All Forum Posts by: Andrew Schultz

I'd be interested if it was a place with a few less Department of Health violations. haha

Hi Julie,

I use Keith Braun with Signature Home Inspection for all my multi unit inspections.  Very detailed and thorough.  Let me know if you would like his number.

H Craig,

Welcome to BP!  I don't have a form specifically like that, but I wanted to let you know that there are a lot of BP members in the Buffalo area, and we have a good group that meets up fairly regularly as well.  @Michael Sherwood heads up the meet ups, and I know we have one coming up that I'm sure he can forward the details to you on.

@Bill S. and @David Niles are absolutely correct - you need multiple quotes from qualified contractors who do this type of work and understand what needs to be done.  Your property manager shouldn't hesitate to send you photos of the issue as well.  This could be anything from a "weeping wall" due to poor grading to a full foundation wall replacement. Make sure you are heading down the right path.

I use RentPrep exclusively for all my tenant screening needs, and have been for several months now.  I find that their prices are fair, the information is fast and very accurate, and their customer service is great.  

I'd recommend them without reservation.

Hi Michael - welcome to BP!  Buffalo is a great market to invest in.  Best of luck to you!

I've been master keying all the buildings I manage using landlordlocks.com.  It's been great thus far.  The initial start up is a bit pricey, but the per lock change makes up for it very quickly.

It's pretty common for roofing companies in WNY to also do siding.  I believe it has to do with the insurance requirements.

This point is especially important.  There are a LOT of uninsured contractors who can do work for you on the cheap in Buffalo, but the second one of them falls off a ladder doing your siding, you're boned.

Make sure every contractor working for you has both liability and worker's compensation insurance.  Request to be an additional insured on their policy for the job.  If they won't do it, move on to the next one.  Ask your insurance agent for more information.

One thing to consider is that you purchased a $50k home in Black Rock.  What is that home currently worth?  How long do you plan to hold it?  Don't plan for appreciation in home values in the city of Buffalo.  Basically what I'm saying is consider that vinyl as maintenance and upkeep, not as something that will significantly improve the value of the property.  If you aren't planning to hold it long enough to justify the cost, you may want to consider just painting it.  If you're planning to hold long term, go vinyl.

When a prospective tenant wants to apply for one of my apartments, I require the fully completed rental application, proof of income, and a $200 deposit (cash, money order, or certified bank funds) up front.  

I explain up front that if they are approved, the entire $200 is applied to their security deposit.  If they aren't approved, I refund all but $40 per applicant.  If they aren't approved and they lied on the application, they lose the entire $200.  And if they are approved but don't take the apartment, they lose the entire $200.  They sign an agreement to that effect on both their application AND their receipt.  Covers me twice over.