Posts Tagged ‘twitter’
Did you check your tenant’s history before you handed them the keys?
May 27, 2011 | 
Author Mortgage lenders are looking more favourably on the buy to let market once again which is great news for anyone wanting to make a living out of letting properties. Take out a mortgage, buy a property, find a tenant and bingo – life couldn’t be easier…..or could it?
The trouble is if the tenant you find doesn’t pay their rent, uses your property as a cannabis farm or wrecks the place before vanishing without a trace then that little dream of making a bob or two could turn into a nightmare.
If that happens, not only do you have a hole in your expected income, court proceedings to wade through or a huge repair bill, you also have the mortgage repayments.
That is why it is essential to check your tenant’s history before you hand them a key to your property. It is vital to find out as much as possible about your next prospective tenant, giving you the confident to let your property and that extra help, knowing your mortgage will be paid at the end of each month.
TenantID is a nationwide database which can tell you at the touch of a button whether the person wanting to rent your property is a safe proposition or has a track record of trouble. The information is provided by people like you and the aim is to create a nationwide network of people in the lettings industry sharing information to protect one another from rogue tenants.
To find out how you can join the TenantID network and make informed choices about your future tenants – visit www.tenantid.co.uk and register online for FREE.
This article was compiled by Rob Hubbard of Walker Fox Ltd.
Walker Fox Ltd are Commercial Management & Property Consultants who act for property investor clients in and around Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Please leave a comment if you have enjoyed the article or contact Walker Fox on 01924 896190, via email info@walkerfox.co.uk, Skype: walkerfox or connect on Twitter @walkerfox
Posted in Property Developing, Property Investment, Property Mentor, Rob Hubbard, TenantID, Walker Fox | 
Tags: business, Calibri, developing, discussion, Houses, investing, landlord, Professional, Property, Rob Hubbard, Skype, tenantID, twitter, Typeface, wakefield, walker fox, Web typography | 
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HI TONY, CAN YOU WRITE A BLOG ON BATHROOMS FOR WALKER FOX?
Being on Twitter can throw up some interesting challenges. It’s all part of the modern world of social media. When I saw a tweet with the request from Rob Hubbard at Walker Fox (@walkerfox) for a blog about bathrooms, well that’s a whole universe right there in one word, a massive subject. I could write a book.
What was it Rob was looking for, I wondered. Perhaps examples of opulence: twin Japanese baths with champagne table taps, a basement spa glistening with LED lighting in striking colours, set in to an Antolini marble slab lovingly hand-selected from a quarry, or was he thinking more in terms of a modest townhouse bathroom with a contract steel bath, wall mounted basin and WC with a soft-close seat, sensible mid-range taps with a touch of the designer about them, perhaps matching a handset on an adjustable slide rail?
Was it a story on the history of bathrooms Rob was thinking about, or perhaps a property developer/estate agent’s view? There are many aspects of perfect bathroom design and functionality to consider.
Of course, as bathrooms come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, being asked to pen a piece on them I find myself reflecting on that very fact more than once. In fact, with Rob laying a blank sheet in front of me with the word “bathrooms” atop of it, I am reflecting upon it for much longer than the average duration of a soak in a Jacuzzi while waiting for inspiration to flow like hot water from a Megaflo system! (Megaflo’s are a blog for another day!)
My chain of thought was interrupted by a call from Andrew Dunning – a good friend and an exceptional interior designer (APD Interiors) (@andrewdunning) – brilliant timing, Andrew!.. Inspired at last to hit the keyboard! “Hi Tony, I have a project in Central London with two bathrooms in the house. Can you have a look at the drawings and come up with some specifications?” Andrew was, as usual, working on a complete home here, designing the living area, kitchen, hallway, the whole nine yards. And the back yard too!
What type of bathroom do we expect someone to want in a London town house? I asked Andrew what kind of lifestyle do his clients have, what are they like? The answer was that they were busy professional people who were looking for design and style, but equally important to them was that the design must be functional, uncomplicated and easy to live with. Okay, what style are they interested in? These days bathroom style can mean modern, contemporary, very minimalist or traditional. In the mix somewhere are the weird and wacky ones for the more adventurous and creative clients with larger budgets. We were recently asked by a well-known comedian for a “Goth bathroom” with black semi-sunken bath, sanitary ware and black slate tiled walls and floors.
Instead of a glass screen, the client wanted a bespoke black glass beaded shower curtain threaded and interwoven with silver chains! For the shower and taps he chose Grohe Ondus Brassware in … black. Job done. He was happy and we were happy.
The reply from Andrew was, ”I’m going for a modern contemporary appearance with this project, so don’t go over the top, but make it classy”.
Staying focussed on our town house bathrooms then, the style determined and products carefully chosen, these two mid-range bathrooms, with Andrew’s twist of design and his creative magic, will be turned into something special.
One bathroom had an existing bath we would remove, as it was smaller than the space available. These days, 1800mm baths are preferred in homes where space permits. An average bath size is 1700mm, with two tap holes at the end where the waste and plug are. Bath designs have changed over the last few years – the no-tap hole bath is finding favour, with water being supplied from a combined bath filler and overflow system. Taps are not required, making a much simplified, styled and less cluttered bath, with the added perk of being easier to clean. So now we have a larger bath we can install with more elbow room – 100mm wider than the old one, adding comfort. And as London’s water is notorious for lime scale, having no bath taps is one less place for the nasty stuff to build up.
Laufen "Form"
Basins and WC’s in bathrooms have also changed and evolved. Water saving and green issues are important factors to consider. There are plans to charge individually for water in the near future, by the compulsory fitting of water meters in your home, if you don’t already have one. It is said an average person uses 130 litres of water per day, so with a rising population thinking green makes good sense for everyone.
When planning a modern bathroom, I will look carefully at the water saving products available to me when specifying. I know my client will always appreciate future cost savings on water and energy bills. Having supplied and worked with Laufen Bathrooms for a long time, I also see the technology developing in other areas: a quiet flush WC, for example, is not the first thing that a client normally thinks of, but makes perfect sense – toilets are often up against the other side of a bedroom wall, so a noisy flushing WC in the middle of the night can shake the house.
Storage has become important in bathrooms, as we all seem to be overrun with bottles, jars, make-up, etc. and creating extra space to keep things tidy can be difficult. Gaining extra space by utilising the area underneath the basin for less-used products or cleaning supplies is worth looking at. I like the look of wall mounted basins such as a Laufen “Form” with a minimalist square or round chrome bottle trap, only resorting to a pedestal basin when a client asks for one. Space underneath the basin is then available for a cabinet, either standing on legs or on the floor. A vanity unit wall mounted with a free-standing basin, or perhaps an in-set basin, are interesting alternatives. Schneider manufactures beautiful bathroom cabinets for above the basin or other wall spaces, fitted with an electrical shaver/toothbrush supply socket and clever lighting. Laufen Case furniture is extremely well-made and many of Laufen’s basins are designed with optional cabinets. Arlex and Madero are bathroom furniture manufacturers with very attractive and desirable storage ideas, which we have used on many of our projects.
Looking at our two townhouse bathroom WC’s, we can wall-hang one of them as the wall allows for a cavity to construct the concealed cistern. This will look very stylish and keeps everything off the tiled floor. The cistern concealed in the frame will support the weight of the pan. We have used Grohe Rapid frames or Geberit frames, and both are easy to install. A shelf or stone feature top which lifts to give access is a nice touch. We will be using two versions of a WC pan in this project. The second bathroom will have a close coupled WC. The close coupled pan is being used as we don’t have enough wall space available behind the pan to create a cavity for a cistern. A close coupled WC is what most of us know as a china cistern and pan with a push button, as the cistern is coupled to the pan. We often use Laufen, NoCode and Catalano, all European manufacturers with fabulous ranges. Both toilets will be fitted with soft closing seats. Soft close seats have been around a long time but only recently have clients started to realise they are worth the extra money. The jarring sound of a dropped seat can be confined to history.
With projects involving modern bathrooms, a choice of brassware and valves has to be decided. Where possible, specifying controls for a shower which can be concealed in the wall are my preference. Concealed valves and controls such as these afford the client the opportunity to locate them exactly where easiest to use. An exposed valve is the alternative. All the working parts are fitted to the wall, less work is involved to install it and it is often cylindrical in appearance. Personally, I dislike any shower that has a control positioned in such a way that I have no choice but to be drenched in hot or cold water before being able to set the temperature correctly. With smaller shower cubicles of course, there is often no choice unless the control is outside the cubicle, which is rarely practical. Remote controls are hardly new to the market, but there are more around now than there once were. They can prove very useful in setting the temperature without even being in the bathroom, let alone having to endure being blasted with cold water.
In the second bathroom, we are specifying a shower only as space is at a premium – only 800mm square – so even a walk-in shower is not viable. Using a minimalist white stone resin tray with an 8mm thick glass-side panel and pivot door opening out, we save space by pivoting, rather than hinging on to the frame. For brassware in our mid-range bathroom projects, Vado, Hansgrohe, Grohe and Waterfront are a good bet. If you are blessed with a higher budget then Gessi are a fabulous manufacturer with wonderful design ranges. Most of our work though is definitely mid-range with perhaps 20% at the very high-end.
If I had to summarise what the average bathroom requirements are in 2011, I would say functional, well-planned, stylish and affordable. Clients want attractive, easy-to-use, easy-to-clean products that fashion will not render obsolete by the end of the year. Such is the by-product of the national belt-tightening for many of us. A client who is a guitarist living in St Johns Wood, mentioned to me while we planned yet another bathroom for his house (with rain bars, body jets and waterfall overhead shower), “I like going ’round my mum’s council flat. Her bathroom is so simple, it’s less hassle! And who was I to argue? As we planned his walk-in wet-room, he passed me his 1957 Gibson Les Paul picked from a row of guitars to have a look at. When he told me what he paid for it, I gently replaced it on its stand. Like bathrooms, it’s all about what you like, what you can afford and the compromises you are willing to make along the way.
Posted in Guest Blog, Marketing, Property Developing, Property Investment, Rob Hubbard, Walker Fox | Tags: Bath, Bathroom, Design, developing, discussion, Home and Garden, networking, Professional, Shower, Social Web, twitter, walker fox | No Comments »
How to get 40% more tenants than five years ago
Guest Blogger
The first of the Walker Fox guest blog series on current property investment issues features Lorna Rose of Tenant ID.
With more and more people renting homes (40% more than 5 years ago) there are plenty of prospective tenants out there.
Vanessa Warwick’s recent thread on the Property Tribes forum (Tenants checked out and left a world of hurt ….) shows us that there are also plenty of prospective bad tenants out there too.
Add to that the recent Supreme Court ruling, which stated a woman could not be evicted after she ran up more than £3,500 in arrears on the accommodation she was given because she was homeless. as it breached her human rights and it is clear choosing the right tenant is massively important.
To quote the Daily Mail: “But the Supreme Court said that – under the controversial European Convention on Human Rights – this would be a breach of the right to ‘respect for a person’s home’.
Which begs the question does this mean it is OK for someone to wander into the Savoy Grill, sit down to a fine meal then inform Gordon Ramsey they don’t have to pay because it is their human right to eat?
Can anyone get British Gas to install a state of the art central heating system then refuse to pay with impunity because it is their human right to be warm?
Would it be acceptable not to pay a phone bill on the grounds we have freedom of speech?
I could go on!
However, if landlords, local authorities and letting agents cannot oust people who do not abide by their part of the tenancy agreement (a legal document by the way!) they stand to lose their livelihood. They may also find themselves in protracted, highly stressful court battles trying to get back the money they are owed. In some case the words “blood” and “stone” will be appropriate.
That is why new companies like TenantID which is set up to provide simple information on a tenant’s letting history could prove invaluable, especially if used alongside referencing and credit checks etc.
The number of people renting properties has risen by 40% in the past five years. More than five million people rent their home in this country. With so many people wanting to rent from them, those in the lettings community need all the help they can get to ensure their tenants are reliable.
This week saw a new nationwide database is being launched under the name TenantID which aims to help those of us who let properties make a more informed choice about who we give the front door keys to.
The aim is for it to develop into a national resource for landlords, councils and letting agents, providing simple but key information about a tenants letting history, eg whether they defaulted on their rent, damaged the property or breached their rental agreement.
Please have a look at www.tenantid.co.uk and let us know what you think.
This article was compiled by Rob Hubbard of Walker Fox Ltd.
Walker Fox Ltd are Commercial Management & Property Consultants who act for property investor clients in and around Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Please leave a comment if you have enjoyed the article or contact Walker Fox on 01924 896190, via email info@walkerfox.co.uk, Skype: walkerfox or connect on Twitter @walkerfox
Posted in Guest Blog, Property Investment, Rob Hubbard, Walker Fox | Tags: blog, education, Houses, investing, Investment, landlord, Professional, Property, property tribe, Renting, Rob Hubbard, Skype, twitter, wakefield, walker fox | No Comments »
2011 dates announced for Northern Property Tribes, The meeting for Property Investors
We have pleasure in announcing the 2011 dates for the gathering of the Northern Property Tribe.
19 January 2011
16 March 2011
18 May 2011
20 July 2011
21 September 2011
16 November 2011
The Northern Property Tribe is a regional group born out of the online community ‘Property Tribes’. We stand for 100% Property; networking, discussion and education. Come and find out what is happening in the tribe and uncover the insider knowledge and connections that will help you succeed!
For more details and to book your place, please visit our website
Posted in Marketing, Mentoring, Networking Events, Property Developing, Property Investment, Property Mentor, Social Media, Wakefield | Tags: #propertytribe, blog, Branding, building, community, developing, events, media, networking, northern, Professional, Property, property tribe, regional, Sourcing, twitter, walker fox | 1 Comment »
The Property Investor Show 2010 – My thoughts
I attended The Property Investor Show held at Excel, London last month
More recently, I was interviewed by Vanessa Warwick of Property Tribes (@4_walls) to find out what I had enjoyed and learnt about the experience.
Posted in Networking Events, Social Media | Tags: Branding, building, community, discussion, investing, landlord, marketing, media, networking, Professional, property investor show, property tribe, twitter, Vanessa Warwick, walker fox | No Comments »
The Property Investor Show 2010 – The Great Landlord Debate, #propshow #gld transcript
The Property Investor Show 2010 was held at London’s Excel between 14th & 16th October 2010.
At 1.30pm on Friday 15th October 2010, Property Tribes, the online community founded by husband and wife team Nick Tadd and Vanessa Warwick held “The Great Landlord Debate” a “free for all questioning” to a – what Nick described as - distinguished panel. Which consisted of Ahm Charles, John Corey, Lisa Orme, Nigel Fitzerlakey, Nick Dare and the great Paul Shamplina – and if you don’t know any of these people – trust me – you want to and need to.
The debate was great and was recorded using the #propshow #gld hashtag on Twitter For those who missed the debate or the Twitter feed, I have produced a transcript here.
#propshow #gld @4_wallsbelieves that interest rates will not increase significantly for the next 3 to 4 years
@baijusolanki > Listening to the Great Landlord debate at #propshow #gld Question: How to deal with tenent that pays, but pays late?
@castlemont> Good advice from Nick Tadd @4_Walls re seminars & gurus- if you knew the winning lottery numbers, would you sell them? #propshow #gld
#propshow #gld @lisaorme ‘crystal ball time’ General concensus from mortgage industry that interest rates 2011 – 1%, <2% for 3 to 5 years
#propshow #gld Interest rates unlikely to rise dramatically in the near future, fixe rates may be preferable when rates increase
#propshow #gld Now is a good time to switch to repayment products to take advantage of low interest rates, check your LTV rates
#propshow #gld @lisaorme Sell, Buy/Sell and pat down debt to increase portfolio equity
@financecoaching> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld @lisaorme ‘crystal ball time’ General concensus from mortgage industry that interest rates 2011 – 1%, <2% for 3 to 5 years
#propshow #gld *pay* down debt
@Juliansampsonww> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld @juliansampsonww advocates a ‘cool down’ period for deals, sleep on it to see if its still a good idea
@juliansampsonww> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld @juliansampsonww “What happens if a lease option party becomes bankrupt?” Beware, there is more to come on the legal
#propshow #gld Check out the popular property forums for FREE advice and information #proptribes #singingpig recommended
@financecoaching> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld *pay* down debt
#propshow #gld From the audience; pressure test your portfolio profits and use to pay down debt or improve properties
#propshow #gld Nationwide do not intend to cap number of mortgages, new lenders will mean more competitve deals
#propshow #gld @lisaorme A number of new BTL lenders currently going through the approval process although lending limits apply
#propshow #gld @lisaorme Do not underestimate how positive lenders are about the BTL market
#propshow #gld Question on HMO regulation, How does it work?
#propshow #gld @lisaorme Labour government made planning proposals which the coalition intend to repeal
#propshow #gld Judicial Review regarding HMO planning laws began this week
@juliansampsonww> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld @lisaorme Do not underestimate how positive lenders are about the BTL market
#propshow #gld Join in the debate on the web, feel free to ask questions to the panel
#propshow #gld Ensure that you always speak to your local authority before commiting to any HMO deal
@baijusolanki > BREAKING NEWS: Lenders are lovin’ the BTL Market #propshow #gld
#propshow #gld How favourable are the High Street Banks for mortgage lending? @4_walls has experience with Natwest
#propshow #gld @lisaorme Lloyds Group do not apply cap for commercial lending although LTVs, Rental Coverage and Business Plan needed
#propshow #gld Nick Dare speaks well of Lloyds Commercial lending,’banking is all about being professional and building a good relationship’
#propshow #gld @john_corey Private money is a viable alternative to bank lending for property deals
#propshow #gld @ahmcharles Its not a big issue NOT to use bank lending, it will not kill a deal, there are more ways to skin a cat
#propshow #gld @castlemont Is BTL the way forward?
@financecoaching> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld @lisaorme Do not underestimate how positive lenders are about the BTL market
#propshow #gld @castlemont @lisaorme “Banks are not buying money in at base or lower, more likely 2%” BTL is commercial finance not resi
#propshow #gld @lisaorme Commercial lending rates at under 5% is fantastic
#propshow #gld From Twitter to @landlordaction What to do if a tenant pays consistently late?
#propshow #gld @landlordaction Do you want to put up with late payment or go for eviction? Use S.21 notices to re-gain your properties
#propshow #gld @landlordaction If you are self managing, make sure you have good credit control and the time to do it or otherwise use agent
#propshow #gld Time your notices to coincide with the requirements of S.8 & S.21 notices, could take 5-6 months to gain possession
@juliansampsonww> “@kevrose: @JulianSampsonWW Re:BTL Difficult/impossible to get anything over 50% LTV through Paragon though I hear #gld #propshow @LisaOrme
#propshow #gld @landlordaction are presentlng a petition to 10 Downing Street need 3,000 names www.landlordaction.co.uk “Big campaign”
#propshow #gld If you want more info on @lanlordaction please visit stand 148
#propshow #gld Make sure you undertake due diligence and referencing on tenants then consider Tenancy insurance and Rent Protection
#propshow #gld As a Landlord, it is imperative to know your legal rights to minimise any delays in the event of a problem, educate yourself
#propshow #gld Always build rapport an maintain a relationship with your tenants to avoid communication breakdowns
#propshow #gld BTL is a business, do not get emotionally involved – Can you support your commitments in the event of voids?
#propshow #gld @4_walls communicate and build relationships in property with your tenants, you are a service provider
#propshow #gld From the audience, Is now a positive period for property investment?
#propshow #gld @ahmcharles “Its a fantastic time to be an investor, people are prepared to do deals”
#propshow #gld Barriers are being lowered to allow more structured deals providing that capital is available
#propshow #gld Are you a Landlord or an Investor? or are they one in the same? Pls Rt using hashtags
#propshow #gld @lisaorme Consider cash collection for rents rather than relying on standing orders, can make the difference in arrears
#propshow #gld Help your tenant to manage his own finances
#propshow #gld @john_corey Consider collecting rents fortnightly, get your money when they have it, can work well for both parties
@castlemont> RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld Are you a Landlord or an Investor? or are they one in the same? > both, but they’re not the same.
#propshow #gld @landlordaction @landlordaction Has been appealing for direct payments for LHA to be overturned since its inception in 2008
#propshow #gld From the audience, “rents collected on credit card with good results”
#propshow #gld @grumpylandlord is both Landlord and Investor, How do we recover losses after eviction? Can they be placed on a register?
#propshow #gld @landlordaction Data Protection legislation ‘bad tenant’ information cannot be shared, unless enforced money order not CCJ
#propshow #gld Serial Bad Tenants will be flagged to @landlordaction database
#propshow #gld @nicktadd A Landlord has a tactic an Investor has a strategy
#propshow #gld What are the alternatives to conventional BTL finance and how can they be accessed?
#propshow #gld Collective investment schemes will require FSA approval an circa 100k investment, Why would a Hedge Fund? @john_corey
#propshow #gld Beware discussing investment deals with strangers, difficult to secure funds from a cold source – Highly regulate area
#propshow #gld @Lisaorme 18 months of a 2 year period undertaking legals for collective investment scheme at a cost of 180k
#propshow #gld Hedge funds will require a tight business plan on investments at 10m+
#propshow #gld Nick Dare, great deals available on ‘off market’ opportunities that could attract finance
#propshow #gld @ahmcharles ‘Private investors looking for you to invest, they have security and you can return around 20% uplift’
@juliansampsonww> #gld #propshow oh dear- in seminar and five mins in NMD reared it’s head! @4_Walls
#propshow #gld Debate extended by 20 minutes, don’t miss your chance to take part
#propshow #gld @ahmcharles ‘Your local market is so much more important that the wider UK market’
#propshow #gld @nicktadd ‘Search out the pockets in the UK that haven’t been affected by the economic crisis’
#propshow #gld Do holiday lets offer good returns?
#propshow #gld @4_walls Hugh renaissance in british holiday market, improvement in property standards, season extende as a consequence
#propshow #gld UK Holiday lets, look for year round appeal to add to and diversify your portfolio
#propshow #gld #holidaylets Summer lets pay the costs, Look for the niche to maximise Spring & Autumn for you profits
#propshow #gld Just because you can put your rents up, why should you? Consider your relationship with your tenant and your current cashflow
#propshow #gld Can we still do No Money Down?
@castlemont>RT @4_Walls: #propshow #gld Can we still do No Money Down? > not legally
#propshow #gld Article in The Times 18/09/10 Knowingly withold information from a mortgage lender there are civil and criminal consequences
#propshow #gld There are no mainstream, high street lenders that will do No Money Down deals @lisaorme
#propshow #gld How to do NMD deals? Use CASH!! either your own or with an investment partner
#propshow #gld Do not pay attention to ‘our scheme is legal, above board, lender approval’ If you are paying ‘x’ and declaring ‘y’ its FRAUD
#propshow #gld Just because an NMD deal has been funded, it does not mean you are off the hook. Authorities are trawling through deals
#propshow #gld NMD is about collecting ‘fees’ or ‘commission’ not about buying property, do not put yourself at risk
#propshow #gld NMD = mortgage fraud, land registry fraud, tax evasion – PRISON!
#propshow #gld The Mortgage Works have withdrawn lending to deals sourced via property clubs and groups
#propshow #gld The lenders are monitoring forums, twitter an other social media forums
#propshow #gld Beware the hype from Property Packagers who claim 100′s of deals per month, its hype @lisaorme
#propshow #gld Lenders considering pursuit of Property Investors – Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
#propshow #gld Greed in property investment is a huge motivator, take stock and consider the risks before you commit
#propshow #gld Has property investment turned into a pyramid scheme? @landlordaction believes that regulation is the way forward
#propshow #gld @nicktad brings the debate to a close, thanks to the panel.. Remember don’t get conned
#propshow #gld Lets continue the debate on #proptribes, look forward to meeting new friends
Posted in Networking Events, Property Developing, Property Investment, Social Media | Tags: blog, building, community, developing, discussion, education, events, great landlord debate, Houses, investing, landlord, media, networking, Property, property investor show, property tribe, social, Social Web, twitter, walker fox, web | 2 Comments »
Twitter Q&A #wfqa with Lisa Orme, Property Finance Expert
Lisa is a well known and much respected property owner, investor and financial expert who is a regular contributor to the popular property forums such as Property Tribes and also has a regular feature in the publication Your Property Network.
Managing Director of Keys UK Ltd, who are a specialist property investment and development company that provide a range of consultancy, mortgage, finance and protection services.
1. @WalkerFox (WF)Why did you get involved with twitter?
@LisaOrme (LO): Hi Rob, I’m nosey! It’s great to chat with people you’ve never met and get insights to people you’d never dream you could
2. WF: What sort of messages can we expect from your twitter feed
LO: like to tweet & retweet useful snippets of info about the property & rental market, a few jokes and replies to others.
LO: I’m also a bit of a vigilante and often tweet about people who’ve committed some crime or other – that’s Twitter power!
3. WF: Where do you find your inspiration in the property industry?
LO: Ordinary people not from the so called gurus or big shots. My clients inspire me the most; quietly getting on with it.
4. WF: What’s your biggest property tip?
LO: Ooh hard one; I think it would have to be get rich slow. Property is a long term game with a few quick wins along the way.
5. WF: Where do invest in property?
LO: The Midlands; I stick to areas I can access within about 30 minutes of where I live.
6. WF: Is property your ‘career’ or what else do you do?
LO: Buy to let is my retirement, buy to sell was my ‘living’ but now have mortgage brokerage too which is more of a passion.
7. WF: What else is your passion?
LO: Flying and travel. Completely nuts about both.
Posted in Ethics, Interviews, Life skills, Marketing, Networking Events, Property Developing, Property Investment, Property Mentor, Social Media | Tags: #propertytribe, Branding, broker, building, community, developing, development, discussion, education, Houses, investing, landlord, Lisa Orme, marketing, media, mortgage, networking, Orme, Professional, Property, property tribe, Social Web, society, twitter, walker fox, web, Williams | No Comments »
Twitter Q&A #wfqa Interview with Andrew Webber, HMO Investor
Andrew Webber started getting into the idea of property investment in 2006. The idea of making loads of money without doing very much seemed a bit more appealing than slogging his guts out in a job he hated until he was 65.
In the 4 years since then he has had a few ups (6 properties bought) a few downs (a lot of deals fall through!) met a few great people, and frankly, a lot of annoying ones.
Andrew started off learning about HMO’s/ Multi-lets, then moved onto small flats rented out to DSS tenants, and is now getting into Lease Options as well!
Andrew writes a regular property based blog, The Property Blog which is an open and honest account of what he is trying to achieve, how he intends to do it, and very honestly, how he getting on. (it’s been a bit difficult the last year or so).
Andrew may even swear a bit at times. He may mention names, both positive and negative, who have been really helpful, and which companies/ people to avoid like the plague.
But over the next few months hopefully there will be a few bits of interest for anyone who is “in to” property, or thinking of getting into it.
1. @WalkerFox (WF)Why did you get involved with twitter?
@AWebberProperty (AW): Just to investigate what all the fuss is about!
2. WF: What sort of messages can we expect from your twitter feed
AW: Generally they will be snippets from my blog, and links to other useful resources I have found useful.
3. WF: Where do you find your inspiration in the property industry?
AW: 3.Firstly from my end goal. That inspires me to keep investing in property. Secondly from some of the great people I’ve met
4. WF: What’s your biggest property tip?
AW: Never be afraid to ask questions-loads of people are happy to help. And buy for cashflow, capital gains are a bonus.
5. WF: Where do invest in property?
AW: I invest in Swindon. A lot more investors have found it over the last couple of years though! Much more competition!
6. WF: Is property your ‘career’ or what else do you do?
AW: No, I work in Marketing (CRM) for a major gambling company. It’s enjoyable and gives great insight into customer behaviour
7. WF: What else is your passion?
AW: Sports (football and hockey), sports betting, fishing, travelling, reading business books and writing.
Posted in Ethics, Interviews, Life skills, Marketing, Mentoring, Property Developing, Property Investment, Property Mentor, Social Media | Tags: Andrew Webber, blog, Branding, building, community, development, education, Houses, investing, landlord, networking, Professional, Property, property tribe, regional, Social Web, society, twitter | No Comments »
Twitter Q&A #wfqa with Tumi Hawkins, Grumpy Old Landlord!
Tumi lists her areas of expertise as Property Investment, Residential Property Management, Tenant Eviction, telecommunications Project management.
She is well known and a prolific blogger under the pseudonym Grumpy Landlord. On her blog ‘Grumpy Old Landlord you will find a variety of articles from Tumi’s own personal experience of building a portfolio of properties across the eastern region of the United Kingdom for the rental market, and managing the letting of these properties.
Tumi gives you a no-holds-barred view of what it really is like to be a property landlord in the UK.
1. @WalkerFox (WF)Why did you get involved with twitter?
@Grumplandlord (TH): to keep up with and make use of a good networking platform to grow my business
2. WF: What sort of messages can we expect from your twitter feed
TH: landlording tips, answers to questions, blog update notices, humour(?), retweet of useful information from others
3. WF: Where do you find your inspiration in the property industry?
TH: Inspiration comes from many sources, mainly on-line and off-line networking. Property Tribes inspires every day too
4. WF: What’s your biggest property tip?
TH: As landlord, have professional attitude, firm but fair 2tenants. As investor, get yr numbers right, don’t forget the yield!
5. WF: Where do invest in property?
TH: Cambs &South Lincs. Draw line from Mablethorpe 2 Grantham, down A1 2 St Neots, across 2 Cambridge, up2 Wash thru Wisbech
6. WF: Is property your ‘career’ or what else do you do?
TH: Property investing/Landlord is a business, one of several that I am involved with. Plus I still do some TV directing.
7. WF: What else is your passion?
TH: Having fun with family, practising biblical principles, reading fictional novels, exploring new places
Posted in Ethics, Interviews, Life skills, Marketing, Mentoring, Networking Events, Property Developing, Property Investment, Property Mentor, Social Media | Tags: blog, Branding, education, Houses, investing, landlord, marketing, media, networking, planning, Property, property tribe, Social Web, Tumi Hawkins, twitter, walker fox | No Comments »
Twitter Q & A #wfqa Interview with Ahm Charles, Property Problem Solver
This latest interview is with Tribal member and property entrepreneur, Amh Charles, who is a prolific networker both on and off-line.
Ahm will be sitting on the panel on the Great Landlords Debate at the forthcoming Property Investor Show, bringing his unique perspective and attention to detail to the discussions.
1. @WalkerFox (WF)Why did you get involved with twitter?
@AhmCharlesWW (AC): I was already on FB (university thing) but I had seen the increasing usage of Twitter @nicktadd & Vanessa helped me take the step
2. WF: What sort of messages can we expect from your twitter feed
AC: nothing too serious. Just some friendly banter. If I can find as many funny pics as @marcuside then I’ll be happy.
3. WF: Where do you find your inspiration in the property industry?
AC: thanks. strangest questionnaire I ever had! Would not really say I was inspired by a single entity. I just really (deeply) love property. So sad but so true!
4. WF: What’s your biggest property tip?
AC: Rarely do you ever begin with a deal. Like a craftsman you have to sculpt it & negotiate the rough edges until you’ve beauty.
5. WF: Where do invest in property?
AC: I’ve done London, Hastings & Midlands. I’m more London focused now but BTL as mainly in Hastings. Maybe a first commercial soon.
6. WF: Is property your ‘career’ or what else do you do?
AC: property is my ‘play thing’ & gives me the buzz & money needed to live with passion. I also love new places, sky diving, charity. Meaning it’s don’t see it as a career or work I see it all as a game. The objective is to win, which is define by specific numbers.
7. WF: What else is your passion?
AC: I’d really like to be more actively involved in charities for the homeless & disadvantaged kids.
Posted in Life skills, Mentoring, Networking Events, Property Mentor, Social Media | Tags: Ahm Charles, Ahmwaah Charles, blog, Branding, community, developing, development, discussion, education, Houses, investing, marketing, media, planning, Property, property tribe, regional, Social Web, twitter, walker fox | No Comments »
RT @legaleagleMHM: @walkerfox ok fuss pot -I poured you another one thats not in a china cup<<Bless
- RT @legaleagleMHM: Tonight's cuppa -just for you <<<Not keen on china mugs though
- RT @Bizitalk: @walkerfox Have followed you via #bizitalk Rob<<Thanks, following right back
