All Forum Posts by: Cheryl S

Thanks Steve! I'll have my realtor do some peeking. I hope I am as "lucky." =)

Thanks for input Geof. I think that tighter fit looks neater.

Thanks Jean! The low pile carpet runner sounds like a good idea. It also seems like it would look better tacked tighter.

Jeffrey,

For tile in the kitchen and hallways to the back door, what do you use? Commercial vinyl tile is really cheap, and from what I read on here, it lasts.

Thanks!

Thanks for your input Jeffrey.

From what I have been reading, it looks like vinyl plank flooring is good for a rental. The property I'm putting an offer on has hardwood and vinyl/linoleum on the bottom floor. On the stairs and bedrooms, it's carpet circa 1960.

I've read online that vinyl plank flooring doesn't work for stairs. What do you use? Should I just put commercial carpet (no pad) on the stairs and bedrooms?

Steve - Thank you for your reply. Yes, the historic districts can be pretty strict. I'd take that over a blighted area though.

Arthur - Thank you for that advice. I am definitely keeping that in mind. I am also looking for properties in places further along in their redevelopment efforts.

Joseph - Thank you. Sacramento has some really good deals. Unfortunately, those go really fast. Plus, they're not as desirable to me when it comes to restoration. And Oakland? While I love some of the old Victorians, it is very difficult to invest there because of tenants' rights. Difficult to kick them out even if they're problem tenants.

Joseph - Thank you for your reply. Yes, that is the plan.

The duplex is in a Neighborhood Preservation Area. This is how it's described:

“Neighborhood Preservation” areas that already exist and will be improved and augmented in a manner that preserves the existing character."

The city is investing in the area so by the time I'm ready to move in, hopefully, it will be one of those neat historic districts. Or at least improved dramatically.

The fancy stuff is for later. For a rental, I know it's not going to have custom cabinets and soapstone counterstops. Clean and liveable.

Steve Thank you for your reply. Restoration is the ultimate goal. For now, I want to rent them out. The fancy stuff won't go in now. That will be like 15 years from now when I move in and restore. I need renters to cover taxes and inevitable repairs. I don't want the property to sit vacant, exposed to the elements. I hope that makes sense.

Thank you Jon. I *think* I get it. I will try different scenarios/numbers. I am excited about that book because obviously I need it. =)