All Forum Posts by: Yashar E.

The word "condo" makes me cringe so my opinion on that matter is biased.

However, just a thought regarding the concrete walls:

I am going to assume this means no insulation in the walls?  This may be an after thought to some tenants but if the heating and cooling isn't sized to accommodate the lack of insulation there may be a a comfort issue in the house that would lead to a constant turnover in tenants.  Or it would just give them something else to complain to you about.  Just my opinion..

Sorry I don't have anything interesting to post that pertains to the OP..

However, while skimming this thread I keep thinking to myself how I am in an actual legal issue with a "wolf" on BP that commonly advertises his company and I have the utmost confidence that his card tower will collapse once again, without my help.

I just spoke with them as well.  Had a good conversation and was able to answer all my questions but it could always just be the pitch.  It's hard to get the fine print disclosed up front until the issue arises.  I will keep calling around to compare but they are on my list.

There are other past reviews of them if you search in the toolbar but I am also interested on hearing any recent news.

Hey @Hertzke W. from my experience if it is built after 2000 it is more likely to be wood framed w/ brick veneer. Furthermore, if it is built anytime before the 1950’s it is most likely an actual brick/masonry house. 

From my experience:

Typically, one thing to look for in true masonry built houses are the header bricks. The headers are the squares of the brick (short side). When you stand back and look at the brick house it will appear all the bricks are laid down lengthwise and you notice the rectangular sides of the brick. If it is a masonry built house you will ALSO notice rows where the bricks are laid down as such where you will see the square ends (header bricks). These are typically underneath the windows etc., or every 5 rows or so.

You can also check above the window and if you notice large  random holes every 24-32 inches, then these are weep holes used for drainage on brick veneer houses.

If you go in the attics and look towards the Gable wall of most masonry built houses you will be able to see the masonry block/brick construction.

Typically, masonry houses will have little to no insulation in the exterior walls due to lack of space. Drill a hole from the inside and check it out

@Steve Rozenberg this may not directly answer your question but here is a link to a thread I had started and some good insight was added by a some fellow BPers.  Also @Jonathan Twombly had some really good info to add.  Hope this helps

@Robert Sapienza sent you PM

Make sure you do not have any dents on your credit and if you do look up letters you can send to the lender to remove the dents.  Sometimes it is easier to hire someone to do this.

Just as others have said most importantly pay your cards off on time.

Typically with some cards you can raise the credit limit on them after you have a certain amount of continuous on time payments.   Some will do it automatically for you but  just don't jump the gun and ask for a limit increase prematurely because if you get denied it could hurt your future requests and you may have to wait about 6 months or so to try gain.  Also, I am not sure about the soft/hard inquiry effect you would receive.

I have also heard others that have had an emergency where they needed to take a (small) loan so they would take a loan for double the amount needed.  They would still make their own monthly payments but also add in the 2nd half of their loan on the monthly payments.  I have never taken that approach so I am not sure how well it actually works.  You would have to do the math and make sure it makes sense and of course, stay disciplined.  

I am not sure if I have an answer for your specific question but from my experience and looking into that area the comps have been pretty solid for the past couple years.  

Willingboro could essentially be split into 4 different zones separated by JFK Way and Levitt Pkwy.  When looking at your comps keep that in mind and price accordingly.

@Jonathan Twombly That was an amazing explanation and break down.  I am keep this for my notes and I am sure this will help a lot of people analyze their own situations.  One of many things I didn't even think on was refinancing after any type of recession.   At this point considering the times we are at one thing I need to change immediately is narrowing in on the right locations as you had suggested, coupled with doing a little research on past vacancy levels.  May sound silly but how would I find those numbers on past vacancies? 

Hey @Caleb Heimsoth maybe I worded it wrong but my thought process was that the possibility of a market crashing would harm incomes for various people thus, it would be difficult for them to keep up with rent.  Although to your point, then you would just find another tenant..

@Omar Khan great point on sensitivity analysis.  I am going to see if I can incorporate that into my spreadsheet.  Thanks!

@Ali Boone I just briefly skimmed over your blog post and it touched on a lot of key points and also explained a bit more what Caleb mentioned.  I am going to go back and read over again!

Also thank you @Alexander Felice input is nice from the seasoned vets.