All Forum Posts by: Lydia Bar

 Hi Lydia,

Currently Michigan legislature states  "a local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential property." ACT 226 of 1988

Grand Rapids has a very competitive housing market. I currently own investment properties in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Metro Detroit. I have several clients still actively purchasing properties in the area. Cash flow has been more difficult to accomplish with the higher prices and rates, but it is still achievable. Off market deals can be a great source for potential properties. I am a local realtor and work with several out of state investors. If you would like to chat about potential strategies for investing in Grand Rapids feel free to reach out. I would be happy to talk with you. 

my understanding that there is rent control as well and can not increase rents more than 7% a year for the same tenant.

Do you have a source for this information?

I haven't seen any good deals for a few years to be honest.  Rent prices right now have downward pressure, but that could simply be seasonality.

One trend that is common when looking at good deals are houses that are listed with more bedrooms or bathrooms then what the city has listed.  For example a listing that has 3 bedrooms, but according to the city is only certified as a 2 bedroom should only be listed for rent as a 2 bedroom.  However, a good realtor should help make sure you don't buy something using unrealistic numbers.

Hello all,

For all rental units that I have and manage for I use the Allure brand. It is stocked at home depot and has never given me an issue. I order this stuff by the pallet and get better pricing as well. It is only 3mm thick, but I have never had that cause an issue within a unit. You get a couple of different color options to match your style and can even use it on walls as it works with drywall. Allure Home Depot Link

@Lydia Bar here's a link to a post i wrote comparing brands a couple of years ago (maybe getting a little dated now...) in case it's helpful! https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

 I had other issues but I'll leave that out. 

$2 per sqft 

940 sqft (didn't include bathrooms,kitchen, laundry room)

$1,880.00

I have used pregó laminate on a rental and actually has held up great for the last 7 years considering almost everyone always took there shoes off at the front door and kept floors clean. 

Then I tried Home Depot’s home decors LVP on a higher end rental and the vacuum scratched and peeled a few parts and have also seen minor chips I’m guessing from objects falling. I would probably try another brand next time . 

 Here is what I purchased, so far no issues, and cleans pretty nicely. 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SMART...