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All Forum Posts by: Benjamin Leung

Benjamin Leung has started 8 posts and replied 26 times.

Post: Replace or Repair for Antique Home

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

Most homes in the neighborhood within 10 years and 400 sqft have been sold in the past 4 years between 280k-400k. The only ones that are active with photos is going for 400k+. I am purchasing for 260K.

The home has the sqft and a garage which is pretty rare for the area in St Petersburg.

16 windows and to replace would be about $230 per window due to the florida storm requirements. I can get cheaper but I need storm protection coverings. I can keep the original and repair them. I am more concerned with what would be more attractive to a buyer, the original features refurbished or new replaced features. I attached some pictures. 

The floors have been painted on and just generally beat up in some rooms. I am pretty sure I can just refinish them but not sure if just replacing them is worth it. I also plan to convert a space into a bathroom so if I stay antique look then ill make sure to match the style.

You cant see it from the photos but some of the window panes have been replaced with plastic and it looks like the windows may not provide a good seal.

Post: How to find owner into for vacant homes?

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

Most counties, you can look up the tax records for that address.

Post: Mold issue in bathroom shower

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

So moisture is the only real cause of mold and removing it will be the only way to see where the mold is coming from. If water is pooling around that area every day with shower use it may cause moisture, it just needs to completely dry at some point in the day.

I would first work on finding better ways to ventilate the area. If you are keeping a very low humidity level consitently and still having mold issues then I would do the more serious checks. 

What did you mean the peeling of wall paint?  Was he actually able to look at the space under the shower? Did the handyman remove the caulk completely and replace it or just go over existing caulk?

Post: 55 and over buildings?

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

Really I think requirements can change so much between city to city I would contact the city zoning and permits or look at the individual city code. Also, just check on the federal level what it means and what responsibilities are in the a 55+ community.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_for_Older_Pe...

Post: Replace or Repair for Antique Home

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

Hey Everyone,

I am currently under contract for a 1925 florida build with still some original georgian windows. The windows need to be taken care of no matter what as some have panes that were replaced with plastic or have gaps between the frame and glass. I read a post it is highly desirable to keep the older style of windows and just have it repaired. Ideally I just want what will hold/increase the most value for resale. 

This is part of a larger renovation where I have found the same georgian style doors, hardwood floors and even classic glass doorknobs. Where does everyone draw the line on renovations or replacing items?

Post: Am I over thinking a kitchen upgrade?

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

@Don Meinke Completely agree on the grime. I didnt want to cover up something that I would have to replace later on.

@Valerie Hiscoe My plan is to fully replace the kitchen because two reasons; there is deep damage to the wood and countertop that just replacing the front panels wont cover and underneath the cabinet it appears that it is exposed to the subfloor. Also, I want to get back there and redo some of the plumbing layout. The line to the fridge has very poor flow even though the sink and dishwasher are fine. My dad and uncle are coming up to help for the week and I am wanting to get everything preordered before hand. Home Depot does free shipping and I get a military discount so thats an easy 10%. I will definately be taking photos as this will be my first major rehab project for the house.

@Michelle B. So the reason I wanted the island is that i thought it would just give me that extra counter space. I have been living here for about 6 months now and I have noticed that the counter can fill up very quickly and having a table I set up in the place of the island is the only space. I do really want to put in some inexpensive track lighting just because its in a weird corner of the room where the light from the door doesnt reach it.

Post: Prestige Furnishings

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

Thanks, I'll check out the sears outlet

Post: Prestige Furnishings

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3
Originally posted by @Paul Amegatcher:

I stopped by their showroom in Kettering and I was not impressed by the quality of the used products or their pricing. I decided on paying a little more for a new scratch and dent Fridge than to pay $150 less for a used product.  Just my two cents.

Where did you get the scratch and dent appliances? CL?

Post: Prestige Furnishings

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

Hello fellow Dayton Investors,


Has anyone had any dealings with Prestige Furnishings? I see them on Craigslist for what looks to be refurbished products but there are only a handful of mixed reviews. I am looking to get a matching pair of kitchen appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher) for a new rental property and came across them on CL. It looks like they also service Cincinatti as well.

Ben

Beavercreek, Wright Patterson, WPAFB

Post: Another Crash 2017?

Benjamin LeungPosted
  • St Petersburg, FL
  • Posts 28
  • Votes 3

http://www.deptofnumbers.com/rent/us/

I thought this was interesting to add to the thread. This basically shows the stats US renters. What I thought was interesting is that the % of income going to rent has increased steadily to 21%