All Forum Posts by: Justin C.

Hey Will, thanks for the reply. The floors are a brand by floor and décor here in south florida, and color is dark walnut. Unfortunately they are dark enough that the brillow just makes a rough, light spot when I try that. Really just considering getting a dark brown sharpie at this point...

Hey everyone,

Recently installed dark wood colored floating LVF in our duplex and it turned out beautiful. Only problem is, the scratches are REALLY noticeable. Anyone have any cheap ways to cover up those light colored scratches on dark wood colored vinyl? THANKS!!!

-btw, posted this in the "do it yourself" section and then realized this was prolly a better option... don't mean to plaster it everywhere! Thanks again!

Thank you guys! I AM going to start watching the podcasts.

Jeremiah- What is the difference between a typical lender and a portfolio lender?

Hey Justin,

Just wanted to chime in because I was in the same boat as you a few months ago and just closed on my first duplex. I did the FHA 3.5% down and it worked out really well but there were a few extra costs I wasn't expecting right off the bat so just wanted to make sure you're considering closing costs (mine were about 6K cash out of pocket not including the 3.5% that I had to put down). Also ask about mortgage insurance when you meet with a lender. If you put down anything less than 20% you'll have to pay it every month. Good luck!!!

Thanks for your thoughts guys. Aaron, I paid $189K, in a pretty high-end market. Place sold in 2006 for $265K. My payments are around $1500/month for PITI. Tenant is responsible for all utilities on their side. No HOA.

Since we are moving into the other side, which we are renovating first, I was thinking I would take post renovation pics and post some ads on craigslist just to get a feel for the demand and what rent the property could demand. Any thoughts on this idea???

O man, I'm on the low end, but at least I have a long-term person who takes care of the property! Brianna, you've been a huge help so far, I even gave you a shout out on the "Who's helped you?" thread, but my computer won't let me tag for some reason. Thank you so much!!!

@Brianna Schmidt has been blowing up my inbox since I found BP and started posting questions all over yesterday. You have been a huge help!!! Thank you so much!!!

Ok, I guess its time for me to buckle down at the 9-5 and build up for the next opportunity. I've been reading yall's bios and it's been inspiring to say the least. Thanks again for your help!

Hi guys,

Since I found BP yesterday I've been posting questions all over as I am a 1st time homebuyer (owner occupied duplex) as of last week. Everyone has been soooo helpful so far and I promise to pay it forward once I've got a little experience under my belt! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Anyways, I'm starting to second guess myself about retaining the tenant that the previous owner had in one side of the duplex. Lease is signed but just trying to get a feel for the future... She and I both knew she was getting an incredible deal, but she loves her place so I knew she would agree to a rent increase. But now I'm starting to wonder if I couldn't have gotten more if I'd have shopped it...

Its a 1/1 with a garage, screened back porch, and fenced in backyard, all appliances, renting for $825. If you go on craigslist there are ZERO comps available within 5 miles, which made it harder for me to put my finger on a good dollar amount. My realtor that helped me close on the place said the fenced yard and garage are coveted by pet owners (tenant has a small dog) who may not have many other options.

Anyone on here know the northern Palm Beach, FL area market? Could I have gotten more out of the unit??? Thank you all again for your great insight!!!

Thank you guys for your help! I'm going to be posting random questions all over this site probably so hopefully one day I can pay it forward to others on BP!