All Forum Posts by: Alice Chau

Hi all,

I just bought a duplex in Northern Ca and did a major renovation.  The duplex has 1 2Beds/1Bath unit and 1 3Beds/1Bath unit.  The 2Beds/1Bath rented out very quickly.  However, the 3Beds/1 Bath unit hasn't been rented out yet (it has been 2 months), and the major complain is that it only has one bathroom.  The 3Bed/1Bath also has a huge yard but not very well maintained currently.

I have actually reduced the rent recently for the 3Beds unit and have seen a great uptake on showings; however, no qualified applicant yet.  I am actually thinking of updating the yard to increase the attractiveness.  While updating the yard, I am thinking of pulling down the listing and relist it when the yard is done.

I am just curious does anyone have any thought to increase the rentability of the 3Beds unit without requiring to build another bathroom for I know building an extra bathroom is costly although the unit does have the space to extend out.

Any thought is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,
Alice

Thank you all for responding.  This is so helpful!  However, I just realized another issue from reading the Title Report, the map that was attached to the title report has a different number than the actual address.  For example, there are two units, and they 287 and 289, but on the map of the title report it shows 285-7.  I questioned the Title Company, and they are looking into it.  Should I be concerned?

Thanks again,

Alice

Alice

Hello all,
I am currently in escrow for a duplex in CA that has 2 distinctive street numbers but during escrow, it is only showing one street number in title.  I asked the real estate agent, and she said that this is normal because the purchase is based on the land parcel.   As long as the second unit is on the parcel although the street number is not listed, then it is still ok.  I want to know if this is really normal and should I be worried?  What kind of documentation I should ask as proof to show that I am really purchasing the duplex not a single family home for the price?

Thanks in advance,

Alice

Thanks both Will and Mike for your input!

Hi,

I have a question on the order of renovation of my duplex.  The duplex is currently in escrow now but I want to start planning on the renovation works.  We will redo the flooring, water piping, kitchens and baths.  This duplex also has a termite issue.  Would you suggest I do the termite treatment first or should I should I leave it last?  Any thought on this will be greatly appreciated!

thanks,

Alice

Hello,

I have put down an offer on a duplex in the Bay Area and did an inspection on the foundation and found that the floor was sloping due to the soil in the area. The inspector said that the fix or re-leveling would cost $15K/unit, and it could potentially happen again because of the soil.  The structure and strength of the foundation are good; however, I am worried about the sloping.  Does anyone have any experience with this and could share your experience or advice?

Thanks in advance,
Alice

Hi Ryder,

Would love to attend this event in the future!  Any chance this event be held in the South Bay?

Thanks,
Alice

Hi, will you be holding this event in the San Jose area in the future?

Thanks,
Alice