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All Forum Posts by: Selina Rifkin

Selina Rifkin has started 9 posts and replied 15 times.

I might be cheaper to replace the furnace instead depending on how many windows. Your utility might offer a rebate for switching to gas, or for a more efficient furnace. 

Post: Detailing with the town

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

In November 2017 we purchased a 1910 duplex in Norwich CT. It was last renovated in the 70s (at least if the laminated cabinets are any indication). We are close to being able to rent out the top floor (disabled step daughter had the bottom floor). What we have been finding since we purchased it, it that there is an unpleasant drainage problem by the front stairs. Water runs down the street, and enters a thoroughly inadequate drain - it is both small and horizontal so it clogs easily - and then over flows, running down the stairs to the lower patio. It is also overflowing to my neighbor's property where it goes behind a small stone retaining wall and then dumps out back onto our property. From that area, it goes to another very inadequate pipe and flows down to our other neighbors' property. My friend who is an engineer thinks that the town should be dealing with the initial problem of the drain. I'm not sure how to approach this. The flow is messy, making a large puddle right at the bottom of the stairs which are about 10 feet from the front door. The concrete doe slope away from the house fortunately. I've taken pics when the flow is active. 

Post: Investment friendly agent in Norwich/New London

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

We are considering investing in a multifamily property in either Norwich or New London areas. I'm looking for an agent who could assist. Thanks.

Post: problem solving a mistake

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

We own a house that was paid off in town with a very desirable school system. We took out a loan against it and bought a house in a cheaper town and have now moved in with the plan of renting out the more desirable house. We just hit a roadblock. I have a notice in my hand that the terms of my mortgage was that we had to live in the first house for at least a year and that we are violating the terms. Yes, we are talking to our lawyer tomorrow, but I'm going with worst case scenario and assuming that we screwed up. Can we refinance? How quickly do companies come done on you? Refinancing takes time...

Post: quality windows?

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

We are splitting the difference. High quality on the front of the house, which gets the most sun, and we will do something reasonable on the rest. Thanks everyone so much for the input! 

My husband was VERY freaked out about the idea, and he has been an electrician for 25 years, and we've re-done our whole house. What help turn him around was that I really listened to his concerns and fears and tried to find answers for him. I created time tables and alternative plans in case he dug in his heels and made sure he always knew he was my partner and  could say no at any time. I learned how to assess properties and read as much as I could on how to be a good landlord. I also set up a side room and did Air BnB to earn some extra money. 

Knowledge both reduces stress, and can give you ideas on how to do this in a way that works for you as a team. 

Good luck!

Post: quality windows?

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

We have purchased a rehab property that we will live in while fixing up and then rent out. We plan to hold for about 7 years. The house needs windows badly and a salesman came and demonstrated why expensive windows are expensive (heat loss, construction etc.) They are a 40 year old reputable company that gives a lifetime gaurantee on their product. This stays with the house and they will replace even if a window gets broken.  But of course it is expensive. My question is how much do good windows increase the value of a house? 

Post: A good job on the driveway

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

We just bought a fixer upper that we will be house hacking. The driveway needed doing and I wanted to put out a recommend to the company that did it. They were extremely reasonable, and did a fast and excellent job. They are based in Ansonia. 

Teodosio and Sons construction Company-llc

Post: A beginner avoiding disaster

Selina RifkinPosted
  • Trumbull, CT
  • Posts 15
  • Votes 6

We are looking for our first investment property. One of the houses we considered was in a desirable town and was a bargain. But the neighbor glared at us when we looked at the house and I had a bad feeling about it. The driveway was odd, with the neighbor at the top with a paved road going from her house down the opposite side of the hill, but she still came up the apparently common gravel driveway. I went to the town hall to find out if she had a right of way. When I gave the address, the clerk said "oh THAT house." The neighbor had gone to the trouble to go to court to establish a legal right of way! Lots of bad blood there apparently. But we certainly dodged a bullet on that one. 

Although if the house we have a bid on doesn't go through, it might be a good exercise to see what that right of way is worth to her...

Thanks much to all of you! I did go ahead and look. Zillow lists such things and in my market, stove, refrig, and DW are the norm. Some listed W/D, some didn't, so I'll list it without. I'll have to find out the norm for repairs.