it pays to take care of those outstanding debts ASAP! You will end up living somewhere less than ideal OR paying a much higher security deposit. If you've found yourself in either one of these predicaments there is good news: you can do something about it. Contact the management company for the apartment and find out how much you owe. If you are lucky you can make payment arrangements if not you will need to make a single payment to take care of it. Make sure you keep receipts of your payment and receive a confirmation from the management company as well. As far as leasing goes it is super beneficial if you don't owe outstanding debt to any utility companies. Once again, call them and find out how much you owe and start paying it off. Be sure to keep copies of all payments and conduct all agreements in writing. It wouldn't hurt to ask for a pay-to-delete from your credit bureau file. Here's an example of a pay-to-delete letter. In the end it will cost you for your past mistakes but it will save you lots of money in the long run if you take care of these items now.
5. Know Your Rights - Chances are you don't know your rights when you are leasing; most people don't. It may seem that the apartment complex has all the power and they will if you don't educate yourself. If you ever find yourself in a bind or feel as if there is something fishy going on at your complex check out the Austin's Tenant Council. They are on your side and will guide you with educational resources and proper knowledge of the situation.
1. Notice to Vacate: If you are currently leasing (especially from a corporation) you are more than likely required to give at least a 30 day notice to vacate and in some cases 60 days are required. You are required to provide this even if your lease is expiring or you are on a month-to-month basis. You must provide this notice in writing. I suggest hand delivering your notice and receiving a receipt from the complex manager or mailing it thru the USPS and paying the extra sixty cents for delivery confirmation. Click here for an example of a notice to vacate letter.
2. Pets: Before you go out and shell out hundreds of dollars on a new puppy it is a good idea to check with your apartment manager to see if they accept them. You should also be prepared to pay a pretty hefty pet deposit and in some cases pet rent every month. Most complexes in Austin will not accept Pit Bulls and only 2 pets per apartment. Some apartments don't accept pets at all and most have weight limits (around 75 combined pounds) and have some breed restrictions.
3. Roommates: Especially in these turbulent economic times having a roommate is a good idea...or is it? It is a great way to lower your monthly expenses and save on rent but if they bail on you it might mean you are in hot water. Even if both parties sign the lease you will (in most cases) be responsible for the entire rent if they run off to Japan. It is hard to determine a good roommate because sometimes even close friends and family members will put you in a bind but it is good to know the consequences before you sign on the dotted line. My suggestion: If you aren't sure if you can trust a roommate - go for an efficiency or super inexpensive 1 bedroom like the one here.
4. Your Past: If you've ever broken a lease or owe money to a collections agency it pays to take care of those outstanding debts ASAP! You will end up living somewhere less than ideal OR paying a much higher security deposit. If you've found yourself in either one of these predicaments there is good news: you can do something about it. Contact the management company for the apartment and find out how much you owe. If you are lucky you can make payment arrangements if not you will need to make a single payment to take care of it. Make sure you keep receipts of your payment and receive a confirmation from the management company as well. As far as leasing goes it is super beneficial if you don't owe outstanding debt to any utility companies. Once again, call them and find out how much you owe and start paying it off. Be sure to keep copies of all payments and conduct all agreements in writing. It wouldn't hurt to ask for a pay-to-delete from your credit bureau file. Here's an example of a pay-to-delete letter. In the end it will cost you for your past mistakes but it will save you lots of money in the long run if you take care of these items now.
5. Know Your Rights - Chances are you don't know your rights when you are leasing; most people don't. It may seem that the apartment complex has all the power and they will if you don't educate yourself. If you ever find yourself in a bind or feel as if there is something fishy going on at your complex check out the Austin's Tenant Council. They are on your side and will guide you with educational resources and proper knowledge of the situation.
In conclusion: know what you are signing before you sign it, get agreements in writing, and always know your rights. Need more information about leasing? Email me at julio@aplusapartments.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
San Miguel de Allende - Personal Restaurant Guide
Anytime I strike up a conversation with someone in Austin about San Miguel I inevitably become their personal travel agent; providing them with the must sees, best restaurants, and all the things one must do while visiting San Miguel. And I love every minute of it! I thought I'd pass along some of things that make San Miguel so utterly fabulous to me - starting with the restaurants! This list is ever expanding and this is just the tip of the iceberg. (For a more detailed list of all things San Miguel check out the Insider's Guide)One of my favorite restaurants in SMA is Romano's. It is a quaint place that has some of the best Tomato Soup in the world. Don't take my word for it - try it yourself. Check out the Frommer's review from the NY Times.
Hecho En Mexico is a great place for lunch. Its menu offers a variety of foods that you'll recognize including some really juicy quesadillas and a to-die-for brownie. Convieniently located on Ancha de San Antonio close to the Instituo Allende and across from Domino's Pizza.
For authentic Mexican cuisine visit Rincon de Don Tomas. It is right on the square in the jardin. Enjoy your meal on the patio right on the main plaza.
The only place I must eat at when I'm in San Miguel is a tiny restaurant called Tres Burritos. It is excruciatingly warm in there and you'll be packed in with many other burrito lovers but it is well worth it. Located on Mesones Street between Hidalgo and Relox. Lunch hours only!
There are definitely plenty of great places to eat in San Miguel and I'll share more of those in a future post.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
San Miguel de Allende
Nestled in the mountains of Mexico, lies the picturesque town of San Miguel de Allende. People travel here from every corner of the World for the opportunity to stroll along the cobblestone streets, cat nap in the shade of a blooming Jacaranda tree, or simply say a prayer in the 17th century Parroquia.
Although the clock ticks at a slower pace in San Miguel you’ll never be bored. Countless activities abound for the tourist or the retiree. Discover a new passion whether it be studying Spanish at the Instituto Allende, taking art classes at the Bellas Artes, or volunteering at an orphanage.
Your senses will be overwhelmed by its mystique and charm. And you’ll definitely leave San Miguel enchanted, that is if you even leave at all.
Although the clock ticks at a slower pace in San Miguel you’ll never be bored. Countless activities abound for the tourist or the retiree. Discover a new passion whether it be studying Spanish at the Instituto Allende, taking art classes at the Bellas Artes, or volunteering at an orphanage.
Your senses will be overwhelmed by its mystique and charm. And you’ll definitely leave San Miguel enchanted, that is if you even leave at all.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Julio C. Olvera - About Me
Julio’s exciting real estate career began in 2005 after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. His first stop was the beautiful, historic city of San Miguel de Allende, nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. As a native of Mexico, Julio was drawn to the lovely state of Guanajuato where his ancestors have lived for hundreds of years.
He immediately started working in new home development and became familiar with San Miguel and its outlying communities. Julio began carving out a niche in San Miguel with builders and home buyers alike. He later successfully transitioned into the resale market and has assisted clients from all over the world in buying and selling properties.
Now, back in Austin, Julio is diving into the leasing business. With access to over ninety percent of the apartment communities in the Austin Metro Area he can guide his clients to the right property in a single day. His number one goal is to make sure his customers get the property that fits them perfectly and that they are completely satisfied.
Julio’s formula for success in both San Miguel and in Austin is a combination of hard work and the privilege of working closely with veterans of both the business and real estate worlds. His ability to relate and connect on a personal and professional basis with people from all walks of life has only furthered his success and built the trust he has earned with his clients.
Julio was recently chosen to be a 2009 Ambassador for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where he will serve closely with the leaders of the chamber to reach their goals, serve the Hispanic community, and be part of a mentoring program at a local high school.
With frequent trips back to Mexico, Julio and his team are available to help you with your real estate needs in Austin and in San Miguel. Julio is completely bilingual in English and in Spanish and offers his full service in the language that makes the client feel most comfortable.
Julio is available around the clock and is eager to get to working with you!
He immediately started working in new home development and became familiar with San Miguel and its outlying communities. Julio began carving out a niche in San Miguel with builders and home buyers alike. He later successfully transitioned into the resale market and has assisted clients from all over the world in buying and selling properties.
Now, back in Austin, Julio is diving into the leasing business. With access to over ninety percent of the apartment communities in the Austin Metro Area he can guide his clients to the right property in a single day. His number one goal is to make sure his customers get the property that fits them perfectly and that they are completely satisfied.
Julio’s formula for success in both San Miguel and in Austin is a combination of hard work and the privilege of working closely with veterans of both the business and real estate worlds. His ability to relate and connect on a personal and professional basis with people from all walks of life has only furthered his success and built the trust he has earned with his clients.
Julio was recently chosen to be a 2009 Ambassador for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where he will serve closely with the leaders of the chamber to reach their goals, serve the Hispanic community, and be part of a mentoring program at a local high school.
With frequent trips back to Mexico, Julio and his team are available to help you with your real estate needs in Austin and in San Miguel. Julio is completely bilingual in English and in Spanish and offers his full service in the language that makes the client feel most comfortable.
Julio is available around the clock and is eager to get to working with you!
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