All Forum Posts by: Mike Nelson

I personally find the vast majority of tattos to be unattractive.  The tattoo better be off-the-chart excellent to be put on  you body.  I have seen a few small, well-placed attractive ones i actually like.  Right or wrong, I may judge people by their tatoos.  That said, if a realtor or person is good, I really don't care.

The expense of the fees to pay a professional means the value of the property would have to be high enough to offset this.

With a bungalow in Chicago, one challenge is getting the new work, including the second floor dormer to look in the character of a Chicago Bungalow.

Thank you Brian for the recommendation.  Thank you John.  I am looking at a single source to measure, build and install.  I would like the responsibility of measuring on the installer as they should be able to do this more accurately.  This is just for three large windows for my home (32x76 and 42x76).  Also, I am looking for someone to install a couple smaller windows in the back (20x56) rather than replace storms as it is more cost effective.

I am looking for recommendations for storm window installers in the Chicago or West Suburbs (Oak Park, etc.).  

Along with this month's water bill, I received a letter from the Water department. The bill is due May 26, but the letter states no penalties will be assessed on unpaid utility bills until after May 31, and no payment plan will be defaulted until May 31 - so this basically gives owners 5 extra days.  When I picked up the letter and started reading I thought they might be offering some big concession.  My guess this is their response to owners who think they can avoid paying for water or pay it maybe month's from now.   Good psychology.   They gave up a little bit, but created a strong line in the sand.  In my mind, an appropriate response, perhaps a good model for landlords to follow.  Public utilities need to paid on time (or maybe five days late).

That can be a huge point, if colleges are actually decreasing their density within the dorms, etc.  Sounds like a huge challenge, including lost revenue for them.  Looks like some may have to head for off-campus housing.

My tenant just moved in and cannot find a phone jack for internet use. I assume previous tenant had jack and removed it for whatever reason. Who installs the phone jack, the service provider?  Also, who pays, is it still considered appropriate for the landlord to provide one jack?

Dogs, that is my personal bias.  First, when I allowed dogs they would soil in the yard, and nobody would take responsibility.  I am not interested in policing that type of activity.  Second, my own dog started a small fire on the kitchen stove, and third, I had a tenant's pit bull attack my ankle.  Fortunately, I escaped with a couple of stitches.  That said, dogs can work in particular situations, and there is a market for tenants with dogs.

My first apartment (in an 8 unit) after graduation from college in Chicago near Wrigley Field/Boystown was owned by a firefighter.  Ironically, there was a fire, in which totally gutted 3 units, with minor damage in others, none in mine.  It occurred at 2am.  Fortunately, I was up at 2 am, was alerted by another resident.  All residents got out safely.  The owner struggled with insurance money, but in the end rebuilt with higher rents.  It reminded me of the importance of smoke alarms, as I could hear mine as from across the street during the fire.