All Forum Posts by: Christian Styles

I would prioritize the drainage issue above all else, If the garage is still usable for the time being I would leave it be for now and try and do it in between renters, that way you can actually potentially profit from it. 

For contractors, it really depends on your situation. If you have the time and experience, hiring your own subs (like plumbers, electricians, painters) can save you some money, but you'll need to manage the project yourself. If you want something more convenient, a GC can handle everything for you, but it might cost a bit more. To find good contractors, i've had decent luck with the NAHB website, https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/nahb-directories 

I don't know that I would spend the money on a designer, not that they are not valuable and have their place, but with an investment it seems like there is a tried and true design that you'll see transcends markets. I would look at comps for high durability designs that are still visually attractive. 

No matter what you decide, good luck! 

Turn Key can mean a lot of things to different people, I've seen "turn-key" with what appears to be the original, 50's era kitchen and bath. Meanwhile at the other end of the spectrum there are turn-key providers who specialise in new-construction. It really depends on the provider, market, and still comes down to the house itself. 

I would look for a provider who provides some sort of warranty or guarantee, and ask for references. I would absolutely still get your inspection, and make sure that their numbers line up with others in the area. Turn key typically comes at a premium since its designed to be "hands off" but make sure that premium is still marginally in line with the rest of the market. 

I have a great realtor with investor experience on the east side of Cleveland, Ill send you a PM with his name and number.

Hey Daniel! Welcome to the community! House hacking is such a great way to begin investing in real estate! 

 Yeah this looks like a fine way of protecting yourself in the lease. But unfortunately it could be fruitless if NJ or the local municipality don't allow it, you'll still need to contact the local real estate attorney. Its good practice anyway to start that relationship before you need it for an eviction.  

We've had really good bang for buck value with Zumper as far as ILS goes.

We also bought a matterport camera and create a virtual tour of each available rental which creates a nice interactive way for prospective tenants to see a space and get an idea for its layout before touring.

We use Appfolio for management software and it pushes the listings automatically out to any ILS who will listen which has been a huge help not having to list the same property on multiple sites. 

Oof, thats never fun. You MAY have a couple of options. I am not versed in New Jersey Landlord Tenant law so I would absolutely recommend reaching out to a local real estate attorney. 

That being said, here are some things I would check on, and possibly make changes going forward. Assuming NJ allows it, I would add a clause in your lease specifically calling out the forfeiture of deposit if the tenant breaks their lease early and/or does not move in.

You may also be able to attempt to collect rent until the unit is re-rented. Since the tenant did sign a lease, you may be able to enforce the lease agreement until the unit is re-rented. In this case, again depending on state and local laws, you may be able to apply the deposit towards unpaid rent. 

Good luck and so sorry this is happening, unfortunately it's the nature of the beast!

Unfortunately there's not enough information here to even provide some advice. Section 8 can be tricky depending on what state/municipality you are in. Some states have source of income protections that would not allow you to decline an applicant solely based off of their participation in section 8. I've seen individual municipalities offer those same protections despite the state not offering them. 

Additionally, you may qualify for the owner occupant exemption if you live in a unit within a 4-plex (or smaller), where you would technically be exempt from the fair housing act, but this exemption may not extend to your individual state or municipality. 

This truly is one of those "reach out to a local real estate attorney" moments. 

Hey Mike, Sending you a PM now!