All Forum Posts by: Caleb Mock

Thank you for the advice everyone. You have all talked me out of buying a carport now.

Cynthia - Thank you for the relevant decorating advice. I was going to ask about wood blinds in a different post. I think that you saved me the trouble! I could probably do the changes that you mentioned for under $5,000 by DIY'ing paint and tile. The house is a 2007 house with basic finishes. What kind of monetary benefits (i.e. rent increases) have you seen from the mentioned upgrades?

@huntergroover - The property is out in the country (close to Planter's Row on Harville Road) on a 1 acre lot. I can't quite get a feel for what kind of tenants the neighborhood will support. My neighbor's are a mixed bag and I can't get a feel for what the area might attract. The neighbor's include a coach and his wife, a truck driver (who parks his big-rig in the driveway), two families with small children that play in the streets every weekend, and a group of college students. Are children playing and parked trucks a turn-off for the young professional crowd?

I like the idea of focusing on the backyard. We plan on installing a stone/paver patio and fire pit (away from the house). The lot was originally a huge open space but we fenced it in and are focusing on making the backyard feel like an extra room in the house.

Thank you all again, this discussion is great help.

What kind of upgrades will help with the long term tenants?

Dana, that's a great point about the resale ROI. The cost of a garage is likely outside of my price range. The house is in Georgia. Other than a few weeks in Winter, people usually use garages as attached storage spaces/workshops around here. You're a property manager, do garages usually attract better or longer term tenants?

Eugene - The market rent in my area most 3 bedroom/2 bathroom houses is around $950, carports or garages don't seem to add to the monthly rent. However, most of the rentals on my street are rented by part time landlords for less than market rates. 

Statesboro is a college town and most of the houses around me are rented to college students. I'm trying to attract young professionals to the house and reduce expenses related to turnover. 

By the way, thank you both for the time.

Can anyone help me make an investment decision?

Recently I purchased a SFH in a small, rural neighborhood in Statesboro, Ga. The house is a 3 bedroom, two bathroom 1200 sq foot starter home on 3/4 an acre of land with no carport or garage, only a paved driveway. The neighborhood consists of about 8 houses that are built exactly the same (all without a carport or garage).

My intention is to live here for a year and use it as rental when I purchase another home next year. I have been working to add value in the house by improving landscaping and making small fixture upgrades. I bought the house for $80,000 and it was appraised for $98,000. 

I am trying to decide if I should purchase a metal pre-fab carport for the house (one from the linked brochure). The carport would cost $800 plus $500 for installation without closing it in or $3,500 plus whatever it costs to prepare the site, build a concrete floor, and do a few small finishes on the inside (power, lights, etc.).

If I am going to use the house as a rental, will I get enough value by adding an external carport or garage to pay me back? Has anyone added an external building to a rental

Carport Brochure

Thanks in advance!