All Forum Posts by: Dallas Hayden

If you can, definitely visit the property or look at a topo to check on the grading. Sewer/septic is critical. If you don't have sewer access and can't build septic, you might not be allowed to build a home on the lot (regardless of what the seller says). Or you may be stuck with one bathroom. That may be why the lot is still available. I suggest figuring out what your goals are with the lot and determine whether they are achievable. Ex- Are you happy paying $40,000+ for a small lot you can camp on but cannot build on? Can you cost-effectively source materials? 

When dealing with hot-button local political issues, it's usually best to get in touch with citizens and advocate for reasonable policies before the Council meets. Working on the back end can be tough. I agree that STR bans are foolish, however lots of foolish local policies get passed every week. Here are some examples:

1. Banning car, boat, ATV, etc. dealerships on all highways, even where many already exist. 

2. Converting most by-right commercial uses to SUP-only. 

3. Prohibiting any "mixing" of residential and commercial uses in pre-zoning areas where many mixed uses exist.

4. Convoluted fence regulations. 

5. Doubling building setbacks in districts with numerous buildings recently built to the previous setback.

6. A policy giving the Mayor sole discretion to determine permitted "off-topic" discussions at City Council meetings. 

I recently dealt with a city that stripped tens of millions of dollars of value from properties by severely restricting existing by-right uses. By performing the action in a rising market and evenly targeting many owners (especially those least-equipped to fight), the effects were likely diffuse enough to deter potential takings claims. By getting the word out publicly, we got the city to water down the proposal somewhat. Consider floating a citizen's initiative or run for office to make a bigger difference. The issue is larger than STR bans and IMO the right political approach can make a difference.

Great point. I purchased a 6000 sq ft lot that's barely large enough in a perfect world for drip septic to support a 3/2. There are numerous factors that play into the suitability of a lot, especially when the dimensions are tight. 

Most importantly, what can you do with the lot? What are the restrictions on this particular lot? What is the grading like? Can you build a house? Place a MH? What about sewer/septic? Here in TX 50x80 is typically too small for an OSSF. Is the water view year-round or only seasonal? What about lake access? 

The house is close to many draws but not adjacent to anything in particular. I think it would be great for families and friends who are planning a few day trips and would like more space. Also great for families visiting their kids at school:

1. We're next to a public ice rink, tennis courts, and high school track + fields. Less than a mile from downtown Methuen and local historic attractions. Old industrial parts of Lawrence. 

2. 15-30 minutes from leading private high schools and universities. 30 minutes from Boston. 

3. Quality skiing 30-60 minutes away. 15 minutes from excellent hiking and biking trails, golfing, etc..

4. 30 minutes from Newbury beach and 15 minutes from Canobie Lake Park

It's tough for me to gauge the attractiveness of vacationing here since I've lived in TX for over a decade. If I were visiting from TX for the first time, I would probably be blown away by the nearby cultural and vacation opportunities. Your hot tub idea is great! Perhaps we could expand the patio area with a pergola and hot tub. Thanks for all of the help.

My family owns an older 4/3 2900 sq ft (5800 sq ft including the walkout basement) ranch house in Methuen, MA. The home sits on a 1 acre mostly-flat, square, and mowed block at the end of the street. We're finally at the point where we'd like to rent the house out as a STR. We're refreshing the interior with new floors, paint, window shades, etc. and updating mechanicals/fixtures for now. Of course, we also plan to add a couple high quality TVs, good furniture, and keep the interior clean.

The back yard is marvelous and just about the biggest/nicest in the city. There is a 160 sq ft patio area just behind the house that could be used for a BBQ or fire pit. We're thinking about adding a volley ball net further out. There is also a wooded area on the side that could be used for hammocking? Have you gotten any feedback/recommendations on good cost-effective amenities for your STRs? Is there anything else we can do to utilize the extra land and make the property more appealing to short term renters? 

Thank you!

I'm partial to the Ozarks in western AR. Excellent access to DFW and the St. Louis area, year-round activities, great mountain views, good rental opportunities most/all of the year. Also not overpriced. 

IMO the Ozarks are underrated, especially for hiking and outdoor adventures. They boast a couple of the longer hiking trails in the US. 

Pardon the late reply! Grayson County. I'm working with an appraiser to contest/tackle this. 

Add an alpine-style equipment lift to haul up gear/luggage and rent out fat-tire bikes. Guests can park at the bottom of the hill, load their luggage on the lift and send it to the top. Then they can use the bikes to ride up to the house. Relatively low risk and low cost to install/maintain. Definitely don't buy and rent out your jeep at a STR unless you don't mind getting it trashed. If the hill is too steep/long add electric motor hubs to the bikes. They offer services like this in Japan.

107k to 208k? Small peanuts! This year the tax assessor increased the tax value of one of my properties from $20k to $76k, above most everything of similar size and well above any market comparables. I'm contesting it this year and will order an appraisal and appeal to arbitration if necessary. At least you were able to get the value dropped.