Marijuana issue is becoming a huge headache for Realtors!

Marijuana issue is becoming a huge headache for Realtors! Not only do I find homes for buyers and sell homes for sellers, but I’m a property manager as well. One of the newest problems I’m encountering is tenants wanting to grow and use marijuana in their rental home.

Marijuana
Marijuana plant

When a potential tenant calls to inquire about a rental, it use to be so simple to screen them: “Do you have pets? What kinds?” and “How is your credit?” Now-a-days, the spiel I present even before meeting with this person: “We don’t allow smoking of any type nor the use of, nor the growing of medical and/or recreational marijuana.” Out from the last 60 phone inquiries I’ve received, ONLY about 3 or 4 people have stated that they do not use marijuana. This is amazing!

So why don’t we allow this since it’s now legal in Colorado? Here are the reasons:
1) – It stinks like a skunk! We don’t want that smell to infiltrate into the home and garage.
2) – It’s a huge liability for the landlord and property manager as breaking into a home to get the plants is a growing problem especially since buying it legally, is extremely costly.
3) – Generally those needing to use it medically, will also share their bounty with others so it’s intended purpose can’t be controlled. Hence also, as documented, it doesn’t just stop with the pot usage but ventures into other drugs.
4) – Fabricating marijuana oil is dangerous as it can become explosive.

Is this discrimination? No it’s not if the landlord states that he does not permit it. It’s just like someone who is a smoker; we can deny tenancy to anyone who smokes.

Is this a growing problem? Yes it is as people are coming into Colorado in droves wanting to be able to use marijuana only to find out that most landlords will not allow it. I’ve had many angry phone calls from those who want to argue the issue with me. All I say is, “It’s not allowed in our rental homes.”

“If I can’t sell your home, I’ll buy it” – this is a ploy!

DON’T FALL FOR THIS PLOY USED BY SOME AGENTS TO GET YOUR LISTING

If your house doesn’t sell, I’ll buy it!

What they don’t disclose is:
• You will be required to fix everything an inspector finds
• You will be required to spruce up your home: new carpet, paint,
fixing up your yard, etc. which may include hiring a professional “Stager” to decorate your home and landscaper – all at your expense.
• You have to agree to their listing price which may will be far below its actual market value.  It certainly won’t be the price you want for your home.

This is a bait and switch technique. Once the agent gets their foot in your door and reveals their requirements, they have you caught.  You’ll then agree to a standard listing agreement as obviously their conditions for this “buy-out”  are too expensive, too cumbersome and frankly, too unrealistic.

Dancing Star Realty does not play games. We work hard to get you the highest and best price for your home; honestly advising you with suggestions for a higher sales price, performing an accurate market analysis, and handling all the details for a successful sale. No games – Just total honesty and professionalism.

Dancing Star Realty – 719-488-2234

Home4U@DancingStarRealty.com