We Sold Our First House!

We had heard all the horror stories about owning a rental property, and the nightmare it can become when you have tenants that don't care for the home.  But we did it anyway.  Our first renters were pretty great.  Rent was always on time, the home was well cared for, and it was spotless when they moved out.  Then the second tenants...ugh.  Rent was literally always late.  Very late, and they destroyed the home.  This was especially upsetting because it was our first house.  Trenton and I worked very hard to update and beautify the home and it was devastating when I saw it in such disrepair.  Thankfully, our friends and neighbors at that property offered to buy.  They wanted to stay in the neighborhood, but needed an extra bathroom and bedroom.  Selling the house couldn't have gone more smoothly.  But the process of getting the tenants out was anything but smooth.  Here is just a taste of the damages that we were left to deal with.  Keep in mind- this was after a year of dealing with them and worrying each month whether or not we'd get the rent.  They also snuck in several additional, unapproved animals.  They destroyed walls, doors, and floors.  They did not clean, and they left an entire fridge full of food.  Would you believe our tenants actually threatened to take legal action if we didn't return their security deposit?  They cost us several thousand dollars out of our own pockets above and beyond their deposit, but they expected a return?  Say what?  I don't think so.  They're very lucky we didn't require them to pay us. Anyway- that transaction is done and the new owners have already made some really beautiful improvements on the home.  I'm happy they're happy.  All is well that ends well.