All Forum Posts by: Ben Skove

Hi Jennifer. The HC Clerk of Courts website has the following information about serving the defendant in a small claims case:

https://www.courtclerk.org/small_claims_guide1.asp...

The relevant passage:

Hi Lexi,

Thanks for your answer! I went downtown and spoke with the inspector the end of last week; he couldn't give an exact amount for the bond since they hadn't gotten a bid yet, but he ballparked $8-10K. We discussed the VBML process, though I think I'll see if I can sit down with Ed Cunningham so I can get the details and fees for the waiver. While I was told that the bond would be returned once the building was no longer a public nuisance and slated for demo, it'd be nice to have the specifics on that.

I agree that most aren't worth the trouble and expense once they get to this point. This one may be viable (depending on if the seller will take next to nothing for it), given that the building isn't in awful shape - much of the process has been driven by neighbors justifiably upset at the neglect of the property. It was foreclosed on via tax lien, so the taxes currently due are manageable. On the other hand, the headache and time involved in dealing with the bureaucratic hurdles involved in redeeming the property may make it not worth the hassle.

I also need to see what other assessments may be attached, such as those for boarding up, public services mowing, etc.

Thanks again!

Hi all,

I'm looking at a property owned by a group that does bulk purchases of distressed properties. This particular one has gone down the code enforcement road to the point where it's been declared a public nuisance and is slated for demolition. However, while the property is in poor shape, it could be renovated successfully (if purchased at the right price, needless to say.)

However, once it's been declared a public nuisance and ordered demolished, it's no longer able to be taken off the demolition list simply by making arrangements with the building inspectors. Instead, it has to go through a judicial process. Has anyone had success with that in Cincinnati and if so, what sort of costs did it entail? The inspector I spoke with was rather circumspect, which is appropriate given that he's not in a position to give out legal advice, but he did leave the impression that it's doable.

Thanks for the heads-up about Floor and Decor, Jon. I've seen that Surplus Warehouse had similar sorts of slabs, but not a lot of variety.

It's one of those block-by-block places. Right next to XU isn't so bad, or even in the immediate block or two around Walnut Hills HS. I wouldn't consider it a flippable place, though there are some buy-and-hold opportunities. However, that scad of low priced stuff that's popped up right in the middle lately...well, I think that's pretty much a "you're getting what you paid for" area.

Sorry to hear that this is happening to you, Cory! You've done the wise thing to let everything go through your lawyer. I agree with @Marcia Maynard - get access to the place as soon as state law allows (providing proper notice, of course.) Hopefully airbnb's "Host Guarantee" will compensate for any damages. 

I'm curious how they handle the holdover rent; my guess is that they'll try to wash their hands and leave it to you to pursue from the guest/tenant. A little bad PR might help move things in your favor, particularly as they seem to be trying to spiff up their image lately.

Evidently not just for rentals, either. I met with the Board of Revisions to get a property's value reduced a few weeks back. Their appraiser wanted to know how I purchased it to establish FMV, and after telling him that it had been a FSBO from craigslist, the board sort of chuckled and said they had one earlier in the day that had been advertised/purchased over Facebook.

And, as a FYI, if you do purchase through those avenues, get a screenshot of the ad - it's helpful in establishing FMV for your appeal.

I agree with @Jeff S. - I've had better success with B-I-N shellac-based stuff at blocking odors, whether pet or smoking related.

I agree with Darrin - if there are storms and are in good condition, the savings versus cheap vinyls isn't that great. Also, I find that fixing single-panes is a snap.

Some cities have hoppin' ones, too. There's an interesting breakdown of users, though, from people who use the computers / wi-fi because they have none at home, to book club sorts.