LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Jan 17, 2020 6:22 PM
LL Safety Book (by NE [PA]) Jan 17, 2020 6:24 PM
LL Safety Book (by Deanna [TX]) Jan 17, 2020 6:46 PM
LL Safety Book (by Jkj [MA]) Jan 17, 2020 6:48 PM
LL Safety Book (by Jim in O C [CA]) Jan 17, 2020 7:11 PM
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Jan 17, 2020 7:20 PM
LL Safety Book (by DJ [VA]) Jan 17, 2020 7:24 PM
LL Safety Book (by Roy [AL]) Jan 17, 2020 7:26 PM
LL Safety Book (by Deanna [TX]) Jan 17, 2020 7:28 PM
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Jan 17, 2020 7:33 PM
LL Safety Book (by Jkj [MA]) Jan 17, 2020 8:14 PM
LL Safety Book (by DJ [VA]) Jan 17, 2020 8:53 PM
LL Safety Book (by Hoosier [IN]) Jan 17, 2020 9:03 PM
LL Safety Book (by Lynn [MA]) Jan 17, 2020 9:36 PM
LL Safety Book (by Still Learning [NH]) Jan 17, 2020 10:12 PM
LL Safety Book (by Ken [NY]) Jan 17, 2020 10:48 PM
LL Safety Book (by Sisco [MO]) Jan 18, 2020 7:20 AM
LL Safety Book (by LindaJ [NY]) Jan 18, 2020 8:46 AM
LL Safety Book (by AllyM [NJ]) Jan 18, 2020 9:00 AM
LL Safety Book (by Roy [AL]) Jan 18, 2020 9:21 AM
LL Safety Book (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Jan 18, 2020 10:23 AM
LL Safety Book (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Jan 18, 2020 10:26 AM
LL Safety Book (by Scott [IN]) Jan 18, 2020 12:04 PM
LL Safety Book (by Mary [MI]) Jan 18, 2020 12:10 PM
LL Safety Book (by RB [MI]) Jan 18, 2020 1:44 PM
LL Safety Book (by Sisco [MO]) Jan 18, 2020 2:47 PM
LL Safety Book (by plenty [MO]) Jan 18, 2020 3:24 PM
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Jan 18, 2020 8:04 PM
LL Safety Book (by MikeA [TX]) Jan 19, 2020 12:46 AM
LL Safety Book (by LindaJ [NY]) Jan 19, 2020 9:13 AM
LL Safety Book (by Mickie [OH]) Jan 19, 2020 10:38 AM
LL Safety Book (by Skunk [KY]) Jan 19, 2020 11:46 AM
LL Safety Book (by Melinda [MD]) Jan 19, 2020 5:46 PM
LL Safety Book (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Jan 20, 2020 2:06 AM
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Jan 20, 2020 4:55 PM
LL Safety Book (by RB [MI]) Jan 20, 2020 7:53 PM
LL Safety Book (by Cjo’h [CT]) Jan 21, 2020 3:02 AM
LL Safety Book (by pete [OR]) Jan 21, 2020 11:32 PM
LL Safety Book (by Newish gal [OR]) Jan 26, 2020 5:31 AM
LL Safety Book (by Lisa [TX]) Jan 26, 2020 10:11 PM
LL Safety Book (by Anna [PA]) Jan 27, 2020 2:41 PM
LL Safety Book (by elliot [RI]) Jan 28, 2020 5:28 AM
LL Safety Book (by Jeffrey [VA]) Jan 28, 2020 7:51 AM
LL Safety Book (by LordZen [MA]) Jan 29, 2020 6:46 AM
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 6:22 PM Message:
OK - the recent number of threads about attacks on landlords has motivated me to begin writing my long threatened book on safety and defense for landlords / RE professionals.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions the board might offer on topics you would like addressed or aspects you want to know more about related to landlording and general safety in the RE profession.
Obviously much has been written, both here and elsewhere, but there is no organized, comprehensive manual. And while I have a good idea of content, I am one person, I'd really like to hear YOUR concerns and suggestions.
Also a couple of quick questions to see if this is feasible:
1) If I write such a book would you READ it?
2) Digital or bound format preference?
3) Would you "pay" to read such a book if it was available here or on Amazon?
Thanks - and a free digital copy and credit mention to all members who participate - if I ever get it done! --47.216.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 6:24 PM Message:
Chapter 1, common sense.
The lack of that is a common theme among many / most landlord problems. --50.107.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 6:46 PM Message:
I'm a librarian, and I hate digital books. :P
There are a few ll books I was tempted to buy--- but they were only in ebook format. So I passed.
Even if you do something with CreateSpace or Lightning Source or Lulu or some other POD format (so that you don't have boxes of books from a traditional print run stacked in your garage for the next 10 years), that's fine. My favorite books are always the "this is what I did, and how I did it" types of books, rather than "this is what people recommend people do" types of books.
If you're artsy and pay attention to that kind of thing, Scribus is a good free program for typesetting and book layout.
One custom ISBN from Bowker runs $125. A batch of 10 runs $250. If you go through someone else's platform, like CreateSpace, you should be able to buy one of theirs for $10. (There are also free ones, but those come with their own limitations.)
Creating a book is the easy and fun part, of course. (Definitely hard work, but it's mostly a matter of focus if you've got your teeth in your subject.) Marketing it is the hard and annoying part. :P
I did a nichey book project through Lightning Source back in 2010. It ultimately ran me about $x for my batch of ISBNs, plus $y to an artist for a decent cover, plus $30 for my physical proof. Then I bought a few for myself at cost, and it's about $12/year to keep it in print. The more you hire out, of course--- whether you write it or merely supply the outline to a ghostwriter; your approach to cover art; whether you can self-edit; your approach to book design--- is going to influence the final price. If you only plan on doing the one thing, you might try going through CreateSpace. --96.46.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Jkj [MA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 6:48 PM Message:
I think it would make a good chapter in a LLing for Dummies type book, or as maybe a pamphlet handed out at seminars and conventions. As far as it being a book that people would purchase, I don’t think it would be a good seller unfortunately. I’m just being honest, I agree that this is something every LL should know, especially first timers. There are a lot of inherent dangers and situations LL’s should be aware of. --72.93.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Jim in O C [CA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 7:11 PM Message:
I carry civilian size pepper spray. To get the larger size you need a guard card. I would love to have a CC but in California to get a permit is hard unless you carry a lot of cash which I don't. Any other suggestions? --99.23.xxx.x |
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 7:20 PM Message:
Thanks Deanna - We might do hard copy as a spiral bound as we can make them up in-house as needed. We used to do that with our class materials. I will probably use Amazon - because well they are the 'amazon' of the industry... They have print on demand options and Kindle formats.
The last book I (helped) publish was one we produced by our photo dept at the newspaper as a commemorative piece after the big inferno in Laguna Beach back around 1993. The money was donated to fire victims.
I personally love my Kindle. I kind of feel bad because our house is full of books and I tend to mostly read on my tablet now.
JKJ - thanks for your viewpoint. Exactly what I want to hear. I think the topic will require more than a pamphlet or chapter though - but if that's what people want, it is good to know before spending six months for nothing! I don't want one of those "case study" books where you have to wade through war stories of scenarios to get actual pertinent info. --47.216.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 7:24 PM Message:
I agree with Jkj.
As far as what should be in it, from my experience:
Head on swivel, always aware of surroundings.
Head up - ie, keys already out, not digging in purse
Don't turn your back or get cornered.
Have a system for recording where you are going & who you are meeting - like when doing a showing. So if you go missing, someone knows where to start looking.
Help people evaluate the pros & cons of carrying a weapon - and the training required to do it safely. ie: some may think carrying a gun or OC spray, collapsible baton, etc is the answer, but don't know how to use them.
Advice on self-defense tactics using what you already have, ie: high heel shoes, keys, fingernails, where to hit/how to have time to get away- ie: elbow to throat, stomp their knee sideways. Stuff like that.
I would read it!
--68.10.xxx.x |
LL Safety Book (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 7:26 PM Message:
I would buy the book and read it. I would prefer a hard copy, personally signed by the author, of course! --68.63.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 7:28 PM Message:
Spiral bound is great! My favorite ll'ing book-- Perpetual Income-- is spiral-bound! :) --96.46.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 7:33 PM Message:
Roy, you got it my friend!
DJ - thanks, that's exactly the input I need. --47.216.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Jkj [MA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 8:14 PM Message:
LTD, I agree, a chapter wouldn’t be enough to cover the topic correctly, (poor choice of words on my part) I think if you could get it condensed down into, not a pamphlet, but not a book per se, like a manual or something I guess, I think you’d have something! --174.242.xx.x |
LL Safety Book (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 8:53 PM Message:
Hey, I'll take a signed copy, too!! : ) --68.10.xxx.x |
LL Safety Book (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 9:03 PM Message:
Would pay if the price is right!
Softback is ok.
I'd focus on preventive things, like not giving out your personal info, having written policies stating what not to do, and so on.
--99.92.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 9:36 PM Message:
Maybe do a pdf? Have a pamphlet section
You can do a section with graphics on martial arts, pepper spray and concealed carry. I keep the police on speed dial. A trading course would be good too! --66.30.xx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 10:12 PM Message:
I’m a paper reader, not digital. I would buy it if you write it! You could consider a chapter describing a showing or rent collection and see if the reader can figure out the mistakes. Point out the problems after. I know I always get mad at myself when I forget and head down the basement stairs first vs sending them down. Any safety apps, programs, training info would be good but gets outdated quickly. You have great stories, maybe sprinkle some through for entertainment. --24.61.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Jan 17, 2020 10:48 PM Message:
I would buy it especially knowing your background and knowing why you are qualified to write it.I would prefer a hardcopy also,i don't like reading on a screen.I would think it would sell more copies if it was directed at agents as well as landlords.I think some case studies of what went wrong and what the landlord or agent should have done differently would be helpful.Explain things like carrying a gun is fine but not getting into a bad situation in the first place is way better,what to look for to be aware of what is developing in front of you,dont collect rent in person.A friend of mine wrote 3 books about the second amendment and I think the writing was the easy part,he is doing radio interviews every week all over the country to keep the sales going,lots of time and effort. --104.229.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 7:20 AM Message:
I think a section on when refusing to open the door is warranted.
The anti-discrimination mindset has muddied the water of the purpose of tenant screening to the point that obviously unqualified / likely unstable applicants are accommodated for a showing. --67.43.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 8:46 AM Message:
With your knowledge, experience and training, how about a book on personal safety. You could have a chapter for LL safety, tenant safety, student safety, office safety. Have it cover what situations people might find themselves in and how they can personally enhance their own safety. --108.4.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 9:00 AM Message:
Paperback, like the "dummies" series. I will pay for it if you make it. The red flags start with the initial call as in my Mohammed Atta call so the red flag with him would have been "I will pay cash and not be around too much". That was before 9/11 so his name did not make me think of an enemy combatant or "Fifth Column" although the Iraq war had been ongoing and troubles in Afghanistan. Other red flags would be only able to meet after dark. Those key boxes are a terrible idea. I wonder how many squatters have to be handled due to those. If they have to be used there should be a camera in there that the LL could view before ever meeting them again. Women really have to be more careful so a lock box might be better in that case. I always sit in the car and wait outside for the applicant. That way if I see something I don't like, I can just drive away. That happened when I was selling a home FISBO. Showing occupied apartments or homes is a separate problem. Some folks just show up to see what they can find to steal. Had a young couple doing that. My purse was locked in the car and all my small treasures were put away. Do you have your chapter headings yet? --173.61.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 9:21 AM Message:
Several years ago, I had a young man who answered my CL ad and I agreed to meet him at the house for a showing. He showed up with a gun strapped to his waist in open view (not concealed in the least),..and he wanted everyone he met to know he was armed. If he had been wearing a police uniform, I would thought nothing of it. However, he was just a regular civilian and the sight of his gun made me 'very self-conscious and nervous' and I made the decision right then not to rent to him. I asked him why he carried a gun in open view and his sarcastic answer was "Because it is my legal right to". He then muttered "I don't anyone to F with me".
I am not sure what my point is here,...but I think a bad idea if everyone is allowed to carry a gun, especially when it not concealed. --68.63.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 10:23 AM Message:
I think that the most important thing for a landlord to learn is that the world is full of people who are not nice. Who will lie, steal, cheat, and take advantage. Who don't act in a rational manner and who think violence is an OK option if they think they can get away with it.
When I first got a job in law enforcement, it was a total shock to me how many scummy people are out there, walking around, with a sort of skewed outlook on life. I'd never been exposed to that sort of thing.
When I started as a landlord, I thought I'd already seen the scum of the earth, so it was another shock about how many scummy people are out there, staying out of the legal system, but taking advantage at any opportunity.
A landlord should never assume that the people they are talking to are rational and reasonable or truthful. Because so many of them are not. --98.146.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 10:26 AM Message:
I think the book is a good idea and I think it would sell.
Case histories are an important learning tool, so I suggest you start collecting the newspaper stories about landlords injured or killed and use some of them as case histories to point out how maybe the danger could have been avoided. --98.146.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Scott [IN]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 12:04 PM Message:
Like Sisco said, screening out the crazies is becoming more difficult. More than ever, we need expert guidance to do that without running afoul of the law.
Never pick up rent. Accept cash only at lease signing. New tenant hands the cash directly to a teller at my bank before I hand over the keys.
I also prefer bound over electronic. Above all, let your unique sense of humor shine through. --107.141.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Mary [MI]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 12:10 PM Message:
You might expand your field and include Real Estate agents that show houses for sale or Rent. You would probably get more information from them regarding protecting themselves on the job. --68.32.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 1:44 PM Message:
Titles: How Bad things happen to Good people ?
How Not to let your guard down, as a Landlord.
Is it worth it ?
--184.53.x.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 2:47 PM Message:
A video course would likely reach more landlords. --67.43.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 3:24 PM Message:
Self promoting at events would draw sales. But i doubt it would be a book i bought online or on the shelf. But if heard the stories and the presentation i would be more apt to buy. --99.203.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Posted on: Jan 18, 2020 8:04 PM Message:
Been in Vegas all day, thanks for everyone who has offered suggestions. Some really excellent ideas.
Yes, my vision is to cover all aspects of real estate security, not just for LL's, but real estate agents, trades people, etc.
And yes I like the idea of a section on asset security and many of the things we've talked about here, private mail address, residence security, etc..
Thanks again - and please add any more you may come up with. --47.216.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Jan 19, 2020 12:46 AM Message:
Here's some thoughts off the top.
What to do when encountering an aggressive dog
What to do when encountering an aggressive contractor
What to do when encountering an aggressive denied tenant
What to do when encountering an aggressive approved tenant
What to do when encountering an aggressive spouse after you bought another property without permission.
--50.26.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Jan 19, 2020 9:13 AM Message:
MikeA, I like the last one. Aggressive spouse after buying a property without permission.... --108.4.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Mickie [OH]) Posted on: Jan 19, 2020 10:38 AM Message:
How to safely handle group of adults (a group of would be roommates - kind of like a pack of wolves) when showing a place.
Yes, I would read it, I would buy it also to see if there was a reference section on shovel usage, I like digital.
--199.253.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Skunk [KY]) Posted on: Jan 19, 2020 11:46 AM Message:
We'd buy and read it as long as it's not just a general "how to physically defend yourself" manual. Ideally $60 or less. Prefer physical book over digital but suggest doing both.
So many good suggestions above. Mickie's [OH] question and and RB's [MI] "is it worth it?" really resound with us.
Don't know if you're going in safety into the repair side of things? This was a massive part of our landlording world...at least initially.
Suggest for this:
- How to secure a damaged or vacant property (screws in windows, signs, securing plywood over missing doors/walls, cameras, buddying up with the neighbors).
- How to recognize dangerous construction situations like ancient/poorly rigged up wiring, *potential* asbestos material in pipe wrap/attic insulation/siding/etc, improper wall support, rotted foundations, biohazards (brown recluse spiders, cow killers, sewage, hoarding, mold)
- Basic construction and common tool safety. Eye protection. Why you need a first aid kit that isn't cheap garbage. Different types of respiration masks and what they protect against. Tetanus shots and puncture wounds. Knowing where the nearest ER is.
Suggest in general:
- Tenant mindsets aren't the same as yours. How to always play it so you're the "manager" over the owner.
- Safety when you're going into an occupied property.
- Safety when you're going into an unoccupied property.
- Keeping it all business; keeping one's distance from tenants, friendships, and drama.
--96.28.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Melinda [MD]) Posted on: Jan 19, 2020 5:46 PM Message:
I would buy the BOOK. My interest would be protection and I would enjoy stories from other landlords regarding true incidents on situations that they have avoided and how they avoided them. Perhaps a police officer could give you some additional tips and sources for material for your BOOK. --24.233.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Jan 20, 2020 2:06 AM Message:
LTD,
As I understand, tje author writes the book digitally (on a computer). It is easily converted to print or Kindle so both camps can be pleased. Amazon will do that for you.
Me? I am a visual learner. SHOW me with photos and diagrams. Terms like flank and cover don’t mean much to me but if you show me a map or diagram I get it.
Others learn by hearing. Easy to read it aloud or have a voice actor create an audible version.
Some learn by doing. Short videos might help them- acting out scenarios.
MY tips: stop being naive. There ARE evil people out there. Stranger danger still applies to LLs.
How to not look like a victim.
How to manage without exposing yourself (lockbox showings, manager not owner, no last names, stage name for dealing with the public, no home addresses, don’t bring your kids to meet strangers...)
David Krulac can walk you thru the publishing system.
BRAD
How do I get copy #1? --73.102.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Posted on: Jan 20, 2020 4:55 PM Message:
Thanks everyone. Working on outline. Right now having to take a couple of days to deal with 2nd Amendment rights stuff - am speaking at a public meeting tomorrow.
I never knew being retired was going to be so much work! --47.216.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Jan 20, 2020 7:53 PM Message:
Retired by definition:
Having left one's job and ceased to work.
No one here. --184.53.x.xx |
LL Safety Book (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jan 21, 2020 3:02 AM Message:
LTD,I’m retired and I don’t do anything anymore,Oh! I’m lying.I cook and watch all the cooking shows,they show me how much I don’t know..................,...............Charlie............,...,... --32.214.xxx.xx |
LL Safety Book (by pete [OR]) Posted on: Jan 21, 2020 11:32 PM Message:
I just read a book "Talking to Strangers" that I found helpful ,not specifically for landlords, but for people in general. --67.41.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Newish gal [OR]) Posted on: Jan 26, 2020 5:31 AM Message:
I would include referrals to neighborhood emergency teams. Here in Portland we have NET responders trained and ready to assist with local emergencies. Basic training available online. Don't forget the can opener.
--172.58.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Lisa [TX]) Posted on: Jan 26, 2020 10:11 PM Message:
I'd like to have a check list of sorts with things to look for when dealing with potential tenants. Warning signs that I should abort a showing. Also warning signs that there will be issues later and I should end their application process.
--72.183.xx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Anna [PA]) Posted on: Jan 27, 2020 2:41 PM Message:
I think it is important to "follow what your gut tells you", That could be a Title to a chapter. God gives us the gift of discernment we just need to exercise it. What someone said about common sense is good too. We can not let greed or concern about hurrying up and getting it rented or the fact that we need the cash flow etc. cloud our thinking.. Maybe at the next convention Mr. Taylor would have space for you do a talk or a after dinner round table etc. on the subject. Your sharing could help the landlords and you may be able to pick up some good stories and experiences to research for the book.
--73.236.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by elliot [RI]) Posted on: Jan 28, 2020 5:28 AM Message:
Definitely buy and read, for those of us who deal with low income renters.. hard copy please, too old to read online.. eyes anyway --71.184.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by Jeffrey [VA]) Posted on: Jan 28, 2020 7:51 AM Message:
LTD, if you have it ready in time for the upcoming Landlord Convention, you could be a sponsor and promote your book there.Those who attend would be your ideal target market. I would suggest that you bring a lot of "printed" copies with you that you could autograph:). --70.161.xxx.xxx |
LL Safety Book (by LordZen [MA]) Posted on: Jan 29, 2020 6:46 AM Message:
Very interesting thread, yes I will buy a book like that to read it.
Digital format. --98.216.xx.xxx |
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