Thoughts on this property? 3/2 SFH 1800 Sq ft - is it too ugly??

[Marc Shin]

Thoughts on this property for an MTR?  is the front too ugly?  

[Jonathan Greene]

In what way do you think a single-family MTR has to be pretty on the outside? Curb appeal is a thing, but MTR is about the comfort of home away from home. That house actually looks good to me for a rental of any kind because it's very accessible.

[Marc Shin]

@Jonathan Greene thanks for the reply! what do you mean by "accessible"? do you mean the front door entrance looks very accessible or do you mean that the driveway leading to the front door area is very accessible? sorry i'm a newbie to REI....

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Marc Shin:

@Jonathan Greene thanks for the reply! what do you mean by "accessible"? do you mean the front door entrance looks very accessible or do you mean that the driveway leading to the front door area is very accessible? sorry i'm a newbie to REI....

It's a ranch with very few steps, which means it is generally accessible to all people, even though those steps are a little steep. An MTR doesn't have to have mass curb appeal, it has to provide a sense of comfort and home on the inside.

[Marc Shin]

@Jonathan Greene great advice!  also, what are your thoughts on the Jacksonville FL market?  is it a good place for MTR's?  I was thinking Jax because the prices are reasonable, potential for appreciation, and there's a lot of hospitals in the area. Thoughts?

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Marc Shin:

@Jonathan Greene great advice!  also, what are your thoughts on the Jacksonville FL market?  is it a good place for MTR's?  I was thinking Jax because the prices are reasonable, potential for appreciation, and there's a lot of hospitals in the area. Thoughts?

I like Jacksonville as a market, but you could be more successful with long-term there. Get in touch with @Elenis Camargo of Thirdstone Properties. She has been doing property management in Jacksonville for years and can guide on MTR vs LTR and assets.

[Mindy Jensen]

This property is ugly as-is, and some people truly get upset by an ugly house when they're renting it shorter term, as though it's some reflection on them personally.

Good news is that you can paint those ugly rocks and brick the same color, and make it look WAY better. 

[Drew Sygit]

@Marc Shin wouldn't advise painting the brick as then it will have to be done every 5-7 years, if done the right way, more often if hacked.

Just paint the walled garage door faux stone area a better color that doesn't clash with the orange brick.

[Marc Shin]

@Drew Sygit thanks great advice!

[Colleen F.]

@Marc Shin  its not too ugly.  Depending on where you are you can change the facade with wood, metal, plants. I would not paint because it increases maintenance costs. Something tall to the right of the window will balance it a little.  When you get the opportunity down the road you could change the facade permanently. Painted stone is going to look like painted stone. 

[Kimberly Gopp]

@Marc Shin

As for a MTR. I don’t believe anyone cares what it looks like on the exterior. Most exteriors front pic are not even shown when marketing a MTR.

The Interior and backyard pics are what will determine if they like it.

If you paint… as already mentioned. You are adding an extra expense every 5 yrs to repaint. It’s an investment home… Don’t over improve for MTR. An outdated home WILL rent as long as it’s clean and the interior is thoughtfully furnished with every day living in mind.

The value for the resident is generally more about location with relation to a commute, comfortable furnishings, an accommodating owner/landlord, a fenced yard if residents have pets and affordability.

No one cares about curb appeal. Your neighbor is not going to be your resident.

Less is more with regard to having maintenance of shrubs and landscaping. Keep it simple!

[Kristine Ann]

The house doesn't look bad at all.  It looks very sparse in front of the grey stone.  A very large potted plant or box planter right there would fix that.  Don't alter the exterior at all!  It's in good shape and won't be worth the money.

[Bruce Woodruff]

That faux rock is ugly...I agree it doesn't matter much for an MTR, but an easy fix would be to attach some fir strips 2x2s and add horizontal siding painted a nice color. Only a few grand and a big upgrade....!

[Bonnie Low]

No, it isn't. First, if it's priced right no one will care. Second, it would be very easy to either paint that rock to tone it down a bit or place a container plant in front of the wider section of gray rock to camouflage it slightly. Otherwise, it's a really attractive property!

[Ron Brady]

We would set up and rent the home, exterior as is, for 18 months to two years. If we decide that we will keep the home long term as an MTR, we may do some upgrades/painting of the exterior. We specifically target the market segment that is looking for a slightly nicer-than-average MTR and we are priced and outfitted accordingly. If we were seeking a more standard client, we would not plan to paint. Best wishes to you. 

[Zachary Deal]

@Marc Shin I think some minor adjustments to the façade could fix any "curb appeal issues". Personally, I think curb appeal is low on the list for MTR success. I think location, amenities, and layout are much more important factors.

[Nicole Heasley Beitenman]

I don't think it's that bad. I'd be more concerned about the size. Is there a large demand for 3/2 MTR's in your market?