All Forum Posts by: Brian Rosher

Seeing as SimpliSafe is a sponsor, are there any escalation paths to getting some help?  I have tried on multiple days over the past week to contact their customer service.  The hold times are in excess of 20-30 minutes by the time I give up.  I did try and leave a message, they called me back days later.   I am only at my property for a limited amount of time so I wont have access to the unit when they call back.  I was really hoping SimpliSafe would give me some piece of mind, instead I can't even get started and wasted a bunch of time mounting/testing something that is useless.  

The problem is the base station can not connect to the dispatch center.  “No Link to Dispatcher” is displayed.  I've tried entering test mode numerous times, but it never authenticates.  The base station is near a window in an area with excellent cell coverage.  

Any ideas before I give up and return the device?  

Seems I am not alone...

https://simplisafe.com/forum/customer-support-foru...

https://simplisafe.com/forum/customer-support-foru...

The fact that they are attorney reviewed and state specific makes them a good value.  I am thinking about picking them up to compare to my existing lease.

@Scott Trench @Mindy Jensen Have you considered adding an agreement for hiring a contractor?  A turn key contract for hiring, measuring progress, paying and dealing with disputes would also add value.

Getting ready to close on my first BRRRR and I am working on getting insurance quotes. My mortgage broker had a requirement for rental reimbursement rider. I had planned to have vacant property insurance since I will be doing renovations before a tenant moves in. Of course there is no rental reimbursement on a vacant home policy. The mortgage broker can waive the rental reimbursement requirement based on my income, but says the underwriter is looking for a regular homeowners policy. They don't want to feel like its a renovation loan I suppose. I don't want to be in a situation where I have a potential claim denied due to the house being vacant in the short term.

Since this is a popular strategy, what insurance are you all using to close on a BRRRR? The home is in NY state and is habitable in its current state, just outdated. Renovations are paint, hardwood floors, bathroom remodels and a bunch of odds and end repairs my inspector found.

Thank You,
Brian

Since it sounds like the town is highly dependent on the school I'd do some more research on the school itself.  What is the cost and quality of on campus housing?  Is there a beautiful new dorm with gym and swimming pool under construction that could impact off campus demand?  What majors do they focus on and are they likely to be in demand in the future?  How will the school be impacted by potential tax bill being passed?

You are near Ithaca which is a great college town.  It also has some airbnb potential in the summer when your units might be vacant to bring in somecadditional cash flow.

Hi Desiny, Peter Tull @ Homestead Funding. 

One approach could be to rent the rooms to two tenants.  Given school season right now you may have more individuals who need a space.  Rather than $1100 you could try for $650 x 2 to some young professionals or students.  This was a strategy on one of the podcasts.

Zillow rent estimate is not very accurate around here.

You can also try posting on the facebook garage sale group for saratoga.

You need to find out what zoning your property is in.  From there you can determine allowable uses by reading the zoning.  The zoning map and zoning descriptions can typically be found on your towns web site or by google search.  Some locations allow for an accessory dwelling to have a legal apartment above the garage, some don't.  It may or may not require a special permit and zoning board approval. Do some research online and then go to town hall and see what is possible.

Congrats and thanks for sharing.

Sorry to hear about this.  Time to consult an attorney familiar with the regulations.  Removing would be the best outcome or at least keep them honest for over enterpreting the specificity of the renovation.  Best of luck moving forward.

 Does anyone have an opinion on this scenario?  Can I jointly purchase a home with a relative during the Exclusive period, we would both go on the deed as I would pay for the property, only the relative would occupy for 12+ months?