All Forum Posts by: Shaun M.

@Mindy Jensen, maybe you know?

Thanks-

Shaun

Hello- Wondering if there is a way to opt out of being notified every time a new perk is added?

Cheers-

Shaun

When I close my eyes I can see an hacienda in Mexico. I've been mentally designing it for years. Birds fly around a central courtyard filled with citrus and mango trees. Their songs mix with the sound of an old mission style fountain. I smile as I lean back in my chair. My family is beginning to gather for dinner at the long outdoor table, three generations of us together under one roof. Each property I buy brings me one step closer to building this dream into reality.

First months rent, last months rent and one months rent as deposit.  All due BEFORE moving in. 

Hey @Matthew Van Parys, welcome aboard and congrats on starting your journey.  Find some local REIAs and attend some meetings (normally they are free your first time).  Take it slow and remember, real estate is a marathon not a sprint.  You'll be fine.  

We had a similar situation and simply approached the tenants with the idea of living through a remodel. 

To our surprise they were excited about the idea of having the extra space. The agreement was: remodel happens while they are living there, once completed they get to use the new extra space for free until the end of their lease term.

They got extra space for free.

We got to complete a remodel without losing any rent.

Win-win (and you'll be ready to lease at the new, higher rate come next April). 

Ah, washers and dryers....  If you live an in area where providing them can go either way, here is a simple script that can save you lots of time and money:

(speaking to the new tenant) The previous tenant left the washer and dryer. We are happy to pull them out of the unit if you would like.  If you would rather, we can leave them for you to use. We would just expect you to to fix anything if they break....

No one ever asks that the machines are pulled (your local millage may vary)

A couple of notes: 

1) Make sure the machines are in good working order to start

2) Explain that you'll fix any leaks (you don't want them sitting on a leak problem) 

3) Sometimes the machine will come back to you at turnover broken. Ask a month or so out so you know the situation

4) Tell the truth. Our units did come with washers and dryers to start. If yours didn't, modify the script to fit your scenario, "If you want we can provide washers and dryers as a convenience, we would just expect you to to fix anything if they break....

My first thought is that your contractor probably does not have much or any experience with this. It is a fairly simple, straightforward, and inexpensive job. The fact that he wouldn't give you a price, just used a blanket - it's too expensive - is also a red flag.

Dan Bryskin Great job. I Imagine the whole neighborhood was happy to see that beast transform. What was your single biggest challenge on this one? Now that you are through it, anything you would have done differently?

@Erin Shine, thanks for the link. 

We are currently remodeling a SFH and had already decided on LED fixtures (space constraints and energy savings).

The fixtures made financial sense from the jump, but with the link you shared we were able to find over $150 in additional savings.

Looks like you are in Denver. Holler next time you come through the Gunnison / Crested Butte area.  I owe you a beer / coffee....