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Updated 5 months ago, 07/15/2024

User Stats

3
Posts
3
Votes
Anna Holmes
3
Votes |
3
Posts

Rehab or upgrade financing

Anna Holmes
Posted

Hello,  I currently travel for work and rent out 3 of my 4 rooms while I'm away.  I'd like to make some rental friendly upgrades and upgrades In general to my 1910 home but don't know where to start.  Out of pocket is slow lol saving up one project at a time with only one salary.  I already managed a 100 to 200 Amp upgrade.  I have no driveway so I put a down-payment on an asphalt driveway. I'd like to replace all my original windows and Instal mrcool split acs and finish the attic.   

advice?

I'm a travel dialysis patient care technician. 

thank you 

User Stats

102
Posts
35
Votes
Bryan Montross
Agent
Pro Member
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Crownsville, MD
35
Votes |
102
Posts
Bryan Montross
Agent
Pro Member
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Crownsville, MD
Replied

First, welcome and glad you are getting into the investing side of real estate. Hopefully these insights will help you on your current house. If you are looking to build money faster so you can do more upgrades, I would ask if you could rent out the 3 bedrooms all the time instead of just while you are away and then rent the 4th bedroom as well while you are gone. You might need an owner's closet to lock some things up, but could help you earn more.

Next, I would look at doing more value add upgrades first. Upgrading your electrical service to 200 amps doesn't really increase the value of your home, same as new windows. If the kitchen needs an upgrade or the bathrooms, or flooring then you could add value to the house and potentially cash out refinance or get a HELOC based on the new value and use that for more upgrades. Just be careful with the upgrades you choose because some are great for maintenance and longevity, but not necessarily adding value. If you do have to sell in the short-term you might not recoup all the money you put in.

  • Bryan Montross

User Stats

13
Posts
2
Votes
Tim Foley
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Albany, NY
2
Votes |
13
Posts
Tim Foley
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Albany, NY
Replied
Quote from @Bryan Montross:

First, welcome and glad you are getting into the investing side of real estate. Hopefully these insights will help you on your current house. If you are looking to build money faster so you can do more upgrades, I would ask if you could rent out the 3 bedrooms all the time instead of just while you are away and then rent the 4th bedroom as well while you are gone. You might need an owner's closet to lock some things up, but could help you earn more.

Next, I would look at doing more value add upgrades first. Upgrading your electrical service to 200 amps doesn't really increase the value of your home, same as new windows. If the kitchen needs an upgrade or the bathrooms, or flooring then you could add value to the house and potentially cash out refinance or get a HELOC based on the new value and use that for more upgrades. Just be careful with the upgrades you choose because some are great for maintenance and longevity, but not necessarily adding value. If you do have to sell in the short-term you might not recoup all the money you put in.

 Great advice, Bryan.  

@Anna Holmes, where in upstate is the property?  I may be able to help you identify quality contractors, etc.

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User Stats

3
Posts
3
Votes
Anna Holmes
3
Votes |
3
Posts
Anna Holmes
Replied
 Thank you!  The breakers kept tripping that's main reason why I upgraded the electrical box and a lot of diy handyman special upgrades and repairs throughout the years in this house. We are splitting things and adding circuits, there wasn't enough power to kitchen and pantry. Also I'd like to add square footage to house by finishing attic as my space/bedroom so the 4th bedroom can be rented aswell.
Windows are drafty etc and heating through out the house is very Inconsistent.  I really would like hvac or mr cool split ac/heat units...

User Stats

3
Posts
3
Votes
Anna Holmes
3
Votes |
3
Posts
Anna Holmes
Replied
Rochester NY.

User Stats

13
Posts
2
Votes
Tim Foley
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Albany, NY
2
Votes |
13
Posts
Tim Foley
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Albany, NY
Replied
Quote from @Anna Holmes:
Rochester NY.

 I'm based in Albany.  Let me know if you need any assistance out this way.

User Stats

757
Posts
363
Votes
Ko Kashiwagi
Pro Member
  • Lender
  • Los Angeles, CA
363
Votes |
757
Posts
Ko Kashiwagi
Pro Member
  • Lender
  • Los Angeles, CA
Replied

Hi Anna,

As Bryan, mentioned, building cash by renting out the rooms all the time would be ideal. Otherwise you could finance by credit card, bridge loan (use this property as a collateral) or HELOC.

  • Ko Kashiwagi
  • 310-848-9776
  • User Stats

    3,702
    Posts
    1,150
    Votes
    Erik Estrada
    Lender
    • Lender
    1,150
    Votes |
    3,702
    Posts
    Erik Estrada
    Lender
    • Lender
    Replied
    Quote from @Anna Holmes:

    Hello,  I currently travel for work and rent out 3 of my 4 rooms while I'm away.  I'd like to make some rental friendly upgrades and upgrades In general to my 1910 home but don't know where to start.  Out of pocket is slow lol saving up one project at a time with only one salary.  I already managed a 100 to 200 Amp upgrade.  I have no driveway so I put a down-payment on an asphalt driveway. I'd like to replace all my original windows and Instal mrcool split acs and finish the attic.   

    advice?

    I'm a travel dialysis patient care technician. 

    thank you 

    What is the total cost of the rehab? 

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