All Forum Posts by: Ben Staples

Hey @Ori Skloot thanks for the insights.  So many people are all about "bonus" units, but it really seems like a lot of risk.  I will definitely keep it in mind

I'm looking at a multifamily 4 unit with a "bonus" basement unit in Illinois.  Cash flow wise, it only really makes sense to do the deal with that bonus units cashflow contribution.  

• Are there issues that could come up with the closing?
• Are there issues that could come up down the road?  I.E. if I needed to renovate?
• Should I underwrite this as a strict 4 unit, and call the 5th the icing on the cake?

@Sylvia B. great point!!

Thanks everyone for the thoughts. I had checked the market but didn’t find any clear indicators either way. I think I may keep it as an office, and when marketing the unit list it as an option for a slightly higher rent. 

Hi Everyone,

I've got a renovation of a small (~650 sq ft) 1 bed apartment coming up.  This unit has one other room, not large enough to be used as a bedroom (can fit a twin bed maybe) and has no closet.  Right now it is being used as an office, but during this renovation I could put in a washer dryer.  The building does not have any space for a shared washer dryer.

In your experience, what drives rent higher, office space, or washer dryer in unit?  Is it worth converting the space to a laundry room?

Hey @Kate Ziegler, I've had luck with two companies, not sure if they'll go to JP or Roslindale but definitely service Malden:

Alpha Omega Property Services out of Medford: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alpha-omega-property-serv...

Good quality of work, I'm not sure if they'd go down to JP and Roslindale, but they are based in Medford and definitely work in Malden.  My one trouble with them was just how busy they were.  Once scheduled, they do show up!

Another good guy I've had success with is Joe the Handyman: https://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/ma/malde...

The one thing about him is that he won't do work where a ladder is required, but has hung cabinets and done small jobs.  

@Mike Abramowitz thanks for the thoughts!  It’s a great point. I’ve heard of slydial from a podcast, have any experience with it or any others specifically?

Hey @Matthew Teter thanks for the insight.  Makes sense, time to make some phone calls and get some mailers ready!

Thanks for the reply @James C.  That sounds like a great strategy!

I'm an agent in the greater Boston area and am pulling expired listings to cold call / mail to.  For agents/wholesalers who have had success with expired listings, how far back should you go?  

For example: some people that I talk to say it is best to call as soon as they expire, others say I should pull a list that expired this time last year and check in.

Any thoughts, success stories OR failures would be welcome!