All Forum Posts by: Jeremy Brody

Can anyone provide a recommendation for a sliding patio door installer or installation company that services the north suburbs? It's a townhouse with an HOA and the exterior trim color has to be beige, so I'm guessing I will have to go with a higher end door that provides more color options. Also, any suggestions on good brands to use other than Pella, Anderson, and Marvin that might be less expensive?

Thanks,
Jeremy

Jared, I have watched a few of the webinars that go through the ADU ordinance requirements. They are very informative, and I posted the links to the videos below if you want to get a better idea of the process. I also pasted below the requirement from the Chicago.gov ADU ordinance relating to coach houses and conversion units along with a link to that page.

• "For properties with 1 to 4 units, the property owner can add one coach house unit to any property, or one conversion unit to properties that are at least 20 years old"
• https://www.chicago.gov/city/e...
• https://www.chicago.gov/city/e...

Jeremy Brody, Real Estate Agent in IL (#475.166619), Core Realty

If you just need the windows and already have a good installer you can get a quote on custom windows from Home Depot and Lowes. They often have sales if you have some flexibility in timing or if the job is big enough you can try to get a discount through their bid desk. I believe that Home Depot carries Anderson and Lowes carries Pella, but it's been a while. 

Jeremy Brody, Real Estate Agent in IL (#475.166619), Core Realty

I store everything electronically in Google drive and then back it up occasionally to a thumb drive. I organize everything by property and then have folders within each property for Receipts by year, leases, closing documents, financing, etc. Please check with your lawyer and accountant to make sure there are no issues with storing these documents electronically as this is not legal or tax advice.

Jeremy Brody - Illinois licensed realtor (Lic #475.196783)

@Sung Park Look at Sold listings on Zillow, Realtor.com, etc. to get an idea of what 2 flats sell for in the various neighborhoods. Since you will be living there you should plan a trip to Chicago to walk the various neighborhoods and find an area where you will be comfortable living. If you go north or west of Logan Square or up north near Albany Park you will find some properties that might be in your price range. Definitely talk to a lender to find out what you can afford. FHA financing may be an option for you since you plan to owner occupy. Then crunch the numbers to understand if the numbers work for you while you are living there and after you move out. If you are going to put 25% or more down and are okay with a slightly higher interest rate, then you may want to consider just purchasing the two flat as an investment and then renting in the area you really want to live.

Jeremy Brody - Real Estate Agent in IL

Zak, I would get a few quotes if you're replacing the unit. You can try Four Seasons. They are a Lennox dealer and they will definitely show up. They last AC unit I put in was a Trane which is a little more expensive, but they are great units. The company that did the install only works in the north suburbs however, but if you were interested in a Trane then ABT electronics has good pricing. Each company usually works with different brands, so I would find out what brand the company works with. I believe that Goodman and Lennox are good options if you are looking for something more affordable and Trane and Carrier tend to be more expensive. 

Jeremy - IL Licensed Broker

Hi Nick, my first flip was actually in Wicker Park. I'm fairly new to investing also, but I've done a few BRRRRs that I've been renting out. I just sold a BRRRR deal in the north suburbs, and I'm looking for a 3-4 unit in the city for a 1031 exchange. Feel free to PM me if you want to set up some time to pick my brain.

Jeremy - IL Licensed Real Estate Agent

I'm finishing up my first flip. It's been really challenging, and I am way over budget. My biggest challenge has been finding good contractors to do the work. Now my back door is leaking water when it rains. Its a patio door with one stationary panel and an inswing door that latches on the jamb side. Does anyone have any recommendations on patio door installers in Chicago and brands of patio doors they recommend?

Thanks!