Newbie First Duplex, repair?

[Scott L.]

So I'm closing in on my first deal and have a few questions. By closing in, I mean I close in a month.

It's a duplex that could use some TLC, one tenant has lived there for 10 yrs, not leaving and her side has not been updated in forever, if ever.  The other side was slightly updated a year or so ago. That tenant has been there a yr, has trashed it a bit just being sloppy, she is moving out when I take ownership.

There are some windows at minimum that need replaced on both sides, small roof repair. And some cleaning etc.

Do I just repair and replace the unrented side and wait on the long term tenant side? Hit the one that is open and make it as desirable as possible and not worry bout the other side for a while. Current difference in rent is $100 a month.  

Long term tenant side only bathroom, has a seized up shower head, only take baths I'm guessin, cause there isn't even a shower curtain.  Do I ask her what she wants fixed?

Advise is alway appreciated.

[Matthew Schroeder]

Scott,

First, congratulations on "closing in" on your first deal!

What you decide to do depends on a lot of factors including if you are using financing (may want to minimize disruptions to cash flow), if the current tenant is at market or below market rental rates and a whole host of factors, too many to list here.

The one thing I would not do is ask the existing tenant and open ended question like "what would you like fixed?".  The answer may surprise you.  You might ask in another way how she likes living there & that answer will probably take into account what she pays & the location and other factors.  You also want to set the tone & precedent from Day 1.

Definitely try to find out if there are any major electrical/plumbing/roof issues, but other than major mechanical items, I would not ask too broad a question.

On the shower head, often it is just some calcium build-up inside the showerhead, and simply placing the shower head in vinegar for several hours will do the trick.  A quick, easy fix.

Good luck!