All Forum Posts by: Bryan H.

I'd seriously reconsider what needs to be done. Without knowing current rents and comp rents and seeing comps it's tough to say what 'improvements' are needed. I would look at what needs repair over improvements. The house has character, it doesn't need everything to be replaced.

Unless the cabinets are falling apart, dont replace them. Update hardware, clean them really good. If needed, paint them. But if you have a solid box, don't waste money replacing them. You won't get more money for it.

Unless floors are damaged, ( I dont see it) then leave them alone.

Sometimes we do a project because we want a project. Sometimes we need to let a good thing be and just make money.

Don't believe me? Try fixing one up, cleaning the other and advertise them both with different rent rates. See what really works for you.

Good luck

I had an employee that was very much like this. She had to show me everything she did and wanted me to tell her how good she did. Some people just need those exterior accolades and praise.

Consider yourself lucky, she could be just the opposite. She could let her house fall into disrepair and not care what others think.

Just make mom happy and tell her it looks nice.

Fun rehabbing a stink hole, isnt it?

My first rehab was vacant for 5 years before I purchased it. Animals got into the attic and made it their home. There were piles of feces and the urine smell was awful.

First - remove the source and anything contaminated by the animals.

Any type of degreaser should be fine for cleaning the kitchen floor. HD sells a bunch

A good primer to cover all the walls and ceiling should do the trick. They sell an additive to help eliminate odors, not sure it works but I dont recall it being expensive. You just add it to the primer before application.

One product that worked wonders for me was 'Big D - Odor Control Fogger'. They are like bug bombs but for odors. Gets into places you cant reach. I put a couple in the attic, and a few throughout the home. The home went from stinking to smelling like the product. It took a while for the product smell to go away but when it did, the house didnt stink anymore.

Good luck

While searching CL, I saw an ad for a 2/2 cottage near the Carolina coast. Got me thinking about having a vacation rental there that I could also use when not booked.

Any recommendations on cities or areas that attract visitors?

That's why banks don't want to lend to you. No skin in the game.

Ned CareyI thought it was a pretty good article. Anyone that has a website or sends out marketing should check it out.

And GMAIL Blue is the future of email! I can't believe we lived without that. Have you upgraded yet?

http://blog.bufferapp.com/the-science-of-colors-in-marketing-why-is-facebook-blue

Saw this the other day and thought I'd share. It's an article about psychology and use of color in marketing.

http://blog.bufferapp.com/the-science-of-colors-in-marketing-why-is-facebook-blue

Why was the original lease terminated? Like it was said before, the lease is with the property, not the owner. Your old lease should be valid unless I'm missing something. Also, it is up to the owners to manage your deposit. It's still your money, not theirs.

I provide it. Seems to me it's more appealing to a prospective resident.

Unless they are beating the crap out of these things, they last a while. To me the maintenance & replacement is part of doing business.