All Forum Posts by: Arnie Guida

Originally posted by @Brie Schmidt:

Here is an example of a 12 unit I looked at in Chicago

A 12 with taxes of 6.2k?

Chase

We all get those cash access checks from our Credit Card companies...usually 3 or 4% fee. Lately one of my CC's has a 1% fee.

I guess they're counting on the borrower not paying it back in the 1 year period, and getting bumped up to the usual 12,9%, but still, 1%... wow...

Through a series of life events, I've now got more time to devote to my properties. One very frustrating thing is how I was blind to little things. Now while prepping an empty unit, I'm kicking myself...one, for doing things in the wrong order. My flooring is in, but it should be the LAST thing I did, along with painting. Oh well, time to knuckle down and do things right. My goal is for one of you to walk through my building and say, "This is a well maintained building." I hope to reach that point soon. Arnie

I've gotten behind in refreshing my vacancy. The flooring isn't in yet. What's there isn't terrible, but not what I'd offer a new tenant. The weekend is coming and I'm tempted to start showing it, asking that they have an open mind and assuring them brand new carpeting and linoleum are going in. Thoughts? Would you wait until it's done, or start showing it. Thank you, Arnie

Our standard routine between tenants was repairs, paint, flooring. The last time I had an empty, my flooring guy made an odd comment to me. He said, "You're one of the last owners that puts carpeting in." That got me thinking... I have a traditional, center entrance, 2 up, 2 down , all the same 2br floor plan, seen one, seen em all, 1960-ish City of Milwaukee four family. We've always carpeted the living room, hall and bedrooms. Am I being foolish? Should I just have the hardwood floors and that's it? It sure would save a bunch of money. Thank you, Arnie

I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this.

It's time to paint my personal home again. Given the estimates I've received, and the frequency of repainting required, I'm tempted to have the wood siding removed and have the house sided with vinyl. Most of the houses in my neighborhood are vinyl sided. In my opinion, the wood looks better, much better, but the maintenance costs...

You see a bit of stone work on the front, but the sides and the back are all siding.

Obviously, the answer depends on...

!. How long am I staying?

2. Resale...What do/don't buyers want?

Opinions?

Thank you,

Arnie

That's 20 per unit per month, obviously...

I've found lately most tenants have their own stove and fridge, but still have the occasional request for them. So what about charging extra for them? What is a common dollar amount? I would think for a one year lease, $20 per appliance, there is a place with very nice used appliances for around 200, delivery included.

Dang! Maybe they'll only go up to duplexes.... I'll check into it, but I bet they won't do it on Multi's. I'll let you know. Thanks Brianna!