The very next day after my seemingly endless bout with Covid in May 2021 and upon the doctor’s release, immediately I reapplied for my passport. I would take life by the horns and well, just bring some change.

Interesting how reality has other plans. But at least I did begin some much needed changes. 

After careful review and contemplation, I met with a trusted confidant who has had success in real estate locally. We met several times over the course of the summer after Covid. Mostly via phone and a few face to face working lunches. It’s always good to have your life viewed through a different lens.

My assignment was to gather information on the properties in my portfolio then chart a course if I were to sell one or a few of them, write down the least favorite house to most favorite. After that, determine when the properties were purchased. Try to asses a current value and the perceived equity I would stand to gain once the property was sold. Basically what I owe. What I can sell for. And how much is left over. Then where to spend that money. Fun right? Well not exactly. 

I had a trip scheduled for Honduras. Why there? I had never been. I had a passport ready for stamping. I know a local family who is from there and they take trips there occasionally. So why not go with a local citizen and take in something new? 

Unfortunately, that trip was postponed, then cancelled. I had a closing that landed on the day I was to be in Tegucigalpa (try saying that with a mouthful of crackers). 

The process of selling some of the properties began and it is much more time consuming than I had originally planned. Couple that with I’m not the most organized person and well it’s even more daunting. I’m a procrastinator and one day I’ll get my life in order. 

A December trip to Mexico City was also cancelled. And no Christmas celebration with anyone other than helping with animal charities. Alone again. Naturally. 

Obviously no plans were made to sell the suburban property which Emily and her family occupied. Besides I had always liked that house. So no immediate plans other than keeping a good looking green-eyed tenant there and getting the rent paid. Which she did. On time. Every month. All quiet however. No reason to call except maybe for a few things. The faucet she needed replaced, as far as I know, wasn’t. And she at one time asked about installing a gutter above the front door. From a landlord’s perspective it’s needs versus wants. I act promptly and certainly address immediately the needs. Wants on the other hand, not so much. 

Yes I did notice Emily and I were not communicating. 

I didn’t need to contact her. I wanted to contact her. 

Needs versus wants again. 

Always the reminder, “Don’t be friendly with the tenants. Don’t become a friend. Keep it business.”