All Forum Posts by: Brad Ehnert

I'm trying to consolidate all of my properties under one property management group. I'd like to get hanging signs for each property, with the name of my property management group and website on them. The sign doesn't need to be too elaborate but nicely designed with room for some minimal info. Are there any companies that make these? 

@Ron Todd what lock do you use with the wink system? Curious as to why you wouldn’t use another wink system in your multifamily?

@John Warren thanks for the info. I manage my units from about 2 hours away so I’m not usually there for move ins. So even if I changed the lock using the smart key system, I’d have to give tenants the lock box for them to get in the first time on move in day. I’d like to just be able to send them their key code. Plus, if I can change the key codes from a distance, then I can reset maintenance codes if I’ve given them out too many times. When a unit is vacant I sometimes do showings by just giving the tenants then lockbox and having them go by themselves. I’d rather be able to give a onetime key code so that I don’t risk them coming back at a later date for nefarious reasons.

I wasn’t planning on tapping into the tenants wifi or providing it for them. I figured I could get my own WiFi for the building and connect the common door lock, cameras, hot water heaters, lights, etc. But their individual apt door locks would go on their wifi or they could just be non wifi locks that have preset key codes.

I am currently rehabbing a 6 unit apartment building. I'd like to go with all smart locks to avoid having to make, copy and store keys. Plus I would like to have separate code for maintenance people, cleaning people, etc. I would want to have one lock on the common door and then individual locks on the apartment doors. This would be more convenient for tenants and also allow me to give access for showings, maintenance, cleaning, etc. without giving everyone the lockbox combo. 

I would like to have remote access to at least the front door. Do I need to pay for internet for the common areas in order to connect the smart lock? I would like the option to create single use or timed key codes. Maybe I could have a connected smart lock on the main door so I can allow access and create new codes. Then I could have non-connected smart locks on the individual doors and just make up different key codes ahead of time for each category (showing, maintenance, etc). 

What have you guys been using?

That seems to be the only option I’m finding. I can’t believe with all the technology out there, I can’t get a Ring Doorbell type of setup for it.  

I'm currently rehabbing a 6 unit apartment building and am looking into doorbells and intercoms. Most multifamily intercom systems I'm seeing use phone lines, which just seems antiquated. Ideally I would install individual Ring Doorbells for each unit, but can these be connected to the same main door lock? Are there any other options like this? I planned on installing a keycode door lock on the front door so I can give access to contractors, mailmen, etc. 

Thanks.

@Joseph Scorese is this something that you can do? Usually either the fact that it is 4 units or partially commercial disqualifies it for most programs. The building is not zoned commercial but it has a variance on it 

@Dan Gamache I have  really good rate right now so I don’t think I’d be looking for a cash out refi. 

I'm having a lot of trouble finding a bank that will do a HELOC on my particular building. It seems like if the 4 units don't disqualify it, then the fact that one unit is commercial does. Does anyone know a bank that will do a HELOC on a building with the following specs? Any other ideas? I'd be using the HELOC to pay down some credit card debt and then ideally keep the HELOC in case of emergencies or if the house needs work/repair.

-4 Unit Multifamily Investment Property

-Located in Philadelphia, PA

-3 units are residential

-1 unit commercial (small unit, only 275sqft of the 3,300 building so about 8%)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Love that last part about the "request" of service. Just updated all my leases. Thanks!