All Forum Posts by: Lee Carrell

That's very interesting! What does such a document say?

Hello Raad!

I own property in 63115. Like all areas of St. Louis, it can be very street dependent. Go one street too far and the entire environment changes! Do your research. I not only drove through the neighborhood on various occasions, but I parked near the property and sat to watch the comings and goings for a while. Especially, on Friday and Saturday nights!

Once I did that, I felt much better about purchasing the property!

As far as what other areas will require, only someone who has had an inspection in those areas will know. Or as they say "You don't know until you try!" 

It is definitely not 'all over' North City/County. This is probably the exception, not the norm. There are so many municipalities in the greater St. Louis area that there is no way to know what type of inspector you will get until you get them. There are a lot of terrific inspectors too, usually, those who own property themselves!

I had an inspector who, also in a huff, told me to "Get a licensed contractor to fix everything!" I was able to get a list of failed items out of him though. Then, I fixed everything that I could and got a contractor for the rest. Failed items usually have to be corrected in a "professional manner", not always by a licensed contractor. 

I have learned not to get an inspection done until I have repaired or replaced everything that I am aware of. Don't get an inspection on a property that you have not done any work on unless you really don't know what to fix and what not to fix!

I agree with Nathan. Bad inspector! Jennings has always been known as a real stickler when it comes to inspections. They will knit-pick every little thing and further knit-pick your attempts at correcting the infraction. There are other municipalities that are the same way with inspections. It always seemed to me that these areas would try to assist investors in building up their towns, instead of putting up roadblocks to increased property values!

St. Louis City charges $90 for an inspection done to a vacant property and $150 if you move someone in before the inspection (unlawfully occupied)! 

The real problem is the potential damage they can do before you get them out. You can pay the "critter catchers" a little or you can pay them a lot, but you will pay them!

The enemy of all homeowners is the grey squirrel!

I own a two-family flat in the City of St. Louis. Does anyone know a good (low cost) extermination company in St. Louis, MO?  $400 to place a trap is NOT low cost! They also need to repair the entry hole(s). Any suggestions are appreciated!

I am replacing my 75K BTU, 80% efficiency, natural gas furnace. I already have an installer who has recommended a dealer. I'm just looking for a few alternative dealers who may have a better deal on one.

Owner: "Oh, he doesn't bite." then later on... "Wow! He never did that before!"

I used to allow pets in my rentals. No more! No matter what the owner says, most pets cause some type of damage that the owner doesn't want to accept responsibility for or pay for. 

Chewed up woodwork. Stains on the carpet. Poop on the floor. Pet hair in the air return. Pet in the air return. Odors! Constant noise. Fish tank broke. Scratches on hardwood floor. Permanent urine stains. Totally wrecked yard. Tenant's complaints. Neighbor's complaints. Lawsuits. Insurance claims. Liability.

Why go through the hassles, repair costs, and clean up? I stick with a 'no pets' policy!

Definitely, keep your personal money out of it as much as possible! Also, if you get an interest only loan, be sure that you sell the property once it is ready and repay the loan in full. Interest only loans are only helpful for a short time! Otherwise, you are asking for trouble!