All Forum Posts by: Luke Marlar

This is a pretty exciting 10 year project coming to Jacksonville! 

"When complete, this signature outdoor destination will encompass more than 24 miles of new trails, greenways and parks that encircle the urban core and link at least 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, the S-Line Rail Trail and the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalk. The trail links to 18 schools, two colleges and 28 parks among other destinations like restaurants, retail and businesses, with 20 additional schools and 21 parks located within three blocks. The Emerald Necklace has the potential to be a catalyst for social and economic development in Jacksonville, from encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting public safety, to spurring economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. Groundwork Jacksonville is connecting expertise, resources and passion to bring this potential to life."

@Yonah Weiss correct, the amenity fee was required for everyone who lived there

Recently, due to a career move, I was forced to live in an apartment for 6 months.  They charged what they called an "amenity fee" of $85.00 per month.  The first lease stated the $85.00 was an "introductory rate".  This included use of the gym as well as once a week "social gatherings" where they would provide a meal, cocktails, rent a PayPerView event, host a pool party, or some other sort of event.  When I went to move out, I noticed that the Amenity fee was going to go up from $85.00 to $120.00 per person!  Thats $120.00 per person multiplied by every person on the lease.  Im sure they were making a killing doing this.  

Hey Wade, you'll need to get a lot more information to properly analyze this deal.  

Estimated repair costs?

Interest rate on loan?

Do tenants pay all utilities?

Then you'll need to factor in capital ex., repairs/maintenance, management fees, and vacany %.  

Once you have this information, you should be able to form a better idea of if this is a good purchase.  

Pretty excited to have just closed on my first duplex today, and within 4 hours I receive an email for a repair request.  The repair request states that "Sink is clogged and they have tried Draino but it didn't work"  In the lease it states "Tenant is responsible for charges for unstopping plumbing and or sewer line when caused by tenant"

Any advice on how to handle this problem?  Should I schedule a plumber and let the plumber determine the cause?  Then if the cause is determined tenants fault, charge the plumbing to them?

Hey @Jim Canull when you go to sell the house how many months track record did you have with the Airbnb? Also, are you selling the house fully furnished?

Really appreciate the information @John Fabros!

Thanks @Jack Bobeck for this info! Looks like I am at minimal risk for flooding so I will probably hold off for now.  Would love to connect when I get to Jacksonville, shooting for mid December as of now. 

My wife and I are moving to Jacksonville, Florida from Las Vegas and we are closing on our first duplex on November 6th.  We will be living in one side and renting out the other.  The home is an 1940's concrete structure elevated off ground by concrete blocks.  We are going to be in the 32205 zip code for those familiar with the area.  My question is, do I need flood insurance in addition to my normal home insurance?  My agent quoted me at $37/additional per month.  

@William E Edwards problem is we used FHA for this house and even qualified for a grant that payed our closing costs. We are paying PMI as well so we haven't really payed down much of the actual loan balance.