All Forum Posts by: Kristel Daugherty

@Tyler Campise - You've got some great advice above about options for financing.  Are there other questions that you have?  Your initial question was pretty broad!  :)

Hi Elise,

Landscaping is one part of the overall unit, and needs to play a role in that.  Just like considering how much money to put into a kitchen or bathroom update, the landscaping should be at the same level.  High-end area with high-end rents?  Then include landscaping maintenance into the rental contract.  Suburban middle class area with mid-range rents?  Mostly lawn with a fence would be fine.  

For me, I'd keep it simple.  If you have overgrown brush, clear it out and put down seed & fertilizer.  Set some expectations on lawn maintenance in your lease, or include landscaping referrals.

Hope that's helpful!

@Lynnette E.holy crap! Yeah, with experiences like that I don’t blame you! Pretty sure many of those would incur fines for the agent if reported, but that just adds more hassle. 

Seems like a lot of the impressions I get is that FSBOs have had really poor agent experiences. I’m sorry you didn’t deal with professionals. 

@Jordan Solomon - only when you’re ready to sell!

@Jodi Roberts - yeah.  Negotiating the terms when they're favorable to you, that's something I'm always up for.  Anytime you can make it a win-win!

And if spring comes and they still have cold feet on buying - you'll at least have had another 9 months of rents without turnover, at the very least.

@Arif Siddiqi - I would look for another class if you prefer to learn in seminar type of environment.  There is a LOT of information that's contained in those courses, and you want to give yourself time to understand it all, ask questions, and get clarification.  Having studied and passed the CA exam, I can't imagine one weekend seminar being able to cover everything AND still pass the exam.

On the other hand, if you'd had your license in the past and just need a refresher - this might be a great option!

@Christian Bateman - Manette is a GREAT neighborhood.  Very desireable.  Close to downtown, but with a very unique neighborhood culture.

You asked more specifically about the West Bremerton area, and I've found that it depends a lot on which neighborhood.  I live in the Union Hill neighborhood, and have great folks around me.  I rent an upstairs apartment out for $950/month (about 700sf).  Proximity to the shipyard and ferry will increase the amount you can charge, but if you get too close to Callow or other parts of town, the return diminishes.

Let me know if you'd like to talk more specific neighborhoods or just get a coffee to chat strategies in the area!

@Seth Tipton - a bad appraisal isn't very common, but they do happen.  It's just an occasional blip to be aware of.

...and there is an opportunity to revise the appraisal if there is factually incorrect information contained within the report.  The hard part is understanding that the appraiser works for the bank, not you, so you have to send the information to your lender and get them to have the appraisal revised.  It's not common either, but a good tidbit to know!

Ah - forgive me for misunderstanding.  I haven't sold terms before.  Other than the $5 anticipated renovation budget, what other costs are you expecting?  If it's just a short term bridge loan, perhaps hard money is an option?

Hello investor friends!

It's Sunday, and I thought I'd start a friendly discussion about the pros and cons of listing a property in your portfolio as a FSBO or using an agent to list on the MLS. Even within the MLS options, there are flat fee options, and I thought it would be interesting to discuss.

My point of view: using an agent will get you faster results, more eyes on the property, more offers, better marketing, and save you the time of having to host showings.

Let's have fun!