Entering My Landlord Era | total cost of this home journey | Aja Dang

I'm Aja Dang and join us on an exciting journey as we navigate the ups and downs of being landlords in Texas! From finding tenants to surprising them with a thoughtful welcome gift, we share our experiences and lessons learned along the way. Subscribe for more adventures in homeownership!
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[@DoTheDomThing]

I think since making a profit wasn’t your top priority, you were able to actually spend and care for the house in the way it needed. I hope your tenants appreciates this too cause this property already put you through the wringer. Cheers to being a dream landlord!

[@adriennehilll]

I remember when I moved to Seoul, my landlord got my a gift basket like this and it genuinely meant soooo, so much to me. You’re such a good landlord!!!🥹 proud of you for powering through all the obstacles

[@angieramirez4156]

“Wouldn’t be a Houston vlog without an issue” 😂😂 you are a strong ass woman Aja! Congrats on closing this chapter, y’all made it 🎉

[@mrobanyaki7294]

U went through a rough year from this house. But, always remind yourself of how blessed you still are. It'll make u feel much better

[@AjaDang]

I just realized that a year ago today, we bought the house. Crazy timing!

[@KarateSHOES00]

As an LA renter, thank you so much for sharing the realities of home ownership.

[@marieobligacion8226]

“If y’all wanna buy it”😂 aw so happy y’all got tenants and break even 👏

[@SwanBelmont]

Aja you should do more days in my life/follow me around videos. Your life and little chats are massively insightful and inspiring

[@jexnepo2572]

Now I know why When my brother said he was flushing toilets and trying the faucets when they were looking for houses.

[@AjaDang]

YES.

[@stefflores]

Your tenants are so lucky to have you as their landlord! 💖

[@bettylee234]

Over 100k down on a house that needed additional 58k repair costs all within a year is NOT normal. It was just bad luck since my house experience was fine with no extra costs. I hope your 2nd house in the future is the complete opposite of this abnormal nightmare. 🤞

[@nanai7111]

Congrats Aja (& Brian!) on finding a solution for the house that was giving yall SO many problems! I applaud your strong will & determination during this chapter in your life, especially as someone who's nearing her homebuying journey. Your gift basket idea is SO thoughtful and as a longtime renter (from private landlords) I would appreciate the quick check-ins on the property, especially on a property that recently had fixes done. We take great care of the place we rent as our own, because we have great relationship with our landlords...heck we hangout with them on the reg lol

[@alwaysemilia]

Aja, girl! I love your approach to being a landlord. Honestly, so aspirational. I was so impressed by the thoughtfulness of your welcome basket! I hope you have peace with the house, and that it becomes a blessing for you two.

[@MBabyakTV]

I am so sorry. It’s so shocking how much had to be done within a year of you buying the house. It’s hard to believe. Maybe the universe is working through you to help others before they consider buying their first property. Thanks for sharing this part of your life ❤️

[@meredithmorales1332]

Super grateful to see more relatable content about things not going the way you thought they would. Many videos out there just show the ideal outcome of home purchases!

[@assiasaf308]

Your videos should be longer! I enjoy them so much and I'm always sad when they end so quickly ☹️

[@AjaDang]

I appreciate that!

[@KahnJi]

Such a journey! You did it great❤ and congrats on new chapter as a landlord 🎉

[@That.Mom.Candice]

I'm so happy for you two! I would highly suggest to those looking to buy a house, to look at new construction! The process was so easy for us! We purchased our home here in CA 12 years ago now, when prices were affordable, but I would definitely recommend looking into that so you don't have any issues with the home!

[@SandyTaboo]

You’ve gained and gifted and repaired so much with this house. I’m sorry it was giving you challenges. Your love, care, and attention to detail will forever be the foundation of it!

[@brin495]

I’m really happy that this is over for you guys. Like I’m happy you’re homeowners but this house put you through it!!!! I hope you guys can peacefully move on to other dreams and goals you have 🥳💕

[@AjaDang]

yes! thank you 🙏🏻

[@Fivetimesthree]

You’re a good person, Aja. I hope God gives you things you dream of and makes them easy for you to find and achieve ❤

[@dr.jasminehanson255]

When we bought our house everything had to be fixed from some bad work before. Now it’s been 4 years this month and we haven’t had to fix or touch anything in the past year and we can actually enjoy it! I know you’re over it but maybe in a few years it’ll all be smooth and you can continue renting or use it yourself if you change you mind. That’s the nice part of still owning it too.😅

[@Rocioslane]

Congratulations! I’m excited to hear more about your landlord journey it’s a dream of mine 🙏🏼♥️

[@foxygirl646]

Congrats on your new chapter. I'm here in Houston and felt so bad for y'all. I hope your tenants are amazing❤

[@sp-cn8pm]

I'm a landlord and you are super kind to the point I'm a little worried but I'm hoping to be proved wrong. Most tenants are good. I truly hope your tenants interpret the situation with the empathy and care you present.

[@nataliemccluskey1199]

I hope your tenants can make beautiful new memories! Was not your perfect place but it may be great for them

[@LizEsguerra]

Love your hair at the end of the video 😍

[@zingara76]

As a renter I’m more concerned about finding good tenants than making a profit. A bad tenant will destroy your property and cause so many more issues, not only in your property, but with the neighbors. I personally like to meet the new tenants face to face and get a better feeling of their personality.

[@NoraTKD]

So proud of you Aja😊🎉

[@With.Love.Chris.]

Love theseeeeee

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

Congratulations!!! It looks beautiful and I’m sure the tenants will appreciate all of your hard work!❤ There’s a policy (I can’t remember what it’s called) that covers Appliances, AC etc. Might be something to look into.

[@lilychiang12]

You are a dream landlord!!

[@missmalexa]

Im happy you got out of that house!! It felt like a nightmare just watching everything go down

[@chibiaye637]

How nice of you to gift your renters a welcome basket. Ive never gotten one as a renter or given one as a landlord

[@Robuilt]

Wow, a welcome basket for a long-term tenant is next level. Love it! Had you ever considered leasing it out short-term?

[@AjaDang]

we thought about it and I watched MANY of your videos but ultimately, we spent so much money improving everything, we wanted someone who cared for the house to stay in it. We rent out our first-floor loft in LA for photo and video shoots and sometimes they leave it a mess even only after a few hours. Short term rentals just isn't for us.

[@Robuilt]

@@AjaDanghaha yeah, I get it. But I will space photo/video crews are sooooooo much harsher on my places than the usual short-term rental guest. I rented my space to a video crew once and told myself I’d never do it again haha.

[@kristineswisher1348]

Wait...the mover fell into the wall😵‍💫 This house!! I hope you get some great renters. You certainly deserve it!

[@AjaDang]

Oh ya girl, it’s in one of the last Houston vlogs

[@nataliemccluskey1199]

When you say that’s how much your mortgage is does that include the property taxes

[@Nurthecat]

You definitely handled so much this past year and so happy to finally see this burden off your shoulders, and hope the tenants bring with them some good energy! So seems your realtor handled a lot of that process and you didn’t need a property management company right? My friend has been desperately looking for one in Houston and was wondering if you recommend any or heard good things about a certain one to manage a house as rental property

[@AjaDang]

Correct, the realtor handled everything and we don't use a property management company. We manage it ourselves, they pay uf via Zelle and it has been very easy. BUT if we didn't do all those updates before renting, I probably would've gotten a management company so handle the inevitable maintenance calls.

[@alantkim]

I’m in New York City and have been following your tumultuous journey with this house, but would be very interested in buying in the future if ever listed! :)

[@AjaDang]

thinking of moving to Houston?

[@beelastra4901]

Don't forget Tourmaline and Selenite too for protection from negative energy! I keep an evil eye in my car at all times (driving stresses me out)

[@kele.w]

The only thing i can imagine being more exhausting than home ownership is being a land lord, and the only thing harder than that would be long distance land lording from half way across the country. I hope that it goes well for you and the local management is reliable!

[@AjaDang]

so far being a long-distance landlord has been easier than being a homeowner

[@LenaMMcKee]

Girl!! I was just thinking about you today and oh my gosh I just remembered the pretty girl used to be a reporter would get the eyelash extensions working on budgeting turning a new page financially and I could not remember your name and then you appeared. Oh my gosh.!!!

[@AjaDang]

the algorithm was working in my favor!

[@jasminl8742]

It’s crazy that in this current housing market it makes more sense to rent than to buy

[@Kbydfrsghusy]

Tracking all those expenses will be good when filing taxes.

[@AjaDang]

it definitely helped A LOT

[@lpg8518]

There's a difference between "selling" a home and "leasing" a home. People who lease property present it to potential tenants in the best possible light because the interest is that they will lease for many years. Property that is being sold, is usually sold "as is" meaning you have to do your due diligence to make sure this is a property you want to buy/invest in. The Seller of a property tries to get the most money for their property without having to invest anymore funds into it. It is very important to distinguish between these two things before accusing people of not being honest. If I remember correctly, you guys negotiated a lower price for your property, so issues were to be expected.

[@anunlow]

Hi! Been following your Houston journey and am sorry that things didn't work out the way you'd hoped. Can I ask why you decided to rent rather than sell? I'm trying to make that decision right now myself. Thanks! 💜

[@AjaDang]

bc we would've lost so much money. This way we can wait it out and hopefully build some equity.

[@anunlow]

@@AjaDang Ah, got it.. Thanks! Will be following your landlord era journey! Hope everything goes well. 😊

[@RespectfullyNikki]

Texas gurl here, I smiled seeing The Breakfast Klub shirt! ❤

[@AjaDang]

best catfish I've ever had. @@RespectfullyNikki

[@iiTsaFantasy]

where are the shelves on your CA apartment from? 😍 but yes... home ownership is nothing anyone can really prepare you for.

[@vigachiga]

Oooh I like your flooring! Do you happen to know what floors those are?

[@AjaDang]

shawfloors.com/flooring/vinyl I believe it's Raw Sienna but I'll have to double check my receipt. There are definitely cheaper options out there but the difference in quality is huge so I'd recommend the splurge if you have time to save for it.

[@kaileemckenzie]

You're the dream landlord!

[@AjaDang]

girl - I think so too 💅💅

[@mangocaramelz]

@@AjaDang I second that statement!

[@prettyfaerie7]

Aja i hope the seller is having the worst life right now for all the heartache that dude has caused ☹️ Thanks for keeping it real as always ❤❤❤❤ excited for Bryan 's career moves! On IG you looked firreeeee + happy at the launch party 😘😘

[@AjaDang]

I would the old tenants talking to the neighbors and I would give him major side eye

[@tiffanynadeau489]

Hi Aja, I’m just curious but how come you are renting as opposed to selling the house? I’m not sure if this was addressed in previous videos but have been wondering this whole time. Thanks!

[@tnguyensave]

She said in one of the comments was because she would have lost so much money. And now she’s renting out to build equity.

[@isabellakoch5564]

I try my best to ONLY rent from individual landlords bc they are just so much better to work with

[@lauraholland8831]

We bought our house for our dog to finally have a yard after years of apartment living. He developed a neurological condition soon after and was paralyzed. It’s truly heartbreaking when things like that don’t go as planned.

[@AjaDang]

I'm so sorry about your pup 💕💕

[@lynnykhoury]

Yall should hold on to it for a little while. The home prices in that area will only rise.

[@nazamwasi1215]

I've been trying to find a way to ask this question because it seems a little harsh but maybe thats just my sensitive British thinking. We bought our first home nearly two years ago (whilst 7 months pregnant) so I really understand the intensity of this process. However, we rented for a long time and I just wanted to ask, if the house is experiencing so many issues to the point you couldn't move in, why rent it out? Is it not a little dishonest? And If you fixed everything to the point you got comfortable renting it out, could you not move in and save on renting? (Apologies, I'm new here so im sure I've missed a lot of the finer details).

[@guylianseashore]

If you watch her previous videos you’ll see she spent a lot of time and energy fixing the issues one by one. It would wear anyone down. She had a rough time being away from LA and then the cherry on top was getting broken into. So I think they’re just over it 😢 It doesn’t mean someone else won’t enjoy the house!

[@nazamwasi1215]

@@guylianseashore ah I get it now -- that's really enough to be put off for life! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I really appreciate it (particularly in this day and age when people are so quick to be mean).

[@jm367]

Are you using a property manager?

[@AjaDang]

nope

[@natwilliams2215]

Do you have a home that you dont live in but rent out emergency fund?

[@AjaDang]

Yes, we’re currently increasing our emergency fund for the Houston house

[@justinmartin1666]

FIRST COMMENT AND FIRST LIKE : 🥇❤ HAPPY FRIDAY 🏆💖 T.G.I.F !!!

[@AjaDang]

Thanks for always being early!

[@alexisballard1459]

5:17 I’m so happy to see you didn’t include alcohol in the gift basket!! My boyfriend and i were gifted a few bottles of wine when we rented and we aren’t drinkers so the day we moved out we had to throw them out 😅 they stayed in the same spot for the 2 years we were there

[@AjaDang]

I definitely an LA thing - lots of people are sober so I only gift alcohol when I *know* they drink. -- also anything with meat, I try to stay away from as a gift as well.

[@lzdowlin]

You probably already know this but it looks like from that brief clip of cousin CharLeigh in the yard, looks like he is lame, back right leg.

[@XoXoXoSteph]

I was thinking the same. She is hopping with her back legs and could also mean some early hip issues. I hope they look into it, or maybe they have.

[@lastpolarbearcub]

Why would you rent it out at a loss? Just sell it and cut your losses.

[@sundaynora1]

1 min ago!?!?!?

[@AjaDang]

you’re early!

[@yourhunnybunny]

That’s crazy … I live in the same neighborhood in Houston … the shady acres/heights and bought my house in 2021 for 319k. Since then I’ve only had to replace the AC and garbage disposal which I knew I would need to before hand. Your inspection should have uncovered many of those things before hand.

[@AjaDang]

agreed