When we moved to Bangkok 4 years ago, we had 2 months to get our house packed up, find renters, get passports & vaccines in order, and a million other things that needed to happen before we picked up our lives in Ohio and transported them to Bangkok. I was stressed. Like over the top. It was so bad that I called my doctor complaining about shortness of breath. I still remember the sweet nurse saying, "Sara, you are having a panic attack. You need come here now so we can see you. It's alright, you have so much going on right now." I did go to the doctor's office and I was, in fact, having a panic attack. Thankfully, they did go away with the help of some anxiety medication or I would have never been able to get everything complete before our move.
Over the past 4 years we have been so lucky to have two sets of amazing renters. They only called us in emergency situations and took great care of the house. It was so nice to not have to worry about the house for the past 4 years. In May, we found out that our tenants were moving to another state and it would be time for us to find new renters again.
I really did not think that we would be able to find another family that fit so well with our situation, but a name was passed on to us and it was perfect. They were looking for long-term, which was great. They had even been to the school that Ben is currently teaching at! It seemed meant to be. And we thought it was until two weeks before they were set to move in, they broke their contract with us. Their current landlord lowered their rent and they just did not want to move. I get it. I hate moving too. But 2 weeks before they were supposed to move in! Really? Panic set in.
So for the past few weeks I have been frantically trying to get our house rented. This is not the easiest thing to do when you live on the other side of the world. Photo albums went up online, postings to rental sites in our area, and telling everyone know that we need to find new renters. It would be so much easier if we were in the States right now. I hate having to ask people for help. I wish I was the type of person that didn't get so stressed out. Thankfully, my parents have been wonderful and went and cleaned and fixed things in our house to get it ready for the next tenants. My friend, Jenn, has been showing the house for us and deserves to get her honorary realtor's license. And we have someone there, as I am typing, working on getting the yard all ready to go. I just keep telling myself that it will work out. It has to, right?
It has been so stressful. I have not been sleeping because I am usually responding to emails or checking requests from people at all hours. Our summer plans have been put on hold because we are paying for two houses at the moment. Which really stinks. But, these are just consequences of having a rental property I guess. But on the plus side, no panic attacks yet!!
Should have we hired a property manager? Yes, probably. Should of we had a better contract? Yes, and we will next time. I have had so many people share the photo album of our house and quite a few people interested in it. It has been amazing how many people have been willing to help us out and get this house rented. I am really hoping we have our new contract signed in the next two weeks.
Thank you to everyone that has helped us out and shared our house through social media or word of mouth. We could not get this house rented without you! Thank you to my parents, for all they have done on the house and thank you to Jenn, for showing the house and dealing with all my texts. And hopefully I have some good news soon and I can enjoy the last couple weeks of summer.
Do you have any rental horror stories? I would love to hear. Just so I don't feel alone.
