All Forum Posts by: Bill Caraker

@Sean S. It's not that they scratch that easily but unlike real hardwood it's not typically easy or possible to refinish them so I always prefer something that will look good for the long run. I haven't personally purchased these types of flooring but I can ask around to see where people are getting them. I've heard of builders going to floor and decor in addition to Avalon flooring 

Hey Sean, I sell a lot of new construction and almost all of them have engineered hardwood. Not too much comes to mind on the consumer end but make sure it looks good with the other finishes. I suggest a lighter color that won't show scratches as much. If you want a 2nd opinion before you buy let me know. 

Hi Matthew,

I work in the center city Philadelphia market and specialize in growing areas like Fishtown, Kensington, etc.. I've helped several clients house hack. Some buy small multi family but most of the time they buy single family in the $375k-$425k range (3-4bed 3-4 bathrooms). Very often these homes are new construction and have a tax abatement. This would be more of an appreciation market but you should be able to break even while living at the property and make a few hundred a month after you move out. New construction homes in certain areas that were around $375k-$400 3-4 years ago are now selling closer to $450k. These neighborhoods aren't that straight forward so feel free to ask any questions. 

@Alex M. Hey Alex, Curious. Did they change the zoning or did they grant you the permit to use it as a duplex?

Hey Amanda, I've sold a few RSA-5 duplexes in Philly. I would ask the seller for their rental license and any use permits they might have. Very often the city rezones neighborhoods and this could have been the properly zoned in the past. As long as you have the right permits and licenses I'd think you should be okay. If your property is grandfathered in you might have a hard time making any additions to the property in the future so maybe keep that in mind. Disclosure, I'm not a RE attorney or giving legal advice and If you aren't able to get in contact with a good real estate attorney let me know and I'll make an intro.