All Forum Posts by: Cathy B.

Quote from @James Mc Ree:

@Scott Mac Thank you for the idea. The condenser is in a corner of the backyard. We are going to find a way to block it off with chicken wire to keep the dogs out. We just need to be sure the dogs can't rip out the chicken wire which may cause us to upgrade to a stronger mesh.

Chicken wire won't keep raccoons out of chicken coops, so I can't imagine that it would be a good option for dogs. You'll at least need some wire mesh and you may need to bury it into the ground a bit too if you think they may dig to try to get under.

Quote from @Punith Shetty:

1. Considering upgrading laminate countertops to quartz for durability and aesthetic appeal.
2. Freshening up interiors with a repaint.
3. Looking for reliable washer and dryer units suitable for rentals. Any brand recommendations?
4. Switching out door knobs and cabinet hardware for a modern look. Any Amazon suggestions?
5. Updating light fixtures for enhanced ambiance. Any Amazon favorites?

Quartz makes sense for a high end unit/ fancy neighborhood where you can and will attract tenants willing to pay more for them.

Repainting is often a no brainer, but could be based on the current conditions as to whether or it is needed.

I agree with Melanie on researching the washer/dryer comps.  If you provide them, you need to maintain them and they may take a lot of wear and tear from tenants.  I've heard stories from a colleague that had to replace them too often.  Only brand I've heard of as reliable is  Speed Queen.  They don't have a high end look, but they will work well for a long time.

My only caution on switching hardware is to be cautious of using black finishes.  They often not as durable as other finishes that have been around for awhile.  A hardware consultant I work with always steers us away from black finishes for this reason.

As far as Amazon light fixtures . . . just make sure they are UL listed.  I've found many of them on there are not and its best to go by the book on your investment property on something like that.

Good Luck!

-Cathy

Nicholas,

Its a beautiful property. 

Only minor thing I would clarify is that your listing says there is off street parking but it is not apparent from the photos, nor mentioned in the description.  If this is an amenity, consider elaborating on the number of spaces and/or the proximity to the property either in the description or a photo.

Another thing I noticed with Zillow is that when you list your price as 2850, it rounds up on the Zillow map to 2900.  If you list it as 2849, it would round down to 2800 on the map, possibly drawing more views.

Good luck!

-Cathy

You should always vent a gas stove due to the pollutants that they emit (nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde).  While a recirculating hood with a proper filter (cleaned regularly), would help the grease, it would do nothing for the pollutants.

If it were me, I'd put in an electric stove (I don't want to chance with my or tenants air quality) and add a 390 cfm or less exhaust hood (still recommenced to get rid of steam, etc from cooking).  The lower cfm may not require make up air, check your local codes.

Quote from @Rachel H.:

Thank you again, Cathy! Would you be willing to share a bit more of what you include in your screening criteria with the Landlord's Choice option? 

 Rachael,

I just sent you a PM.

Quote from @Rachel H.:

Thank you! What do you mean by “landlord’s choice”?

 Rachel,

If you go to the link, you will see there are two options for screening criteria:  low barrier screening, or landlord's choice.  There are procedures for each of them.
Also, make you read up on all of the requirements as there a limitations on screening fees, rent to income ratio, when and how you disclose your screening criteria, etc.

Rachel,

I use the landord's choice screening criteria.  If you wanted to do that, you can probably take what you were doing previously and compare it to the City's screening brochure: 
https://www.portland.gov/sites/default/files/2020-02/phb-rso-brochure-screening-v8-spreads.pdf?_ga=2.204347411.2092944422.1708837759-22724895.1708837759&_gl=1*1wwy2w6*_ga*MjI3MjQ4OTUuMTcwODgzNzc1OQ..*_ga_LH28Y7114F*MTcwODgzNzc1OC4xLjEuMTcwODgzNzc4MS4wLjAuMA..

Modify as needed.  The tricky one is the rent to income ratio and how it is related to the median family income.

I did note that at lease one other poster was advised to always use the low barrier screening criteria to avoid potential lawsuits.  I'm not quite there yet myself as the acceptable low barrier criteria credit score is super low.  Also multifamily Northwest has many useful forms, including a "notice of denial" form which appears to be very well thought out, so I feel covered when needed.

Good luck!

Yes you would.  A difference between a den and a bedroom, that you are likely not considering . . . is how the outlets are spaced within the room.  There are code requirements like that that they would make sure you were meeting.  And, as someone already pointed out, you will need to document that you have an egress window, show a smoke detector in there, etc.  It should be a simple permit and where I'm at you could probably get it "over the counter" so no extended wait time.  Hopefully Texas is similar.

Another thing is that it will probably cause the valuation and taxes of your place to go up.  On a positive note, it would gain resale value.

Quote from @Jason Paulo:

No he just said it needs to be inspected. No other reasoning given. 

Try reaching out to your local building department and ask them if there is a process or procedure for this.  The fire inspector has his own concerns, but he may be hinting at something covered by other departments.

Good luck!

Jason,

Did he give you insight on what his concern was?  Structural, or something else?